Three organisations working with local people have been awarded over £500,000 each

A school for pupils with additional needs is one of three Glaswegian organisations to benefit from a share of £1.6 million in the latest Big Lottery Fund awards.

East Park, in the Maryhill area of the city, provides a school and home for children and young people with complex additional needs and is in the midst of a £3m fundraising drive to expand its premises.

It wants to develop four single classrooms for children who need one-to-one teaching, a respite centre, accommodation for four young people and an outdoor classroom.

It has been awarded £513,906.

Judy Cromarty, East Park’s executive director, said “Building work has started and we are looking forward to welcoming the children who will benefit from the project in August 2016.

Today’s funding will make huge difference to people of all ages living in and around Glasgow

“The children at East Park are achieving great things and thanks to the Big Lottery Fund we are now able to help more children with complex additional support needs reach their potential.”

Meanwhile, older people in Easterhouse will benefit from a grant of £540,321 as the St. George's and St. Peter's Community Association prepares to expand its Daffodil Club for the elderly over the next five years.

The group aims to provide assistance with shopping, medical appointments and advocacy as well as providing transport to a weekly lunch club.

Lynda O'Neill, project manager, said: “Words cannot describe how much the grant means to us.

“The biggest issue our older people face is that of loneliness and not being able to get out of the house without support because of their disabilities and health.”

Mary, 93, one of the oldest members, added: "This is like my second home, I would rather be here meeting my friends than stuck at home. I love being here and get so much out of it.”

At the other end of the scale, those aged between 16 to 19 years old will continue to benefit from Glasgow City Council’s Connect 2 project.

An employment, education and training programme it was awarded £540,800 and over the next three years will provide 600 school levers with additional support through an eight week intensive programme of personal development.

Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “Today’s funding will make huge difference to people of all ages living in and around Glasgow.

“In Maryhill, our investment will help East Park create a first class facility for children who have the most complex additional needs; while over in Easterhouse, it will help bring isolated older people together to enjoy a range of activities.

“I’m also delighted that young school leavers will benefit through intensive one to one support to help lead them on to employment and training opportunities.”