The £147,689 awarded will help the Gorbals Ideas Fund to develop, and fund the existing community budgeting officer post for a further three years.

Gorbals Ideas Fund is led by a panel of local residents, who work to create opportunities for people to be more involved in the funding and budget decisions that affect their lives and their communities. They design, develop and deliver activities that give those living in Gorbals a say on how money is used to tackle challenges, and work towards community priorities.

The community budgeting officer post is crucial for organising and developing panel members and activities. Over the course of three years, the project will work with at least 1500 people and 50 volunteers.

Since April 2018, Gorbals Ideas Fund has distributed over £62000 in small grants to 51 projects and activities in the Gorbals. This was decided by the 900 community members who have taken part in voting events so far.

Tricia Ingram, Gorbals Ideas Fund panel member, said: “For a community-led initiative to receive this level of investment from the National Lottery is wonderful. As a local person it feels great to get some recognition for the things we’ve achieved so far. It’s very exciting to be able to take forward our ambitions and have an even greater positive impact on our community.”

Neil Ritch, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland director, added: “I am delighted that New Gorbals Housing Association has secured a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. This award will make a real difference where it is needed most and I wish the Gorbals Ideas Fund every success delivering a great project for their community.”