Hundreds of at risk Scots will benefit from the award of £1.9 million to charities tackling disadvantage and social exclusion.
The money has been made available to causes of all sizes by the independent Bank of Scotland Foundation, with Aberdeen Cyrenians one of the biggest north beneficiaries.
It has received a £125,000 boost from the foundation’s new Change Programme, which has provided a share of £1.2 million to nine charities.
Another 53 charities receive a share of £605,919 from its Reach Programme, which is directed at groups that support people through various stages in their lives.
Aberdeen Cyrenians Chief executive Mike Burns said he was “thrilled” with the award.
The money will be used to expand the charity’s direct access service, which offers anyone facing homelessness or hardship the chance to meet a support worker and get food, clothing and toiletries without need for an appointments.
Mr Burns said: “We recognise that a crisis can hit at any time and have ambitious plans to grow DAS in the coming year, moving away from the standard working week, and operating 365 days a year from February, including two evenings per week.
‘The funding will allow us to support a need that is not being met in Aberdeen and we expect over 500 vulnerable people will benefit from our support this year because of this.”
Highlands and Islands charities Elgin Youth Development Group, Mid- Argyll Transport Volunteers, Watermill Foundation Limited and Black Isle Cares all received money from the Reach pot.
The Elgin group received £19,220, which will enable youth worker Peter Mutch and his colleagues to continue a vital scheme for young adults.
He said: “Our project gives a paid 16 week placement to these people who maybe need an extra boost into employment for reasons such as isolation, mental health or low confidence.
“After our first group we knew it had to continue as many got actual jobs.”
Mr Mutch said the scheme had nonetheless been “scaled back” due to lack of funds but would now continue thanks to the foundation’s award.
Other charities that accepted Reach grants in the north-east were Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust, Hope Counselling and the Brain Injury Grampian Group.
Ian Crombie, convener of BIG, said the grant of £6,125 was “absolutely fantastic”.
He said: “We run a social support programme for people who’ve had brain injuries and for people caring for those with brain injuries.
“This money will pay for the theatre trip we recently had for 40 people, an annual dinner for 60 people, the Burns Supper we’re planning and contribute to our monthly carer meals.
“Without grants like this to support us, these people might not have anything to leave their homes for.”
