Write a comment
The National Lottery is asking communities to have their say on funding, as they announce the latest grants in Newry, Mourne and Down.
Fourteen projects in Newry, Mourne and Down have been funded with communities from across Northern Ireland benefitting from more than £5.8 million from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Local projects funded include
Barcroft Community Association
Barcroft Community Association in Newry has been awarded a £9,950 grant to run a series of community events for all ages to improve community spirit and confidence and build connections.
Drumalane Quayside Men’s Shed
Drumalane Quayside Men's Shed in Newry is using an £8,698 grant to provide activities for members which will benefit the community such as clean ups and gardening for older people.
Silvery Light Sailing
Silvery Light Sailing in Newry is using a £9,750 grant to fund staff costs to run sailing activities for volunteers and people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to access these activities. The project will help to bring local people together through teamwork, build friendships and teach new skills.
Yellow Road Farm
A Community Farm outside Hilltown has been awarded a £10,000 grant to improve their equipment and facilities at their woodland area to increase biodiversity and improve wellbeing for the community groups who use the site for activities.
New Town Together
New Town Together in Newtownhamilton is using a £10,000 grant to run activities and events for its members to reconnect following the pandemic. Activities include developing a men’s shed, women's health workshops, craft sessions and seasonal celebration events.
Multiple Sclerosis Society Newry, Mourne and Armagh Branch
The local Multiple Sclerosis Society Branch are using a £9,960 grant to run arts and craft classes and yoga sessions to improve wellbeing for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
Hilltown Community Association,
Hilltown Community Association is using a £10,000 grant to improve the outdoor space at their community centre to enable local playgroup children to explore and learn gardening skills as well as bring the local community together.
River Valley Development Association
River Valley Development Association, based outside Kilkeel, is using a £9,700 grant to enhance their outdoor space and make it more accessible for the local community and visitors. The project will give the volunteers, members and the local community increased access to the natural environment.
Other groups in the area receiving funding include 1st & 2nd Downpatrick Scout Group Scouting Ireland, Ballykine LOL 659. Ballykinlar Cross Community Preschool Playgroup Ltd, Benraw Rural Community Association, Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group, Slieve Croob Community First Responder Scheme
This latest round of funding comes as The National Lottery Community Fund reviews how it awards grants in Northern Ireland. Communities are facing fresh challenges and opportunities, and they want to involve all communities in conversations about funding to understand what these are and how they can support communities better.
Paul Sweeney, The National Lottery Community Fund’s NI Chair, said: “Congratulations to all those awarded grants today, it is inspiring to see the wide range of activity that organisations are carrying out to help local people.
“We are currently thinking about what our grant making will look like between now and 2030 and we want to ensure communities across Northern Ireland help shape the future of how we invest money. We intend to do this by listening, learning and responding to ideas and suggestions.
“Please get in touch and tell us your views. We really want to hear from everyone, not just those who have benefitted from National Lottery funding in the past.”
To give your views on what is important in your community to help shape the future of National Lottery funding, email YourViewsNI@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or telephone 028 9055 1455.
Thanks to National Lottery players more than £30 million a week is raised for good with the majority being awarded as small grants, supporting what matters to local people.
