TWO local organisations say they are delighted that new funding will help them continue their work in their communities.

Garelochhead Station Trust and Rhu and Shandon Community Centre will both receive financial support from the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

The charities are amongst 63 nationally to get £20,000 over two years towards core costs to ensure they support vulnerable people in their communities.

Garelochhead Station Trust told the Advertiser that the money will help improve the mental wellbeing of those using their services.

They said: "The funding we've received is funding spread over two years which we plan to use to fund counselling sessions and enable GST to respond appropriately and instantly to the needs of our members, facilitating an improvement in mental well being and an increase in social interactions.

"This support is very much appreciated and will allow GST to continue delivering and enhance the services that it currently provides."

The Edible Garden recently held a community barbecue (Image: Ann Stewart)The Edible Garden recently held a community barbecue (Image: Ann Stewart) (Image: Ann Stewart)

Rhu and Shandon Community Centre said the money would go to their Edible Garden project at Rhu Hall and cover running costs.

They said they were "delighted" to get the support for a project that was being visited and used by all ages.

Jessica McLean, Rhu and Shandon Community Hall coordinator, said: "Volunteer groups are well attended and we have received much support from the local community whether it be by spreading the word, volunteering, attending community meals or Skill Shares or donating garden items and plants.

"We are incredibly grateful for all of the support we have received and how successful the project has been.

"We run volunteer sessions on Monday and Thursday at 11am which consist of the gardening team who have grown a huge range of vegetables and the construction team who have build many items for the garden such as a polytunnel, a new shed, garden paths, raised beds for the less able bodied.

"The groups work together and learn new skills and have a laugh and well earned sociable tea break."

There are also garden tots sessions on Wednesdays for pre-schoolers and regular community meals. There are also skill shares such as a Christmas wreath session.

Groups attending the garden include Helensburgh Autism Group, Rhu Primary,, Lomond School, Helensburgh Squirrels and Rhu Squirrels.

Jessica added: "The garden has been transformed by the amazing volunteers rom an underused space into a productive vegetable growing space to feed the community fresh local produce for free."

Donald MacKechnie, chair of Bank of Scotland Foundation said their unrestricted funding allowed charities to respond "flexibly and effectively" to the needs of their communities.

He said: "With over 40 per cent of our funding reaching the top 25 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland, we are proud to play a role in creating a brighter future for Scotland's communities and supporting those who need it most."

"We're also delighted that over a third of the grants we’re making are to charities who are first-time applicants to the foundation, with charities describing our application process as simple, proportionate and quick."