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Forres Area Community Trust awarded £48,000 to help address impact of coronavirus lockdown


By Garry McCartney

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FACT Covid-19 project officer Lorretta Oliphant with information leaflets being sent out now.
FACT Covid-19 project officer Lorretta Oliphant with information leaflets being sent out now.

A DEVELOPMENT trust has been awarded nearly £50,000 to address the local impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) will use £48,000 from the Supporting Communities Fund to provide essential services including deliveries and communication during the lockdown.

FACT lead development officer Debbie Herron confirmed the support from the Scottish Government via Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is "essential".

She said: "Without this funding we would not be able to reach all of those people that need us. Along with the support of our existing funders we have been able to meet the demand by those that need help across the Forres area.

"This funding includes money to help Moray Food Plus deliver vital supplies to people in the area, make a contribution to the Osprey Trust Bus that we are using to collect shopping and help people get the medicines they need, as well as helping those that are feeling isolated with connections through telephone befriending."

Dozens of voluntary and community groups across Moray have been awarded grants ranging from £5000 to £156,000. They are being distributed by development agency HIE who are overseeing the area’s share of the Scottish Government’s £350 million support package.

Debbie added: "We have also had support from the William Grant Fund for technical devices that help people stay connected online. Anyone who needs help can contact Janice at janice@forresarea.org or by calling 01309 674388 and leaving a message.

"We are also working with local Covid-19 groups, sharing information and resources to meet the needs of our community across the Forres Academy catchment area

"We are someway through lockdown now, but many people may not know about the help that is on offer so we have sent out a leaflet highlighting how we can help.

"The leaflet was funded by the Berry Burn Community Fund- we are grateful for their continued support."



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