The public has had their say! 57 local community groups celebrate after winning public vote for more National Lottery funding
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.
Three groups in each of the 19 ITV regions 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.
Ealing Dementia Café by Dementia Concern is just one of the projects who won the public vote. The Ealing based project received £50,000 and will provide Dementia Cafes for local people living with dementia and their carers - providing food and entertainment. Individual Cafés are themed adding to the enjoyment of those attending, connecting directly with their memories.
ACCTive about Autism by Asperger’s Children and Carers Together in Sheffield received £50,000 to provide a support group for children and young people with Asperger’s Syndrome and other forms of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The project will use participation in activities and play to provide a safe and relaxing environment in which young autistic people can practice social communication, build their confidence and self-esteem and make friends.
Wellies On by Wellies-On Community Interest Company in Colchester, was granted £49,360 to promote community spirit by running cross-generation working opportunities on its community allotment and farm. The group will give people from different backgrounds the opportunity to learn new skills in areas including horticulture, cooking, animal care and supporting people with additional needs. This will encourage new shared experiences and help to build new friendships in the local area.
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. All 57 winners can be found here.
