A STRONG community effort helped more than 18,500 struggling Nithsdale residents through the cost of living crisis last year.
People in poverty who were barely able to put food on the table, or pay sky high heating bills, were given lifeline support thanks to a collection of community groups backed by anti-poverty council funding.
From providing free hot meals during winter to supporting homeless people with essentials, 18 projects led by 146 volunteers did vital work in 2023/24.
And the spotlight has this week been shone on the positive impact it all had.
North West Dumfries Councillor Andy Ferguson said: “I am reassured that the monies we set aside to alleviate poverty has been well spent in North West Dumfries and I would like to congratulate all those voluntary groups who have worked so hard to make peoples’ lives just that bit better.
“However, we can’t be complacent and it looks as if the new Westminster government intend to continue with an austerity budget programme. This really worries me as the council backed by Scottish Government can only do so much.
“Here’s hoping the winter is mild as many pensioners will be fearful of losing their winter heating payments.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council allocated £76,806 to Nithsdale Area Committee to distribute cash to local projects tackling poverty at a frontline level.
And next week, councillors will be provided with a report on the outcome of spending.
Derek Hextall, the ward officer, wrote in the report: “So far over 18,522 people have directly benefitted from the project outcomes, 146 volunteers have supported their delivery, and over £173,000 in additional funding has been invested in the Nithsdale area.”
Ten projects initially received an award, which left £16,985.52 in the pot. Councillors then agreed to open up a small grant fund, dishing out eight grants of £1500. This left £4985.52 be carried forward to the 2024/25.
The Stove Network in Dumfries received £4500 towards running its Open Hoose community venue programme. This benefitted 672 people and 33 volunteers were involved.
Dumfries YMCA was awarded £6750 to go towards its community cafe winter support programme. The cash was used to help provide free or £1 meals for 295 local people struggling with income, fuel and food poverty between October 2023 until the end of March 2024.
Meanwhile, Lochside Community Association was awarded £7500 for a cost of living initiative that benefitted 200 people last year.
The organisation delivered around 2600 meals to people within the community of all ages, and also operated a ‘grub club’ over the holidays to provide meals to families.
