RESIDENTS in Dalmuir are set to enjoy food-related projects for six months to help tackle social isolation and inequality.

Dalmuir Park Housing Association, Trafalgar Housing Association and family charity Golden Friendships have secured £60,000 of funding from the Scottish Government to host a range of projects until March with an aim to alleviate some of the hardships in the community caused by the pandemic.

The main project is entitled “Dalmuir Diners” which will offer lunches and dinners to take place every Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening at the Golden Friendships Community Hall.

There will also be lunch clubs Dalmuir Park’s two sheltered housing developments in Nairn Street and Shaftesbury Street, an “Easter Egg Extravaganza” in April next to help benefit the three local schools - Clydemuir Primary, Our Lady of Loretto Primary and St Stephen’s Primary.

Anne Marie Brown, chief executive of Dalmuir Park Housing Association, said: “This is a hugely-significant development as it provides a much needed helping hand in the recovery of our communities from the pandemic.

“We are very grateful indeed to the Scottish Government for awarding us this money – every penny of which will be put to good use as we endeavour to help as many people as possible.

“Dealing with food inequality through many of the projects being funded with this money is vital as we know it is an increasing issue with people struggling to cope. We are ready to get to work to tackle this head on.”

There is plans to support the Dalmuir Out of School Care Group with an “Everyone for Fruit” initiative and a “Plot, Learn and Grow” project on an established allotment.

Paul McShane, director of Trafalgar Housing Association, said: “It is great to have formed such a strong relationship with our partners – all of whom want the best for our communities.

“Trafalgar Housing Association is strongly committed to doing what we can to help in this exciting project which confronts many of the issues which affect people’s lives.”