The beneficiaries of the grants hail from right across the country, from the ACVC Hub in Glasgow, which provides an art and craft woodwork hub for veterans with mental health issues, to Edinburgh’s Grassmarket Community Project to create a herb garden for vulnerable adults, to Togs which serves the greater Dundee area, supporting families who are struggling to provide essential clothing and equipment for their children, to Maggie’s in Aberdeen who will employ a Benefits Advisor to assist people affected by cancer.

The Hillcrest Foundation – the charitable arm of Hillcrest Homes – was established to reduce inequalities and isolation, and improve health and wellbeing in communities where it operates across the country.

Hillcrest ambassador Chris van der Kuyl CBE said: “Congratulations to all award recipients, we were truly inspired by the huge contribution already made to their communities and hope that this funding helps them to continue delivering the exceptional services to the people they support.”

Mark Percival, chairperson of the Hillcrest Foundation, added: “We are delighted that so many groups applied for this first round of funding and would encourage any other groups who might be eligible to apply when the next window opens. Our goal is to improve people’s lives and create positive futures, and community is at the heart of everything we do.”

After distributing more than £1.2 million over the past ten years, Hillcrest established its Foundation to support activity in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen and Angus. Managed by a Board of Trustees, the Foundation will offer further opportunity to support external community initiatives and build on Hillcrest’s corporate social responsibility. Grants range from a minimum of £500 to a maximum amount of £5000.