The Gateway to Health and Opportunity initiative will support those furthest from the labour market residing in income-deprived areas, to address health issues and provide better access to employment, education and training opportunities. It will work with those people on health related benefits who have been out of work in the long-term and are not seeking work or engaging with employability programmes.

Announcing the award, Big Lottery Fund, Scotland chair, Maureen McGinn, said: “We know from the successful pilot project, that our funding will make a huge difference to lives of those who need it most. As well as helping to improve the health and wellbeing of local people, this innovative project will break down barriers to employment by putting them in touch with job seeking services. The partners are well placed to deliver this project and we wish them every success as they motivate and encourage hundreds of people to move towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.”

The project runs one day a week for 10 weeks and promotes healthier lifestyles and supports participants to address and manage long-term health problems with a view to removing another barrier to employment. It combines employability support with activities that promote physical and mental health to motivate people to take their first steps towards employment.

Participants will also learn how to cook healthy meals on a budget and workshops will address amongst other issues - mental health and alcohol and drug misuse.

Carron Garmory, WSHA’s interim chief executive, said: “West of Scotland Housing Association is delighted to be a delivering this exciting new project in partnership with Celtic FC Foundation and Clyde Gateway. Gateway to Health and Opportunity will increase the pre-employment opportunities offered to WSHA’s customers and communities.

“This is an innovative project which engages adults in positive activity with a long term aim of changing their lives. Gateway to Health and Opportunity impacts on people’s social and economic development and WSHA are proud to be involved in this partnership and build on the extensive range of services already offered to our customers.”

Niki Spence, Clyde Gateway’s senior manager business and community growth, added: “Gateway to Health and Opportunity project is a very popular and successful partnership initiative. It enables local residents to get involved in activities which address physical and mental well-being and provides a great springboard into employment and training. This new funding support from the Big Lottery will be widely welcomed across the Clyde Gateway communities and will assist with our wider efforts to provide spin-offs, benefits and social justice for local residents from all of our regeneration activities.”

Celtic FC Foundation, CEO, Tony Hamilton said: “I’d like to thank the Big Lottery Scotland for believing in Celtic FC Foundation.

“Throughout the pilot period of Gateway to Health and Opportunity we worked closely with Clyde Gateway and West of Scotland Housing Association to make a significant difference to the lives of people on health related benefits. This most recent funding from Big Lottery Scotland will enable us to develop the project even further and make a positive impact to the lives of many adults looking to improve their health and wellbeing and ultimately move into training, volunteering or employment opportunities.”