WIREDGOV

Scottish veterans transitioning from military to civilian life are amongst those benefiting from £4.5 million of National Lottery cash announced recently (FRIDAY 21 JULY).

The Coming Home Centre, based in the Pearce Institute in Govan, is one of 20 groups which will now be able to continue and expand their vital support and services to thousands of Scots, thanks to cash raised by National Lottery players. See a full list of awards

Welcoming their three year Big Lottery Fund grant, which will allow the drop in centre to provide activities and services such as benefits advice, help with pensions, housing support, CV writing, free hot meals, food parcels and cooking classes, Ian Hopkins, Operations Manager at The Coming Home Centre, said: ““Over the last two years we have seen the numbers of veterans seeking help and support almost double, currently now providing 200 meals per week, plus food bags and emergency supplies, alongside cooking and healthy eating classes. Given the increase in numbers and the variety of requests for support, our administration requirements have also increased.

“The funding from the Big Lottery Fund means we can employ a full-time Catering Manager and part-time admin worker, which will allow the rest of the team to focus on the support side of our operation, dealing with housing, benefits, pensions, those suffering with mental and physical health issues, and providing a safe and secure environment, where veterans can share time with others who have similar experiences and values. Our client base ranges from Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq, back to World War II.”

Other projects receiving Big Lottery Fund awards include:

• Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project, which will use their £114,601grant to support people and their families where relationships have broken down due to alcohol addiction.
• Voices of Carers Across Lothian (VOCAL) receives £358,838 to provide short breaks and other respite opportunities to carers in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
• Kinloch Historical Society, will redevelop a formal primary school in Balallan, Isle of Lewis to create a thriving community hub, thanks to a grant of £343,044.

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: “This funding is being shared by 20 inspiring community projects which, while being very different, share a common ambition; bringing real improvements to the lives of local people and their communities. From supporting armed force veterans adjust to civilian life through to guiding children with multiple and complex disabilities and their families through periods of change, this National Lottery cash will make a huge difference where it is needed most.”

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1524
Email: scott.oakley@biglotteryfund.org.uk 
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGSCOTLAND #BIGScotland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to editors:

• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £35 billion has been raised and more than 490,000 grants awarded.

• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
• The Big Lottery Fund Scotland is focussed on helping people and communities most in need throughout Scotland through its five-year £250m funding scheme as well as small grants schemes Awards for All and Investing in Ideas.
• Since March 2007 Big Lottery Fund Scotland has taken devolved decisions on Lottery spending, the Committee, led by Chair, Maureen McGinn plays a strategic role in the future direction of the Fund in Scotland.
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects across the UK that change the lives of millions of people. Every year we fund 13,000 small local projects tackling big social problems like poor mental health and homelessness.