Good causes across Renfrewshire have hit the jackpot after being awarded more than half-a-million pounds by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The Good Shepherd Centre, in Bishopton, will use its £195,642 to purchase a new suite of outdoor equipment for exercise, sports and other social activities. 

They will also employ an outdoor activity worker to ensure effective and safe use of this equipment, and a family support worker post to provide personalised activity planning. 

Alison Gough, director of The Good Shepherd Centre, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that the National Lottery Community Fund have awarded us this grant. It means that over the next three years, the centre will be able to capitalise on the potential of the full spectrum of outdoor learning experiences."

Active Communities has been given £140,766 to sustain and deliver health and wellbeing activities at their hub in Johnstone.

The group will work with 1,400 services users and 60 volunteers over the three year duration of the project.

The Gazette: Walking Buddies is one of many health and wellbeing activities provided by Active CommunitiesWalking Buddies is one of many health and wellbeing activities provided by Active Communities (Image: Active Communities)

Cheryl Thomas, programme development manager for Active Communities, said: "We are delighted to receive this funding which will allow us to programme so many free activities for our community that will have a great impact on health and wellbeing for people across Renfrewshire."

Jubilee House, based in Paisley, has been handed £85,190 to employ a service manager, which will allow them to run more courses to meet the requests of service users who may struggle to attend sessions at conventional times.

There is also a £15,000 grant for Paisley-based amputee charity Finding Your Feet, which will use the funding to increase the number of days their hub is open from one day to five days per week.

Johnstone Castle Learning Centre has been given £10,000 to cover staff costs associated with their youth group sessions for children in Primary Four and above.

I Am Me Scotland, based in Paisley, will use its £10,000 to develop an anti-social behaviour awareness resource with children and young people, Police Scotland, and other local organisations.

Paisley YMCA has also received £10,000 to support delivery of their re-invented "Makerspace" while Return To Life, based in Paisley, gets an identical sum for its running costs and to purchase 200 electric blankets for renal patients experiencing chronic kidney disease.

Other good causes in the local area to receive awards include Renfrew YMCA, Our Place Our Families, Engage Renfrewshire, Cancer Support UK, Erskine Parish Church, PaisleyRadio.com and Friends of Clayson House.