Co-op funding offer

Community groups across Renfrewshire are being urged to fight for a share of lifeline cash.

The Co-op is calling on grassroots projects in the region to apply for its Local Community Fund.

The organisation - which has since 2016 supported 80 Paisley causes to the tune of £204,000 - is keen to support charities whose income has been decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its community fund in particular offers cash to initiatives which support access to food, help improve mental wellbeing or provide opportunities for young people.

Groups which meet these criteria are being urged to submit their applications before the closing date on Sunday.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community at the Co-op, said:“Our Co-op vision is co-operating for a fairer world and it’s heartening to see this come to life in these grass roots projects.

“Our Local Community Fund and support from our members has been a lifeline throughout the pandemic, and we want even more local groups to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The funding offer comes after research by the Co-op revealed that 53 per cent of local community causes have seen available funding decrease in past year.