Members of the Fairer Moray Forum selected Children 1st and R-evolution for Good to receive £83k and £177k respectively.

A Children 1st project, called ‘Money Matters with Community Connections’ will work with families impacted by poverty and trauma.

Support will be tailored for families to find long-term solutions to poverty and trauma-related issues, and the project will also support communities across Moray to reduce the impact of poverty by helping them identify their own solutions to the difficulties and challenges they face.

R-evolution for Good has been awarded £177,000 for its ‘Stepping Forward’ project, aimed at helping parents plan for their dependant children’s future without their financial difficulties. Parents will have the opportunity to work with a coach to set and tackle their goals.

Norma Matheson, Moray Council’s benefits manager, sits on the Fairer Moray Forum and said: “This funding will help to expand the range of support R-evolution For Good and Children 1st can offer families in Moray.

“This holistic approach, which now includes support with financial matters, has the potential to make a real difference to families that are struggling with life’s challenges.”

These two projects, due to run until 31 March 2023, are in addition to the existing Moray Council-run Money Advice Moray service, which is also part-funded by the European Social Fund.

The programme run by the local authority advises and assists people in Moray who are facing money and debt problems. They are able to complete a full benefit check and discuss all the options available to help deal with outstanding debts.