£7.5m fund to boost projects tackling child poverty

Communities, charities, health boards and councils with new ideas to tackle child poverty have been invited to bid for a share of a £7.5 million innovation fund.

The cash - being financed by the Scottish Government and Hunter Foundation - is part of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.

Communities Secretary Angela Constance said the fund can make a difference for years to come as she visited a women's football team in Townhead, Glasgow.

She added: “We want to tackle poverty and ensure the best outcome for children today and generations to come.''

Sophie Gallacher, 21, from Greenock, Inverclyde, got involved with the Street Soccer Scotland team during the Homeless World Cup in 2016.

Street Soccer's 45 women's programme previously received funding from the innovation fund.

Ms Gallacher said: “My self-esteem and confidence have improved massively since I joined the group.

“I've been playing for 14 years, but this has helped give me a goal and something to work for.''

The funding will be awarded to successful groups by August 17.