Charity Hope to Oban’s engaging Memento Box programme is one initiative that has benefited from the funding, using the money to bring primary school children closer to the community through its unique mixed media approach.

Born out of the isolation caused by Covid-19 among primary school children, Memento Box is a virtual project involving the production of a suite of videos each month that explore a variety of positive topics including identity, community, environment, social skills, resilience, and others.

Funding from the Link in the Community Fund saw the pool table refurbished and new cues bought for the Oban Youth Café Project. The project’s space is used by other groups in the community, like young carers or visiting youth groups from the islands.

The £600 funding provided by Link in the Community to charity Home Start Lorn helped pay for Christmas gifts for families experiencing inequality and poverty. Home Start Lorn made gift bags for families. For many, it was the only festive present they received, and it helped promote positive health and well-being during a time that many found stressful.

Home Start Lorn also used the funding to pay for activities over Christmas to reduce isolation and encourage community participation. All the events were free.

Grant Alexander, Link’s head of community wellbeing, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the impact the Link in the Community Fund is making. It is providing a vital lifeline to many community causes across the West Highlands during this cost-of-living crisis when their services could not be more important or timely. I hope many more individuals, community-minded charities, and community organisations benefit from the Link in the Community Fund.”