Inverclyde Council and charity Advice Direct Scotland joined forces to launch a fund worth more than £300,000 in November.

A total of 843 applications have been made to the fund already, but both organisations want more people to come forward to claim money.

The Heating Support Fund is giving one-off grants of up to £200 to help people with heating bills during the colder months.

More than 330 grants have already been paid. More than half of applicants were in the 25 to 49-year-old age group, with requests covering a wide area from Greenock, Gourock, Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm to Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

People can apply to the fund through multiple channels, including an online portal, by telephone, through paper forms, and by referrals from trusted partners such as the local HSCP advice services, Financial Fitness, River Clyde Homes, and local support organisations.

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde Council’s convener of policy and resources, said: “It’s heartening to know that hundreds of vulnerable residents have been able to access the winter support fund, especially with the bitterly cold weather over the last few weeks.

“As a council, we have a proud track record of providing support to people in our communities who need it the most, and this fund is an example of that.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t already applied, or who was previously unsuccessful, to get in touch with Advice Direct Scotland via the communityadvice.scot website, or by calling the 0808 196 8660 helpline to see if they are eligible for a one-off grant to support their household heating costs.”

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, added: “It’s an honour to be involved in this project, which seeks to help those struggling with energy bills and get money into the hands of people who need it.

“The cost-of-living crisis has had a profound impact on households across Inverclyde, and we know that even small interventions can have a significant effect. Much work has already been done over the winter, but there is even more we can do, which is why we are asking people to come forward and benefit.

“This partnership with Inverclyde Council is helping to alleviate some of the financial challenges faced by many in the area. As a charity, we aim to always put people first and make a real difference to their lives, and this project shows just that.”