THREE good causes throughout Inverclyde have been awarded a share of £1.3 million in funding.

The Big Lottery announced today that Ardgowan Hospice will receive a grant of £448,328 to transform its day support and home care services.

Also benefitting is the local branch of children’s charity Barnardo’s – which has been awarded £360,000 –  while Inverclyde Women’s Aid will receive a grant of £552,909.

Keith McKellar, chairman of trustees at the hospice and Anne Mills, its hospice chief executive, say the funding will enable them to create local community hubs and provide a day support service. 

The money will also enable the hospice to increase the available hours of its home care support and to reach out to more people.

Mr McKellar said: “With the financial support of the Big Lottery Fund, our aim over the next four years, is to deliver a project called ‘The Inside-Out Hospice’ which will support Ardgowan to develop our service throughout Inverclyde and in line with changing needs and demands.”

Meanwhile, children up to the age of five who have been diagnosed with, or are awaiting diagnosis of a disability, are to benefit from the grant given to Barnardo’s.

And children and mothers affected by domestic abuse will also get the support they need to move on with their lives, thanks to the payment to Inverclyde Women’s Aid.