Linstone, like so many other housing associations, has been at the forefront of the campaign to help its communities since the pandemic began.

Now a fresh £15,000 cash injection from the Scottish Government‘s Communities Recovery Fund means it can carry on its work as it deploys staff and resources to help people whose lives have been turned upside down.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) which has been involved in the distribution of the new government money, said: “The Communities Recovery Fund aims to support organisations in supporting people and communities in responding to the challenges presented by covid-19 which may be further impacted as we head towards recovery from the pandemic.”

This extra funding will, among other things, enable Linstone to continue to support tenants who are struggling with their energy bills.

Since the pandemic hit, the housing association has distributed £300,000 of Scottish Government money to scores of groups after being designated a ‘community anchor organisation’.

At the outbreak of the health emergency, Linstone swung into action quickly with its “Covid-19 Response Team” inviting organisations across Renfrewshire to apply for the vital funding.

Lesley-Anne Junner, Linstone’s director of finance and corporate services, added: “The pandemic has touched so many people and thrown countless lives into chaos. This new £15,000 will help fund Linstone’s ongoing work for a few more months given that that the pandemic is not yet over and that people still require help.

“This work demonstrates the role housing associations play in working at grassroots level in our communities and doing far more than simply collecting the rent. We will always be here to lend a helping hand.”