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The National Lottery Community Fund has announced funding to projects in the Newry, Mourne and Down area as part of an announcement of £5 million of National Lottery funding to 89 groups across the north.
Speaking on the funding Paul Sweeney, The National Lottery Community Fund’s NI Chair, said “I’m proud to see the amazing impact that money raised by National Lottery players is having in communities across Northern Ireland.
“This funding is supporting a diverse range of projects, who are meeting the needs in our local communities. I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects help people to rebuild and thrive.”
Thanks to National Lottery players more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes across the UK like these. The vast majority of grants awarded are for smaller amounts of under £10,000, going to the heart of communities to make a big difference.
Funding:
Gaelarás Mhic Ardghail based in Newry, is using a £3,980 grant to buy, install, and train volunteers in the use of a state-of-the art interactive screen for their community educational centre. This will upgrade their digital capacity and reduce their attendant costs.
Advocacy VSV works across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area to advocate on behalf of and support victims of sexual assault through each stage of the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland. Over three years they are using a £134,053 grant to expand their service so they can help more people. The service includes providing information on the Criminal Justice System, Victim’s Rights and Health services and referring victims into other services in the community to ensure they are supported. A vital part of the service is early support within 24 hours of being referred following a trauma. The project will also buy a client management system that will support reporting and evaluation.
Carnaget Area Community Association in Newry is using a £10,000 grant to run a series of events and activities for families and people of all ages in the local community to support those affected by social isolation and financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Besbrook District Vintage Tractor Club used a £2,590 grant to hold a family fun day in September, to bring the local community together.
Martin’s Lane Area Community Association in Newry is using a £10,000 grant to run a series of day trips, Halloween and Christmas celebrations for people of all ages, bringing people together and promoting social inclusion and diversity within the local community.
Home-Start Newry and Mourne is using an £8,600 grant to provide group activities and trips for families. The project will provide a safe space away from the stresses of home with structured play and healthy snacks for children, and confidential support and advice for parents.
Carnagat Community Association in Newry is using a £10,000 grant to run a series of events and activities for families and people of all ages in the local community to support those affected by social isolation and financial hardship due to the pandemic.
South Armagh Rural Women's Network in Crossmaglen is using a £6,390 grant to run activities including Irish language, gardening, arts and crats and health and wellbeing sessions. The project will help people connect again following the pandemic.
Collaboration for Change in Rostrevor is using a £10,000 grant to develop digital voting software which will help them run a community grant programme and provide a space for exploring and sharing ideas. This will bring people together to make a positive change in their communities.
Kilkeel Sea Cadets are using a £7,860 grant to relocate to new premises which will enable the group to restart adventurous and challenging activities for young people. The group will also buy equipment to teach the young people life skills and provide them with personal development opportunities.
Schomberg Society is using a £10,000 grant to carry out refurbishments that will make their Kilkeel facility fit for purpose and user friendly for the whole community to use and feel safe.
Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association and Moneydarragh Community Hub also recently received funding from ‘Places Called Home,’ a UK-wide £1.5m pilot programme from The National Lottery Community Fund and IKEA UK to help people get involved in their community, create shared spaces and promote sustainable living. (see attached table for more info)
One of the organisations receiving funding is Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group. They are using a £45,000 grant to run activities for children and young people with autism and for parents and carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum or who are awaiting a possible diagnosis. Over three years the project will help children and young people learn coping techniques and develop relationships, while reducing stress for parents/carers and offering respite. Activities will include an annual fun day, occupational therapy sessions, drama sessions, social skills sessions, mental health programmes, yoga, and parenting training.
For more information on National Lottery funding visit their website WWW.TNLCOMMUNITYFUND.ORG.UK or social media.
