THE future of digital media at a Barrhead charity looks bright after it was awarded a five-figure funding boost.

The Include Me 2 Club is one of 257 organisations across Scotland to receive a windfall in the latest round of grants from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The money has been awarded to organisations for projects that will improve people’s health and wellbeing and help communities to thrive.

And bosses at the Include Me 2 Club, which helps children, young people and adults with additional support needs and disabilities, have said the £10,000 windfall will be used the to create digital media to engage their members and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul McIlvenny, Chairman of the charity, told the Barrhead News: “This funding is fantastic – The National Lottery were our first funders when we started 10 years ago and we are grateful for their continued support.

“The £10,000 will go towards helping our members keeping engaged online throughout the times we are living in. It will also create a part time role for our Digital Engagement Worker, who will work with our members so they are both socially and digitally included.”

Other groups in East Renfrewshire to received grants, included Mearns Kirk Helping Hands who were awarded £40,650 to fund a befriending service, the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society who were given £7,961 and The Orchard Tea Room received £2,000.

The National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland Chair, Kate Still, added: “In these uncertain times our priority is to ensure that National Lottery money continues to flow to charities, voluntary sector organisations and grassroots groups.

"Lottery players can be proud to know that money they raise is continuing to make such a difference.”