Forth Valley group gets nearly £195,000 in lottery funding

Nearly £195,000 in lottery funding has been given to a local group, who are helping refugees settle in Clackmannanshire and Stirling.

Forth Valley Welcome is aiming to support 200 people over the next three years.

They're been helping Syrian refugees - and are due to take in families from Afghanistan, as part of the UK Government's relocation scheme.

Savi Maharaj, Chair, Forth Valley Welcome said: “The award we have received from The National Lottery Community Fund is fantastic and is going to make a big difference to our organisation and, more importantly, the New Scots we support. 

“Over the last five years the numbers of New Scots welcomed into Stirling and Clackmannanshire has significantly increased. With this new award we now hope to employ two new Volunteer Coordinators who will help support our fantastic group of volunteers to help the New Scots families in all aspects of integrating into our communities, be that language learning, routes to employability and education or engaging in various activities.”

Across the country 319 community projects are today sharing in £13,076,519. The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “National Lottery funding continues to make amazing things happen in local communities right across Scotland. 

“I am delighted that this funding is reaching into Clackmannanshire, supporting projects that have been developed by and for local people. National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work and helping communities thrive."