£3m National Lottery funding, a welcome Christmas present for communities

The National Lottery Community Fund has today announced over £3 million of grants to 162 community projects, based in every Council area in Northern Ireland. This includes those helping people over Christmas and projects that are giving longer term support for mental health, living well with health conditions and making sure communities keep connected. A full list of grants awarded can be downloaded below.

One of the groups funded is Listening Ear, based in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, who are using a £10,000 grant to provide support to people who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Brian Kerr, Chair of Listening Ear, said: “Many families were dreading Christmas this year, causing them so much stress which was affecting their mental health too, it is heart-breaking. Thanks to this National Lottery grant, we have been able to bring much needed Christmas cheer. We have been making up parcels with good warm food and treats too, and will be delivering them to over 60 houses in the estate. This has made a big difference to families, taking some pressure off and ensuring they can have a good festive period at the end of a hard year.

“We would like to thank National Lottery players for making this funding possible through buying tickets and raising the money. It matters so much to local people.”

Granaghan and District Women’s Group in Swatragh has received a £4,040 grant. Deirdre Bradley, Chair of the group, said: “Thanks to the funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to provide 100 three-course, hot and nutritious Christmas dinners, plus surprises, to people in our local community.

“It has been a very challenging year for everyone, but this initiative brightened the lives of so many. It also gave them a sense that they were not alone and that their community cares for and values them. Two of the beneficiaries are centenarians - how amazing is that? Our phones have not stopped ringing since the deliveries with people thanking all involved in this big team effort."

National Lottery players raise around £30 million every week across the UK for good causes like this. Although the vast majority of grants awarded are for smaller amounts of under £10,000, going to the heart of communities, National Lottery money continues to fund longer term projects also, helping key groups in society and underpinning our health services.

Age Concern Causeway, is using a £372,519 grant, over three years, to support older people with memory loss or dementia.

Fergal Quinn, Manager, Age Concern Causeway, said: “Due to the pandemic, we have found that people living with dementia and their families have never faced more challenges due to restrictions, isolation and issues with health services. Change of routine can also make memory loss worse, causing added stress. This grant, thanks to National Lottery players, is the boost we need this Christmas and means those we help can look forward to a better 2021. It will allow us to run weekly activity support groups - digital support, one-to-one support with arts and crafts, music and song, reminiscence, bingo etc, which help members keep their identity as long as possible, and benefit them from socialising with other people. Caring for someone with dementia can be very challenging and this also gives families and carers much needed respite, supporting their well-being.

“This funding for the longer term will make such a difference to the many families that are living with this condition over the coming years, it could really affect anyone – thank you.”

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “It’s great to see such a diverse range of projects being funded to help people stay connected and healthy. We know that even a small amount of money can really make a big difference. All of these groups are rising to the challenges of COVID-19, supporting well-being now, over the festive period and in the future.

"People know best what is needed in their area and we want to talk to anyone who has an idea or wants more information on funding to support their community.

“National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is making such a difference across Northern Ireland.”

If you would like to talk about an idea you have or applying for funding, please phone The National Lottery Community Fund on 028 4378 0003 or email enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk. Visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.