YOUNG people in the north of Glasgow are being offered grants of up to £150 after a survey showed that almost half are facing financial hardship.

A new £10,000 fund has been set up by Queens Cross Housing Association which will provide cash to learn a skill, buy equipment for an event or activity or clothes for a job interview.

It follows a survey carried out by the housing association which found that almost 20% of tenants were missing a meal through lack of money and 35% had to chosen not to put their heating on because of fears over the costs.

Almost a fifth (18%) of families said they had put off buying children’s shoes and 41% were relying on benefits for income.

Shona Steven, Chief Executive said: “These survey figures reinforce what we see and deal with on the ground every day; the unacceptable impact that poverty has on people’s lives here.

“ How it holds people back and consigns them to a life of uncertainty and stigma.

‘A child born into poverty is much more likely to remain in poverty and their children too. This is a cycle of deprivation and limited life chances that we as a housing association are determined to help break.

‘In this Scottish Government Year of Young People, we want the launch of our Community Chest to help more people and families pursue their interests and be able to take the opportunities open to them."

To apply for a grant call 0141 589 7435 or visit qcha.org.uk