The Kilmarnock landlord’s Money Advice Project started in the late autumn of 2013 and was an instant success. Its skilled staff have been able to offer tenants benefits health checks; help them challenge benefit decisions; and help access grants and other financial assistance.

Additionally, the team has organised several events aimed at highlighting the extent of unclaimed benefit entitlements amongst groups such as the elderly and encouraging income maximisation.

The recent SLAB award, made on behalf of the Scottish Government and Money Advice Service UK, builds upon a previous grant award made in October 2013, bringing the total grant awarded to £220,000.

Since its inception, the Money Advice Project had helped 429 tenants and obtained over £1.6 million in benefits and awards.

Jim O’Neill, chair of Atrium, added: “The extended award of grant is fantastic news for Atrium and its tenants. Our SLAB funded Money Advice Project has already assisted many of our more vulnerable and less well off tenants and has helped others take the important first step to sorting out their financial problems. We are delighted that the project will continue to be supported until March 2017.”

Colin Lancaster, chief executive of SLAB, said: “The continued backing for projects such as Atrium’s highlights the success of the joint funding approach taken by the Scottish Government and Money Advice Service. These projects work with people at crucial times in their lives and make a significant contribution to tackling inequalities in our society.”

Link Group has also been able to extend its Welfare Reform project thanks to an award of an additional £40,715 of SLAB funding.