Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has welcomed a bumper award for the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development worth £108,787 from the Big Lottery Fund.
The funding will be used to employ a co-ordinator to develop a programme of activities to tackle isolation and loneliness amongst older people in Blairgowrie.
The Big Lottery Fund is focused on delivering cash from the National Lottery Good Cause fund to people and communities across Scotland.
Loneliness has emerged as a growing public health problem, with older people in rural areas particularly badly affected. The UK Government recently created a Ministerial position aimed at specifically tackling loneliness and mental health issues amongst the elderly.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This is a substantial funding award and one that can go a long way to tackling the emerging problem of loneliness and social isolation in the Blairgowrie area.
“The Big Lottery Fund has been funnelling cash to good causes across Scotland for a number of years and I am delighted that people in Blairgowrie will benefit from this bumper cash injection.
“Since 2005, the Strathmore Centre for Youth Development has been a hugely positive influence for young people in the local community and now it has the opportunity to do similar great work for the elderly population.
“Ultimately, we need to tackle mental health and social isolation and this money will go a long way to making inroads in this area and I would like to congratulate the centre for their success in winning this award.”