The organisation, which is based in Edinburgh, currently delivers a range of support services to older people from ethnic minority communities. This grant will enable it to continue key activities, and to establish a new service users’ forum and increase volunteer numbers.

Trust is one of 19 groups across the country to share £4.3 million of life changing National Lottery funds. from the £250m to support people and communities to overcome challenging circumstances.

Other examples of what has been funded across the country includes an award of £347,884 to allow Marie Curie to set up a new helper service for people and their families in Glasgow to help them cope with the daily challenges of living with a terminal illness and an award of £380,439 to help Wigtownshire Women’s Aid continue to provide counselling and support to youngsters across the region who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse.

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, said: “This funding will support 19 groups across Scotland to improve the places they live and the wellbeing of people facing challenging circumstances.

“It’s great to see groups such as Marie Curie, Wigtownshire Women’s Aid and Islay & Jura Enterprises Ltd all receiving funding to help support people through the toughest of times.”

Also announced yesterday was 17 Investing in Ideas awards, totalling £151,226 helping groups to develop a new idea that will benefit their community.