AN under pressure vital local charity which helps people to set up a new home has been given a big £100,000 cash boost from the Bank of Scotland's charity foundation.

The bank's Foundation’s Invest programme has awarded a five year grant to Starter Packs Inverclyde.

The money will contribute to the salary of the charity's project manager, enabling her to lead a team of 16 volunteers and act as the driving force behind daily operations.

Starter Packs Inverclyde supports individuals and families in need as they transition into new homes.

It helps people affected by homelessness, financial difficulties or other life-changing circumstances, providing them with essential household items to help them settle into their new address.

The charity, which works with local agencies, businesses, and community members, offers tailored packs containing items such as bedding, kitchenware, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

It has seen a big rise in demand for it services and distributed packs to nearly 500 homes last year, including 293 single individuals, 203 families, and 355 children.

As a result of this increase, the SPI team spend more time and money sourcing the items needed for their packs.

June Glancy, project manager, says this means that the new grant will be vital.

She said: "We are busier than ever, and this funding from Bank of Scotland Foundation is truly a lifeline for our charity.

"It will enable Starter Packs Inverclyde to continue delivering essential household items to the most vulnerable people in our community.

"This support not only helps them establish a comfortable home but also provides a sense of hope and stability during challenging times."

With the cost-of-living crisis, the cost of putting together a full Starter Pack has gone up from £145 to £205 over the past year, with a children's pack alone now costing £76.

Donald MacKechnie, chair of Bank of Scotland Foundation’s board of trustees, said, “Many charities are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of the communities they serve due to the cost-of-living crisis.

"It's a challenging situation, but one that they are approaching with resilience and determination.

“We are therefore delighted our Invest programme is able to give Starter Packs Inverclyde some security over the next five years, enabling them to plan ahead with confidence, knowing they have this support behind them.

"We very much look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on their community.”