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Christmas has come early for community organisations in the Newry and Mourne area as they receive a £400,000 share of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. The news comes as part of an announcement of £6 million to 157 groups across Northern Ireland this holiday period.
The National Lottery funding is being used to run festive celebrations as well as bringing isolated people together to make connections, and support people with activities to improve their mental and physical health over the coming years.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Newry and Mourne Co-operative Limited. They have been awarded a £325,201 grant to provide educational and employment activities for young people in the Newry, Mourne and Down, and Banbridge areas, to help them reach their potential. Over three years the project will provide training, community volunteering projects, mentoring, work placements and support to deal with the challenges they face. The project will develop their skills, increase confidence, improve their wellbeing, and help them to re-engage with education or seek employment.
Autism Support Kilkeel has also been awarded a £9,620 grant to provide tailored swimming lessons and water safety skills sessions for children with autism who aren’t able to attend mainstream lessons.
Ballyhornan and District Community Association received an £8,150 grant to host Christmas and summer festivals for local families. The events will bring people together and improve community spirit.
Mullaghbawn Cú Chulainns CLG, based outside Newry, also received a £2,110 grant to run a weekly parent and toddler group with varied activities to promote early child development and provide an opportunity for parents to socialise and support each other.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including Crossmaglen University of the Third Age. They are using a £6,192 grant to celebrate their 20-year anniversary. The project will bring members together to take part in activities and celebration events to thank them for their commitment over the years.
St John’s GAC, based outside Castlewellan, is using a £7,778 grant to buy equipment and make improvements to their kitchen facilities. The project will provide a more suitable space for the local community to use including older people benefiting from a warm space and a cup of tea while taking part in activities and cooking classes.
Also receiving funding is Craobh Rua Camlocha, Dorsey Senior Citizens, Inverbrena Over 50's group, St Colman’s GAC Drumaness and St. Bronagh's Youth Club.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. These projects are improving the lives of people in their communities, especially during the winter period where many people need additional wellbeing support or help to take part in festive celebrations.
“We recently launched our new funding strategy up to 2030 which will ensure National Lottery money continues to make a difference to communities across Northern Ireland. We look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in 2024 and beyond.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.
