A TWEEDDALE based learning disability charity has been awarded over £5,000 to help with its vital running costs.

The Peebles branch of Interest Link Borders supports 50 people with various learning disabilities, and has just been given a £5,564 boost from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland.

The organisation provides a mixture of 1:1 and group befriending for people of all ages, and supports up to 250 befriending links throughout the Borders each year.

A spokesperson said: “Only a third of people with learning disabilities have a close friend, over 30 per cent have no contact with friends at all, and only two per cent get married.

"There are also issues around safety, abuse and bullying for people with learning disabilities socialising on their own in the community.

“Befriending helps our service users overcome these issues so they can pursue interests, participate in community activities, make choices, gain skills and develop independence.”

Every year, the Lloyds Foundation distributes just under £1 million through its Henry Duncan Awards programme.

Another Borders based charity, Eildon West Youth Hub in Galashiels, received £3,000 from the same fund.

Local MSP Christine Grahame welcomed the cash-boost for both organisations. 

“I’m delighted these grassroots charities are receiving these funds, enabling them to continue their great work in my constituency,” she said.

“Many of the Henry Duncan grants go on staff and running costs like this, meaning they are a lifeline for local charities in this tough financial climate.”