North MSPs urge the third sector to make applications to £10m new fund
North Labour MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart are urging groups in the Highlands and Islands to apply to the £10 million Wellbeing Fund for community and third sector organisations in Scotland.
Groups that meet the criteria – working with at-risk groups with needs that are not being met, providing vital wellbeing support on issues such as mental health, personal finances, employment, housing, food, physical health and home life, or providing immediate and emerging forms of support – are being urged to apply through the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) website by the May 22 deadline.
Mr Stewart said: “Even at the best of times, third sector organisations are often overlooked and have to spend a significant amount of their time and resource on sourcing funding – all while providing invaluable services and support to their communities.
"At a time like this, when the economy is about to enter a protracted period of shrinkage due to Covid 19 measures, it is vital that our third sector support network is able to shore up its resources as much as possible.”
Mrs Grant said: “We are going to need third sector and community organisations more than ever in the coming years. These organisations support mental and physical health services, tackle isolation and provide practical support for some of the most vulnerable in our society.
"The strength of the Highlands and Islands communities are built on community organisations, and it is only right that governments provide them with as much support as they need to help communities survive and recover from the effects of Covid-19. It is vital that as many groups as possible can get some benefit from this Wellbeing Fund, as no-one can get it to the most needy in our community quite as effectively as the third sector.”
