Community Volunteers Enabling You (COVEY) were awarded £148,607 from the REF to create a programme to cover as much of rural South Lanarkshire as possible, to make sure that every child facing disadvantage can access the support they need to reach their full potential regardless of where they live.

 The grant will be funded from Andershaw, Bank End Rig and Muirhall Stallashaw Windfarms which contribute to the REF. The REF award is subject to suitable match funding being secured.

COVEY Chief Executive Officer, Lee Johnstone, said: "This funding will make a meaningful difference to young people living in rural communities who can often feel isolated from opportunities and support.

“Through COVEY Connect, they will be able to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and develop positive relationships in safe and welcoming spaces.

“By removing barriers such as transport and limited local services, we can ensure that no child is excluded because of where they live.

“This investment allows us to reach more families across rural South Lanarkshire and help young people feel more connected, more included and more positive about their future."

Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, Alison Brown, said: “COVEY have been providing one-to-one and group-based befriending, mentoring, and family support services tailored to those who need it the most for more than 30 years.

“The REF grant will allow them to build and continue to deliver their programmes across the rural area.”

The REF can fund capital and revenue for projects for up to three years that deliver on the seven rural priorities which are:

• Transport and connectivity
• Recreation and community facilities
• Rural entrepreneurial activities and business infrastructure
• Jobs, training and employability
• Environmental and net zero sustainability
• Rural poverty and wellbeing
• Tourist and visitor infrastructure to support tourism and business