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Sticky Fingers Arts in Newry has received an early Christmas present with funding of almost £120,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to develop a creative hub within the centre.
Seventeen community groups in the Newry, Mourne and Down area are set to benefit from the latest announcement. It's part of a total of £6.8million of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to 139 groups across Northern Ireland.
Sticky Fingers Arts received a £119,586 grant which will empower young people in Newry to deliver their own creative activities to build their skills and confidence. Over three years young people aged 13 to 18 years olds will develop a creative hub within the centre where they will have a dedicated space to express themselves and develop their own activities, supported by staff. The hub will be welcoming and accessible to all young people from all backgrounds and abilities.
The National Lottery funding is being used to bring isolated people together in warm spaces, to support people struggling with the rising cost of living, and to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable people during the festive period.
Newry District Inter Church Forum has been awarded a £7,470 grant to run activities for isolated groups such as older people, migrants, and young parents, who need support to feel part of the community and improve their wellbeing. Activities include food growing workshops, Christmas lunch, music sessions, cookery and trips.
The Friendship Club Warrenpoint is using an £8,122 grant to buy equipment and run a series of activities for older people, including day trips, exercise classes and Christmas celebrations. The project will reduce isolation and improve confidence to socialise following the pandemic.
Newtownhamilton Community Association are using a £10,000 grant to run activities and events during the winter months to bring people together and reduce isolation. The project includes woodwork, yoga, dance and music sessions, Christmas wreath crafting, festive cookery classes, a community Christmas dinner and a Christmas Light Switch-On event.
Derramore Men’s Shed in Bessbrook are using a £9,200 grant to buy equipment and materials to set up their men's shed. Following the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing framework, the project will bring men together to take part in activities to help improve their mental and physical health.
B.G's Women's Group, based outside Newry, is using a £2,200 grant to run activities and day trips for older women in the community who are rurally isolated. Taking part in the activities and trips will bring the women together to reduce loneliness and improve mental health and physical wellbeing.
The Starlet Club, based in Bessbrook, is using a £9,595 grant to run activities and trips to bring older people in the area together to reduce loneliness and help them reconnect.
Drumclose Craft Group in Newry are using a £10,000 grant to bring their members together to take part in activities and day trips which will reduce loneliness and isolation.
Warrenpoint Women’s Group is using a £10,000 grant to cover start-up costs and organise meetings, activities for the members and day trips. This will allow women in the area to make new friends and feel safe socialising again following the pandemic.
Warrenpoint Men's Shed is using a £9,881 grant to run training and development activities such as woodwork and IT. The project will help members to feel confident socialising again following the pandemic and help gain new members.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes, including The Drumaness Superkings Cricket Club. They are using a £9,200 grant to run activities for young people in the Drumaness, Ballynahinch, Spa and Downpatrick areas who have been involved in anti-social behaviour. The project will help the young people to take pride in their community, develop skills and improve their wellbeing.
Also receiving funding is: Leitrim Baby and Toddler Group, Downe University of the Third Age (Downe U3A), Home-Start Down District, Kilcoo Community Association, Kingdom Men's Shed and St Johns GAC.
Paul Sweeney, The National Lottery Community Fund’s NI Chair, said: “I’m proud to see the impact our funded projects are having in people’s lives and across communities in Northern Ireland. This winter is difficult for many but thanks to these projects, people are being supported to make connections and feel less isolated.
“We are supporting groups to deal with the rising costs that are challenging their services and working flexibly to ensure that National Lottery funding is continuing to reach people who need support.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
