FIVE community groups across the Scottish Borders are sharing in some good news after a £398,412 cash boost from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players a total of 302 projects in Scotland will share £12,486,313 helping communities across Scotland to thrive.

An award of £172,168 means that Nurture the Borders will continue to support women across the region for the next two years.

Rosie Kennedy, Managing Director, Nurture The Borders, said: “We are all are overjoyed to have been awarded this much needed which will allow us to continue our work providing support, education and advocacy to women who are struggling with their mental health during pregnancy and within the first two years of their baby's life.

“This is such an important and special time, but also a challenging and difficult time for many new mums, so we know this funding will make a huge difference."

Thanks to an award of £66,492, Selkirk Regeneration will continue to support and encourage local people to work together to reduce domestic carbon emissions and waste.

Activities will include energy advice, home assessments, e-bike loans and community events themed around environmental issues.

Iain McLachlan, Project Co-ordinator, Selkirk Regeneration said: “This funding means that we can keep helping the local community to reduce fuel bills, keep homes warm, try sustainable transport and make changes to help the planet.

“As bills rise it will make a real difference to the community to access this support. People here also want to act on climate change and this funding means that we can support them to do this.”

Peeblesshire News:

Other groups to benefit include Birkhill House CIC who are an animal assisted activity and crafting centre near Earlston were awarded £9977 and will use the funding to deliver a programme of fleece and fibre skills development and wellbeing activities.

The Borders Additional Needs Group received £139.775 for funding to run a developmental youth group for young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN) aged 16 to 24 years.

The project will support young people and their families as they make the transition to adulthood and connect with other ASN and mainstream opportunities and services.

And the Morebattle Institute received £10,000 to secure a new roof.

The National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland Chair, Kate Still: said: “National Lottery funding continues to make amazing things happen in local communities right across Scotland.

“I am delighted that this funding is reaching across the Scottish Borders supporting projects that have been developed by and for local people.

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work.”