A LOCAL alcohol support charity is one of 24 community groups across the country to share in almost £150,000 worth of funding.

Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol (DACA) received the funding from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) – an agency that works to improve Scotland’s natural environment – and their Plunge In! Coasts and Waters Community Fund, which celebrates Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.

DACA will use the funds on their ‘Out of the Blue’ project, which will connect people in recovery with their local blue spaces using a mix of creative and water-based activities. Working with Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust and Inclusive Images social enterprise, participants will capture in words and images the many different routes to recovery whilst taking a literal journey to explore these waterways from the head of Loch Lomond’s Glen Fruin and out to the sea.

Mags Mackenzie, chief executive officer of DACA, said: “We’re delighted to join SNH’s celebration of Scotland’s coasts and waters as we’ve got such amazing blue spaces in West Dunbartonshire and nearby.

“DACA clients can be very isolated and disconnected from their community, and this will be a great opportunity to connect people to their local natural environment.

“While learning about our blue spaces, participants will be able to enjoy the healing benefits of spending time outdoors. Connecting with nature is therapeutic for everyone and the more people understand about their local environment the more likely they are to want to protect it.”

SNH chief executive, Francesca Osowska, commented: “We had a fantastic response to this fund and each of our 24 successful projects were chosen because they demonstrate just how much there is to celebrate about Scotland’s wonderful coastlines and waterways, their landscapes, biodiversity and wildlife.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol’s progress and am sure that its creativity and enthusiasm will engage and connect more people with our coasts and waters and secure a real and lasting legacy for the themed year in the local community.”