MORE than £80,000 has been split between 12 groups helping people during the coronavirus crisis in the Dunbar area and further afield.

Funding has been secured for a variety of projects run by organisations including Dunbar Basics Bank, the town’s community council, St Anne’s Episcopal Church. Dunbar, and the The Lynton Centre, East Linton.

The money came through Sustaining Dunbar, who secured funds for the different projects.

The Ridge received the most money, with £26,765 going towards co-ordinating community groups and volunteers throughout Dunbar and West Barns, as well as providing counselling, and supplying fresh vegetables to Dunbar Basics Bank.

Margaret McCole, director of services at The Ridge, was thrilled with the funding.

She said: “The Ridge is delighted to work with Sustaining Dunbar and other local agencies to secure this funding for the local community.

“This funding will go a long way to ensure that we as an organisation and others within the community have the means to alleviate hardship in a timely, effective and sensitive manner.”

Dunbar Basics Bank received £24,051 towards expansion of the food bank service and provision of a delivery service.

Margaret Croft, co-ordinator of the group, told the Courier: “The crisis has caused real hardship for many people, and it’s great to see so many groups and individuals coming together to meet the increased demand in difficult circumstances.

“Thanks to Sustaining Dunbar for helping access the funds we need to support people at this time.”

The Dunbar and East Linton ward’s community councils – Dunbar, West Barns, Dunpender and East Lammermuir – were awarded £12,000 for a joint hardship fund for residents of the area, while The Community Carrot, on Dunbar High Street, received £6,600 towards free food delivery to the elderly and those self-isolating.

St Anne’s Episcopal Church was given £5,130 towards a debt advice service, with the Parish of Dunglass given £4,330.

They will work with East Lammermuir Community Council, Cockburnspath and Cove Community Council and Innerwick Parish Welfare Association to co-ordinate volunteers, provide and deliver emergency supplies in the area.

The Lynton Centre received £2,145 towards the delivery of home-cooked meals to elderly clients and volunteers while the centre is closed, and Dunbar and West Barns community councils were given £1,000 towards personal protective equipment and supplies for volunteers.

Finally, Sunny Soups was given £993 towards free soup from surplus goods for foodbank users.

Jo McNamara, chair of trustees at Sustaining Dunbar, said: “We are proud to be able to support the incredible efforts of the community of Dunbar and District by securing this funding.

“In the last few weeks, our community has pulled together and rapidly responded to this crisis with care, compassion and resilience, looking out for the most vulnerable and really meeting their needs.”