A FURTHER seven community groups have received money in the second instalment of Inverclyde Council’s Warm Hand of Friendship initiative.

Groups across the area were able to apply for up to £3,000 from a £100,000 fund to help with the organisation of regular events and activities.

In December last year, 50 groups were given funding totalling almost £90,000.

Greenock Telegraph: Port Glasgow Church of NazarenePort Glasgow Church of Nazarene (Image: Newsquest)

A further £9,380 has now been split between the latest seven groups to benefit, which includes £2,250 to Ravenscraig Centre and £1,750 for the Port Glasgow Church of Nazarene.

The Salvation Army has been allocated £1,000, with Inverkip Community Initiative and Compassionate Inverclyde each receiving £1,500.

READ MORE: Inverclyde Council awards £90k to 50 local good causes

Grants of £900 and £480 were also awarded to Ambassador Church in Port Glasgow and Inverkip Church respectively.

Each of the groups selected are running projects which provide warm spaces, hot food or a friendly place for people to get together.

Greenock Telegraph: Ravenscraig Activity CentreRavenscraig Activity Centre (Image: Street View)

Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “It is great news that we have been able to help another round of community groups.

“The feedback from the first Warm Hand of Friendship scheme last winter showed what a difference it made to community groups and residents who benefitted from a range of events, activities and advice.

“Last year we helped 44 community groups. This year’s round of funding has already exceeded that with 57 groups receiving support.

“I would like to thank council officers for their quick turnaround of the scheme and making sure this money benefits as many people in our communities as possible.”