National Lottery funded community projects praised by Boston MP

Local community projects, Double Impact and Unplugged Recycling, were today praised by Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness, for the great work they do to support people with learning disabilities and those recovering from addictions.

The MP described the groups’ work as ‘excellent’ when he visited them today (Friday 3 May) to meet local volunteers and people who have benefited from the projects.

Drug and alcohol recovery charity, Double Impact, received almost £420,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, last year to deliver its Boston Recovery Pathways project over a four year period.

During his visit, Matt Warman MP learned how Double Impact is putting this money to good use in helping people experiencing drug and alcohol problems to break the cycle of addiction and support them to live independently. People are supported on a one to one basis and connected to resources that can help them achieve their recovery and life goals. Additionally, the project will be holding peer support sessions and training for family members, so they are in a better informed position to support their loved one.

Steve Youdell, Operations Director at Double Impact, said: “The National Lottery funding has been a complete game changer – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do in Boston without it. It’s helping us reach more people who need this specific support in order to build self-esteem and self-belief. Local organisations in Boston have welcomed our new project and referral pathways into the project have been established. With the grant, we’ve been able to recruit two new members of staff, one of whom is multi-lingual, enabling us to help people who don’t speak English and connect them with others who have similar backgrounds and experiences.

“It was a pleasure to host Matt Warman MP to share our achievements and how we continue to support people with addictions and break down the stigma around drug and alcohol problems. If anyone is interested in finding out more about Boston Recovery Pathways or accessing our services please email team@doubleimpact.org.uk or call 01205 205028.”

Unplugged Recycling, based in Boston, was awarded over £320,000 of National Lottery funding in 2015 to provide volunteering opportunities to people with learning disabilities in recycling and refurbishing electrical goods like kettles and washing machines, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Matt Warman MP heard how these items are then passed on to local people in need, such as those who have been homeless in the past, in return for a small donation. A pick-up truck has also been purchased with the money so that the materials and goods can be transported.

Sophie Mann, Director at Unplugged Recycling said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support around 50 people with learning disabilities every year to learn new skills, with most going on to secure paid employment. The funding also helps us to transport them to and from our unit in Boston, as many live in rural areas with little or no public transport. It was great to be able to show Matt Warman MP the work we carry out in the local community and how this benefits people in Boston and the surrounding area.”

Matt Warman MP said: “It’s fantastic to hear that thousands of pounds of National Lottery funding has gone to projects in Boston and Skegness – including Double Impact and Unplugged Recycling that are serving the local community. I was impressed to hear about the excellent work that goes on to empower people with learning disabilities to learn new skills, as well as the support on offer for people who are experiencing alcohol and drug addictions, and their families.”

Matt Poole, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to award money raised by National Lottery players to communities across the UK. Great projects like Double Impact and Unplugged Recycling are bringing people together to boost their wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence. People know what’s needed in their communities better than anyone else – our funding supports them to help their communities thrive.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes, with 90% of the grants under £10,000. To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk