£140,000 windfall to help residents and support grassroots groups during the coronavirus crisis

Oak Tree Housing will use its slice of a government grant to directly support tenants who have reached crisis point as a result of the pandemic.

They are sharing the rest of the Supporting Communities Fund cash with 16 different groups who are part of the relief effort on the ground.

An Oak Tree spokesperson said: “As well as our own award to bolster our support for tenants in need, we have been delighted to act as the conduit for funding that will enhance so many vital key services that have been created, and maintained, by community organisations and grassroots groups throughout the pandemic.

“Working in partnership with CVS Inverclyde, we have ensured that there is a formal network in place to co-ordinate the delivery of services, alongside our public sector partners.

"The funding means they can continue to provide vital support during the current lockdown period for people unable to access services, as well as for our most vulnerable in society who will need to continue isolating.”

Acting as an anchor organisation, Oak Tree was awarded the cash to help a number of local groups and come to the aid of around 1,000 people a week get access to food and practical support.

Oak Tree has seen an increase in demand for its services during lockdown and will now have a temporary crisis intervention officer to help tenants who are facing mental health problems, significant financial hardship and bereavement.

CVS Inverclyde, which has been at the frontline of service delivery throughout the pandemic, will benefit from funding to bolster several key projects.

They will use it to appoint a temporary volunteer co-ordinator.

The funding will also help maintain its prescription collection run and various other services.

Chief executive Charlene Elliott said: “This Supporting Communities Fund is great reward for our collective response to the pandemic, which demonstrates the strength of our voluntary sector across Inverclyde.

“Together, we have ensured a cohesive, co-ordinated response to supporting our local communities through the delivery of key services, especially for individuals and families most in need.”

The other local groups to benefit from the grant are: Belville Community Garden, Branchton Community Centre, Broomhill Community Gardens, Compassionate Inverclyde, Inverclyde Community Fund, Inverkip Hub, Mind Mosaic Counselling, Parklea Branching Out, Port Glasgow Salvation Army, Starter Packs Inverclyde, The Recovery Cafe, The Wise Group, Unity Enterprise and Your Voice.