Dalmuir Park Housing Association, Trafalgar Housing Association and local charity Golden Friendships obtained the bumper windfall primarily to help defeat food inequality, social isolation and help the local community emerge from the pandemic.

Now a range of projects lasting from October to March and funded by the Scottish Government’s Communities Recovery Fund – set up to alleviate some of the hardships caused by the pandemic - will swing into action.

Both housing associations say they are delighted with the windfall which will benefit people of all ages and particularly children.

The overall aim is to tackle food poverty and inequality, reduce isolation especially among those in later life, strengthen existing community partnerships and promote togetherness among
residents.

The main project is entitled ‘Dalmuir Diners’ with a firm emphasis on enjoying food, having fun and creating friendships

This week Dalmuir Park Housing Association which led the funding application called the development a “game-changer which will turbo-charge the help offered to tenants and the wider community”.

Some of the eye-catching projects coming soon include:

• A new ‘Dalmuir Diners’ initiative offering lunches and dinners to take place on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday evenings at the Golden Friendships Community Hall
• Lunch clubs lasting 23 weeks at Dalmuir Park’s two sheltered housing developments in Nairn Street and Shaftesbury Street
• An ‘Easter Egg Extravaganza’ in April 2022 benefiting three local schools, Golden Friendships and Dalmuir Park Housing Association’s Out of School Care Group.
• Support for the innovative and hugely-popular Dalmuir Out of School Care Group in several ways including an ‘Everyone for Fruit’ initiative and a ‘Plot, Learn & Grow’ project on an established allotment.
• Christmas dinners and pantomimes to spread some festive cheer.

Anne Marie Brown, chief executive of Dalmuir Park Housing Association, said: “This is a hugely significant development as it provides a much needed helping hand in the recovery of our communities from the pandemic.

“We are very grateful indeed to the Scottish Government for awarding us this money – every penny of which will be put to good use as we endeavour to help as many people as possible.

“Dealing with food inequality through many of the projects being funded with this money is vital as we know it is an increasing issue with people struggling to cope. We are ready to get to work to tackle this head on.”

Paul McShane, director of Trafalgar Housing Association, added: “It is great to have formed such a strong relationship with our partners – all of whom want the best for our communities. Trafalgar Housing Association is strongly committed to doing what we can to help in this exciting project which confronts many of the issues which affect people’s lives.”

Gary Earl, Dalmuir Park Housing Association finance officer, commented: “This is a game-changing development which will literally turbo-charge our efforts in helping our communities. We greatly value the partnership approach which has played a key role in securing this funding.”

The community partners in addition to the two housing associations are: Golden Friendships, Dalmuir Out of School Care Group, Clydemuir Primary, Our Lady of Loretto Primary and St Stephen’s Primary.