£5m National Lottery funding is improving the lives of people across Northern Ireland

Across Northern Ireland, 110 community groups and charitable organisations are supporting people to improve their wellbeing and learn new skills, thanks to £4,979,067 of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

With grants ranging from £885 to almost £500,000, the National Lottery funding is being used for a range of projects, including Kilcooley Women’s Centre’s SWIRL project. They have been awarded a £481,040 grant to run volunteering and wellbeing activities for women in Bangor, Newtownards and the Ards Peninsula.

Over three years the project will empower women to improve their mental health, build resilience and provide opportunities for them to use their skills to benefit the wider community and support other women.

Alison Blayney, CEO, Kilcooley Women’s Centre, said: “This funding will be transformational for us. Having a three-year grant means we have time to develop our project, embed it, and have a big impact.

“Women in this area are facing poor mental health, stress from the rising cost of living, impacts from the pandemic and in some cases domestic violence. There is a lack of infrastructure for women in this area to access opportunities but we’re here to support women to take part in training courses, wellbeing activities, and volunteer placements so they can build their skills and confidence.”

Also receiving a £499,837 grant is Caw/Nelson Drive Action Group in Derry/Londonderry. They are providing activities for all ages in the community to reduce isolation, improve health and wellbeing, build community connections and develop skills.

Linda Watson, Manager, Caw Nelson Drive Action Group said: “We are delighted to receive this funding over the next five years which will provide stability to continue supporting residents in the Caw/Nelson Drive and surrounding area.

“This will include a wide range of activities and services including Caw Luncheon Club, environmental programmes, after-school support classes, intergenerational initiatives, summer schemes, and social groups with the overall aim being to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who plays the National Lottery as this would not be possible without their input.”

Information on all 110 projects can be found in our grant table, including the Migrant Support Service in Portadown. They have been awarded a £10,000 grant to buy equipment for their playgroup sessions which bring children and adults together to promote learning and development. The project will provide opportunities for parents to take language lessons, build community relationships and receive support.

In Ballycastle, Stitching Time has been awarded a £4,000 grant over two years, to run crafting workshops for members and young people. The project will teach new skills and support young people to learn how to use a sewing machine.

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. From teaching people to grow their own produce, to supporting young people with disabilities to take part in physical activities, these 110 projects are improving the lives of people across Northern Ireland.

“As part of our strategy, we recently increased the grant size and duration for our National Lottery Awards for All programme and I’m pleased to see the first grants for up to £20,000 or lasting two years, being awarded to make a big impact in communities.”

Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million a week is raised for good causes across the UK.

For more information on National Lottery funding visit:  www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.