Danny Alexander MP has welcomed funding of nearly £50,000 to help improve the health of unemployed people living in part of Inverness.
People’s Health Trust has awarded £49,888 to Merkinch charity For The Right Reasons to help reduce health inequalities in the area.
The funding will be used as part of their Building Merkinch Together project, to help unemployed residents find volunteer placements such as sale assistant, driver, book designer, receptionist, and quality control worker.
It is hoped that the scheme will help people learn new skills and move into paid employment.
Mr Alexander said: “I very much welcome the funding from People’s Health Trust and congratulate ‘For the right reasons’ for their work improving health care in Inverness.
“Tackling social and emotional isolation and mental ill-health is a very worthwhile cause. That’s why the Lib Dems in Government are committed to stamping out stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. We are investing £400 million to ensure people get the support they need, early on.
“The work of Building Merkinch Together, helping people learn new skills, will not only support the community it will also help to regenerate local business and boost local employment.”