THREE Ayrshire-based charities have welcomed a fantastic funding boost this week.

It comes after No-one Dies Alone (NODA) Ayrshire, Megan's Space and Sensory Impaired Support Group (SISG) Enterprises each received a £20,000 from the Bank of Scotland Foundation - an independent charity funded by Lloyds Banking Group.

The organisations were three of the total 63 charities which were awarded a share of £1,260,000 from the foundation through its multi-year, unrestricted grant programme, Energise.

Each group will receive their £20,000 as a two-year, unrestricted grant of £10,000 per year which can be used towards core costs, delivery costs, project costs and/or general running costs.

This will enable them to use their funding in the way that helps them best support the vulnerable people within their communities.

For NODA Ayrshire, the funds will help support their dedicated group of volunteers who kindly give their time to sit with people who are dying in their final hours.

The grant will help SISG Enterprises continue to provide support and information to thousands of deaf, hard of hearing and visually impaired people who otherwise would miss out on valuable and important information and support.

While the money will allow Megan's Space to continue their fantastic work ensuring young people have access to vital mental health services in their time of need.

Donald MacKechnie, Chair of Bank of Scotland Foundation, said: "Our Energise programme highlights the importance of providing unrestricted funding for Scottish charities, as it enables them to respond flexibly and effectively to community needs.

"With over 40 per cent of our funding reaching the top 25 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland, we are proud to play a role in creating a brighter future for Scotland's communities and supporting those who need it most.

"We're also delighted that over a third of the grants we’re making are to charities who are first-time applicants to the foundation, with charities describing our application process as simple, proportionate and quick."