More details released of new grant scheme for winter activities

SHETLAND Islands Council has announced details of a new grant scheme to help groups provide winter activities during the cost of living crisis.

A leaflet with details of financial support, energy efficiency, food and mental health will also soon be distributed to all households in Shetland.

The council’s website has links to advice for households, businesses and local communities, while a dedicated council phone line has also been set up offering advice on finances and benefits. Anyone looking for support should visit this webpage or call 0800 030 8780.

Meanwhile a ‘Winter Activities fund’ is also now open to grant applications, to help community organisations provide the activities and support most needed in their area.

The grant scheme can offer funding towards the costs of additional winter activities such as parent and toddler groups, soup and sandwich nights, wellbeing activities in the local hall, or offering facilities for local residents to enjoy a warm and welcoming space.

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Grants will support up to 100 per cent of capital and revenue costs to deliver additional winter activities, including equipment, salary costs, volunteer expenses, energy bills and food.

Funds of £500 to £10,000 are available for revenue projects, and £500 to £2,000 for capital projects. The fund is open to applications now, and will close for submissions on January 31 for activities to take place before 31 March 2023.

The fund is administered by Shetland Islands Council and financed from net revenues generated by assets of the Crown Estate in Scotland.

Council leader Emma Macdonald said: “We know that this winter is going to be difficult for many of our households. Rising costs and our already high cost of living mean that many of us will be struggling, particularly those who are already most vulnerable.

“It’s now more important than ever that we continue to look out for each other, and be kind to each other. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about things like finances, but we want to be sure that nobody is suffering in silence, and that everybody has access to the support they are entitled to.”