Highlands And Islands Msps Urge The Third Sector To Apply For New Wellbeing Fund Before The Deadline

15th May 2020

Highlands and Islands Labour MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart have urged Third Sector organisations in the Highlands and Islands to apply to the £10million Wellbeing Fund for community and third sector organisations across Scotland.

Groups who meet the criteria of working with at risk groups with needs which are not being met; provide vital wellbeing support on issues such as mental health, personal finances, employment, housing, food, physical health and home life or; provide immediate and emerging forms of support are being urged to get applications in by the deadline of Friday 22 May 2020.

David Stewart, MSP 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 out Third Sector support network is able to shore up its resources as much as possible."

Rhoda Grant, MSP added: "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 Government's 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."

Full details on the new fund and how to apply can be found at the following link:

https://scvo.org.uk/support/coronavirus/funding/scottish-government/wellbeing-fund