National Lottery funding supports victims of domestic violence and improves mental health

The National Lottery Community Fund is today announcing £3.7 million of grants to over one hundred projects that are helping tackle the big issues affecting communities across Northern Ireland such as domestic violence and isolation.

In Northern Ireland, between 2018-2019, police responded to a domestic incident every 17 minutes of every day, approximately 12,000 women and children received outreach support due to domestic or sexual violence and over 600 women and 400 children stayed in a refuge (Women’s Aid Federation). Organisations supporting families affected by these issues are receiving National Lottery funding today.

Fermanagh Women's Aid is using a £498,237 grant to fund their ‘Safety and Well-being Support’ project over the next four years. It includes tailored crisis intervention support and a personal development programme that provides women with the tools they need to improve their confidence, help them understand the patterns of abusive behaviours, develop coping strategies and improve their social networks to reduce isolation. Mid Ulster Women’s Aid is using over £8,000 to refurbish their refuge making it more comfortable.

Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid has also been awarded £9,600 to provide children living in their three refuges with a “buddy back pack” containing essential items, toys and information about the refuge to help comfort them during their stay.

Noelle Collins, Team Leader at Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid said: “When children come to the refuge it is new and scary for them, and it’s really important that they start to feel like it’s home as soon as possible. Some have left all their belongings behind and the ‘buddy back pack’ is brilliant, as it gives them something that is theirs and they can keep it. We try and include things that will help them settle in such as comfy pjs and some cuddly toys and a tooth brush. They can also use the bag as a school bag.

“We have trialled the back packs on a small scale but with this National Lottery grant we can support so many more children that come to our 106 beds every night. We have received funding for our projects since 2011 from the National Lottery Community Fund and we don’t know what we would do without it. A big thank you to National Lottery players for helping make our vital work possible.”

Many groups that are receiving funding support good mental health, by reducing isolation and helping people make connections.

Bikes and Minds in Dunmurry, is bringing people together to enjoy a common interest, remain active and help people who may be lonely, all which support good mental health. The group is using a £10,000 grant to purchase tools and equipment for bicycle and motorcycle repair as well as general upkeep of the club.

Robert Guiney, who helped set up the club said: “Each Saturday we have around 20 people who come together and have the craic all while fixing some motor bikes and having a chat. We have a range of people coming, young and old. Men in particular are not good at talking about feeling lonely or admitting there is something wrong or worrying them.

“One of our members started coming along after moving here from England and didn’t know anyone. He was scared to go out and had completely lost his confidence and was really isolated. His wife heard about our group, he came along and has never looked back. He has made lots of friends here, learned more about the area and has now a group to go to the pub with. It has really helped him turn his life around.

“We are delighted to receive this grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. It will help us step up to the next level. We started off with me and my mate in our shed helping someone we knew who had depression by bringing them to fix motorbikes. The group was just what he needed and we have moved twice to bigger premises since. This money means we can keep offering more and open our doors to support local people, all while having fun.”

Kate Beggs, The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Director, said: “Our experience of working with communities is that when you listen, people have amazing ideas to make things better. What a fantastic way to start the new year by announcing these grants which are helping fund amazing projects throughout Northern Ireland. It is great to see the diverse work being done through projects funded by National Lottery money.

“Whether it’s small pots of funding or larger grants, people are being brought together to make good things happen and change lives. When people take the lead and develop their own great ideas, communities really do thrive. I want to say thanks to all the National Lottery players who have helped make this possible.”