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Several local Community groups and charities have received an early Christmas present from The National Lottery as part of an announcement of £6.8 million of funding in Northern Ireland from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The National Lottery funding is being used for a range of projects, including bringing isolated people together to make connections, building skills to empower people to improve their lives, and supporting people in need over winter and throughout 2025.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Newry and Mourne Community Transport. They have been awarded a £20,000 grant from National Lottery Awards for All to provide transport across this rural area for people with disabilities and vulnerable adults to access essential services such as medical appointments.
Sticky Fingers Arts, based in Newry also received funding. They are using a £20,000 grant to make their building accessible for children and young people with complex needs so they can take part in activities. The project will install a changing place facility, ensure all areas within the building are accessible, and upgrade their sensory equipment.
The National Lottery Awards for All programme is accepting applications from community groups for projects lasting up to two years in length. Funding of between £300 to £20,000 is available for projects that have been developed alongside the local community, for activities that reflect what matters to them.
This could be through bringing people together to develop or strengthen relationships, improving places and spaces that matter to local people or supporting people in communities to reach their full potential. Groups considering applying are encouraged to get in touch with them to chat about their idea.
Advocacy VSV based in Kilkeel were awarded a £417,288 grant to support and advocate for male and female victims of sexual violence in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area. Over four years the project will provide emotional support and practical guidance from an early stage, to help them navigate the criminal justice system while they are recovering from trauma. The project will also offer support to victims’ families and raise awareness of the issues victims face to legal professionals.
Since the first National Lottery draw 30 years ago in 1994, The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £786 million to good causes across communities in Northern Ireland. Over this time, UK wide, £50 billion has been raised for good causes, thanks to people playing the games.
Saintfield Men's Shed who are using a £14,369 grant to make improvements to their workshop area to improve accessibility and safety. The project will provide a welcoming and inclusive space for men to connect and learn together.
Also receiving funding in the area are: Ballynahinch Masonic Lodge and Mourne Local Studies Group.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. I’m proud to see the impact our funded projects are having in people’s lives and across communities in Northern Ireland.
“Wintertime and the festive season can be difficult for many, but thanks to these projects, people are being supported to cope with the challenges they face and can look forward to a better 2025.
“As the new year approaches, we’re building on the work and impact already made through these 30 years of National Lottery funding and continuing to meet the needs of communities.”
If you have a project idea and would like to discuss funding, please contact our enquiries team on 028 9055 1455 or email enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.
For more information on all National Lottery funding visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
