A total of 16 charities will receive a share of over £6 million to provide support to low income families with direct assistance for living costs, as well as initiatives such as debt advice and parenting helplines.

The cash is part of a £41m Winter Support Fund announced by social justice secretary Shona Robison in October which also includes £10m to help people struggling to pay fuel bills and £25m awarded to local authorities to respond to financial insecurity and support wellbeing based on local needs.

The Winter Support Fund aims to help people on low incomes, children and people at risk of homelessness against a backdrop of rising living and fuel costs.

Social justice secretary Shona Robison said: “We know many families are struggling financially just now with the rising cost of living and the impact of the pandemic.

“The recent sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, linked to the omicron variant, has only added to the challenge but we’re determined to ease some of the strain by providing direct support to people who need it most.

“Our trusted charity partners and volunteers have played a crucial role throughout the pandemic and we appreciate and value the services they provide. We hope these funds will help those most in need over Christmas, which we appreciate can be a difficult time for many.”

The STV Children’s Appeal will receive £1,200,000 to support children in need through its network of grassroots and community organisations.

Paul Reynolds, chair, added: “The winter period is often one of the most difficult times of the year for families affected by poverty in Scotland, so this support package comes at the most crucial of times.

“Through collaboration with hundreds of charities and projects, we support the most vulnerable children and young people across the country, and we’ll help to make sure that these funds provide the food, clothing, shelter and heating needed by so many families throughout this challenging season.”

Aberlour Children’s Charity will receive £250,000 for its Urgent Assistance Fund. SallyAnn Kelly, its chief executive, said: “This support comes at a time when families and their children are facing the second tough winter in a row. It will make a real difference to so many families, who have found themselves pushed into poverty and who are struggling to keep their head above water.

“Applications for our fund have doubled in recent months and the top reason for families seeking help is to feed their children. It’s vitally important that this funding is distributed to families quickly and reaches those children who need the very basics.”

Allocation of Funds