A NEW fund has been launched to help people across Renfrewshire recover from problems caused by drugs and alcohol.

Community groups and third sector organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000.

Cash from the £150,000 Recovery Change Fund can be used to expand existing services or pilot new projects that support alcohol and drugs recovery, as well as tackling issues surrounding mental health, stigma and social isolation.

The new initiative is part of the £2million Alcohol and Drugs Change Programme set up by Renfrewshire Council and local partners in response to a report published by the Alcohol and Drugs Commission.

The report found that people who had experienced issues with alcohol and drugs said they needed more community-based support.

Local groups also said they found it difficult to secure funding to expand and grow the support they provide.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, chair of the Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drugs Commission, said: “Listening to the views of people with lived and living experience of drugs and alcohol has helped us determine the actions we need to take to help people in recovery, as well as to prevent problems and provide early intervention.

“The Recovery Change Fund is to help support our community and third sector groups and organisations who work with people affected by drugs and alcohol at the heart of their communities.

"We’ve seen throughout the pandemic just how vital these groups and organisations are and this fund should help them try out new initiatives or expand existing ones.”

Karen McIntyre, community and partnership manager for Engage Renfrewshire, which supports local charities and other not-for-profit groups, added: “The Recovery Change Fund is a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to support people in recovery within their own communities.

"We know the voluntary sector is responsive, creative, compassionate and innovative. We also know that groups will use this funding to change people’s lives by enhancing their sense of belonging and community.

"I would encourage anyone with ideas, particularly around partnership working, to contact Engage Renfrewshire for further support.”

Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 29, with funding decisions to be made in September.

For more details, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/recovery-change-fund.