Simita Kumar goes to Big Hearts in Edinburgh to announce more cash for community projects
Increased funding for Community Cohesion Fund a year after launch
Edinburgh MSP and Scottish Government equalities minister Simita Kumar visited Big Hearts Community Trust to announce new cash for grassroots projects.
Local initiatives across Scotland will be able to bid for a share of £500,000 to help build stronger communities this year as part of plans set out in John Swinney's Programme for Government.
Big Hearts was one of 38 groups to benefit from the Community Cohesion Fund after it was launched last year.
The trust supports a wide range of vulnerable and marginalised individuals and families, particularly children and young people aged five to 18 experiencing poverty, trauma, poor mental health or risk of disengagement from education.
Now the Fund - designed to help local community initiatives to address challenges such as social isolation, the cost-of-living crisis, inclusion, employment and housing - is being increased from £300,000 to £500,000.
Ms Kumar said: “Building on the success of last year’s launch in supporting the excellent work of local organisations like Big Hearts, we are increasing the Community Cohesion Fund to £500,000 this year. This will mean we can help even more grassroots initiatives that bring communities together, tackle division and promote inclusion.
“We will also establish a Ministerial Taskforce on Community Cohesion to identify priority areas for action and address emerging issues affecting communities.”
Big Hearts chief executive Craig Wilson said: “The universal language of football allows us to bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds, and offer them opportunities to build positive connections in their local community.
"We were pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government and the STV Appeal Community Cohesion Fund to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across our support services here in Edinburgh.
“This funding enables our charity to host more football-based activities as a neutral entry point of engagement for isolated adults and young people, and extend the support to their families. We are committed to make their local football ground a trusted and friendly space where they are welcomed, feel listened to and supported.”