MORE than £100,000 will be dished out to the South Ayrshire Befriending Project and the Carrick Community Leisure Group as part of a drive to re-connect isolated or lonely people in communities across Scotland.

The money comes from the National Lottery Community Fund and is part of a nation-wide campaign to help organisations and projects that will improve people’s health and wellbeing and help communities to thrive.

Over £3 million will be spent as part of the scheme with £99,750 going to the Carrick Community Leisure Group and £66,856 will be given to the South Ayrshire Befriending Project.

The money means that the SABP can deliver a range of activities for young people aged between eight and 18 across the region over the next three years.

Fiona Mackenzie, Senior Project Co-ordinator and Funding Officer, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award from The National Lottery. The young people we support are living in very difficult circumstances and experience loneliness and social isolation as a result.

“Volunteer befrienders help by giving their time, a couple of hours a fortnight, to spend building a supportive relationship and our service ensures these young people are included in social opportunities that are crucial to their wellbeing, mental health and development.”

Carrick Community Leisure Group is a base for delivering a wide range of community activities and services.

They will use the funding to deliver a range of activities to improve the health and wellbeing of local people, from its newly refurbished community facility “The Speakers” in Maybole and activities on offer will include a lunch club and a youth café.