£700,000 Lottery boost for Lothians charities

AWARDS of more than £700,000 from the Big Lottery Fund were announced today for two projects in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

A Capital-based befriending service for isolated young people between five and 16 is to be expanded into East Lothian.

The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children will use its grant of £375,505 to set up Bfriends East Lothian, giving young people from difficult family backgrounds the opportunity to form trusting relationships with an adult volunteer.

Jan McClory of Children 1st said: "This new service will provide a valuable source of support and guidance for children and young people."

Voices of Carers Across Lothian (VOCAL) is to receive £330,545 to support carers in the Capital and Midlothian to develop their own "resource plan" for help such as financial advice or training.