Community projects across Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Cardenden and surrounding villages are set to benefit from more than £260,000 in local area funding, following approval by the Cowdenbeath Area Committee.

The funding will support 15 community‑led projects, shaped by local people and community groups, and designed to make a real difference to everyday life across the area.

Investment includes support for anti‑poverty initiatives, community food provision, mental health and wellbeing projects, improvements to local greenspaces, heritage initiatives and activities for children and young people. Funding will also help with village improvements, festive activity and town centre enhancement.

Projects approved include:

• Continued support for community food providers and a local resilience fund helping households with essentials
• Mental health support for young people, including school‑based projects and community wellbeing benches
• Improvements to community woodlands, parks and public spaces
• Heritage benches, public art and town centre enhancements shaped through local consultation
• Help for children to learn to swim, alongside support for community action planning in local villages
• Festive and seasonal improvements, including infrastructure to support Christmas lighting

The funding comes from a range of local budgets, including the Cowdenbeath Anti‑Poverty Budget, Area Local Community Planning Budget, and Ward 7 and Ward 8 Local Budgets.

Councillor Alex Campbell, Convenor of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, said:“This funding is about putting local people and communities first. These projects have been developed with community groups and residents, and they focus on the things that matter most – supporting people who are struggling, improving wellbeing, and investing in places where people live, meet and spend time.

“Whether that’s help with food, support for young people’s mental health, improving green spaces or backing local heritage and events, these decisions make sure our local budgets are used where they can have the greatest impact.”

All projects align with the priorities of the Cowdenbeath Local Community Plan and wider Plan for Fife, supporting stronger, fairer and more resilient communities.