The public has had their say! Three local community groups celebrate after winning public vote for more National Lottery funding

Three ITV Border based community groups have won a public vote and up to £50,000 of National Lottery funding in this year’s The People’s Projects. The money was awarded after Animals Supporting People at FRED CIC, Lockerbie Wheelchair Curling Club and Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd won the public over with their plans to make a life changing difference to their local communities.

The groups were amongst 95 worthwhile projects competing across the UK for a share of £3 million. Each had their work featured on prime time TV, giving the public a chance to see their fantastic work and then make the tough choice of where the money should go.

After being chosen by voters from across the region, the three groups will now use this new funding to continue their work to bring people together, strengthen their communities and make a difference to people’s lives.

The Going Undercover project by Animals Supporting People at FRED CIC in Dumfries, received £40,594 to deliver a programme of animal assisted therapy activities to children, young people and adults living with mental health problems and/or recovering from trauma. The group will be able to build a steel framed agricultural structure, allowing the sessions to take place indoors.

The Wheelie Good Access project by Lockerbie Wheelchair Curling Club, received £41,292 to upgrade access to and changing facilities at Lockerbie Ice Rink enabling more wheelchair users to take part in curling. The club has reached capacity and is unable to meet demand so improved access and updated changing facilities will allow more people to use their facilities and take part in the sport.

The Watchtree Wild Learning Project by Watchtree Nature Reserve Ltd in Carlisle, was granted £49,500 to improve and expand the existing education services they offer to local schools, healthcare groups, community groups and the wider public. They will create a cluster of engaging learning areas throughout the reserve focussing on the topics of wildlife, history, art and science.

The People’s Projects is a partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV and The National Lottery. Since 2005 it has given the public a unique say in how National Lottery money should be put to good use in their local area.

The People's Projects celebrates some of the incredible projects supported by The National Lottery Community Fund - the UK's largest funder of community activities. This year, 95 community groups across the UK were shortlisted, with five groups going head to head in each region.

Joe Ferns, UK Funding Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The People’s Projects highlights the fantastic things communities are doing across the UK to enable people to thrive. In every village, town and city, local groups are working together to turn great ideas into reality and deliver the change people want to see in their area.

“We’re really excited to see this year’s winners use National Lottery funding to strengthen their local community and support people to lead happier and healthier lives.”

The People’s Projects has awarded around £45 million to over 1,000 good causes across the UK since it started in 2005.