People in need to benefit from grants awarded by Newsquest

TWO local projects awarded thousands of pounds from Glasgow Times’ publisher Newsquest will use the funds to help people in need during and after the coronavirus crisis.

Unity Glasgow and St Vincent’s Hospice in Renfrewshire have been given donations of £3490 and £3140 respectively.

The grants are part of a £140,000 cash fund distributed among 40 different community organisations across the length and breadth of the UK.

Emma Soanes, chief executive of Unity, who will use the money to create kitchen gardens at projects for people with learning disabilities, said: “The team are absolutely delighted to receive this funding. Our Empower Services in Glasgow and Kirkintilloch, where we support adults with learning disabilities to develop their skills and increase their independence, now have the means to realise their goal of creating a sustainable garden in their outdoor space.

“They aim to grow vegetables themselves, cook with their own fresh produce and support others by sharing their homegrown crops with our Social Kitchen project.

“This is where we run regular cooking workshops and classes, creating great food for our ‘Sunday Socials’ where people come along to eat together, enjoy the chat and make connections.

“Together these projects are showcasing the incredible skills and contributions of people with learning disabilities, and helping to tackle isolation in our communities.”

At St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood, which provides specialist care to people affected by life-lim