Scottish Government’s £12.6 million People and Communities Fund is being allocated to 197 groups across Scotland

A diverse range of projects such as healthy eating clubs, money advice centres and grow your own gardens will receive funding to tackle poverty and inequality.

The Scottish Government’s £12.6 million People and Communities Fund is being allocated to 197 groups across Scotland that are changing disadvantaged communities by providing advice, training or voluntary opportunities.

Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil announced the funding on a visit to Urban Roots in Glasgow, which will receive £72,000 to set up four community garden hubs.

Projects are funded if they demonstrate how they can tackle poverty and promote social inclusion within communities.

Every community in Scotland has different challenges and aspirations and there is no one-size fits all approach to tackling poverty

Mr Neil said: “Every community in Scotland has different challenges and aspirations and there is no one-size fits all approach to tackling poverty.

“That’s why our People and Communities Fund is giving communities the power and confidence to shape their own futures and address inequalities more effectively.

“The fund allows community groups the chance to identify problems in their area and the funding to provide solutions.

“Since the Fund launched in 2012, we have seen the real difference it is making by empowering communities to deliver new skills, training and volunteering projects that fit local priorities. This £12.6 million will give more communities more of a voice.”

Urban Roots received £170,000 from the People and Communities Fund between 2012-15 to develop community gardens, growing spaces, local clean-ups, biodiversity improvements, recycling and cycling projects. These initiatives have helped build skills locally.

Les Rice from Urban Roots said: “The People and Communities Fund has enabled Urban Roots to set up community gardens in numerous locations across the Southside of Glasgow, empowering local communities by improving their physical health and mental wellbeing, reducing food poverty and increasing employability prospects through training and skills sharing.

“The People and Communities Fund allocation for 2015/16 will allow these communities to build on the previous three years’ hard work by expanding the services offered at four key locations in Priesthill, Castlemilk, Toryglen and East Pollokshields.

“These new community resilience hubs will be spaces for action, inspiration and learning, and will help tackle poverty and promote social inclusion.”