Early Christmas present for community groups and charities in south and east Antrim

The National Lottery funding is being used for a range of projects, including bringing isolated people together to make connections, building skills to empower people to improve their lives, and supporting people in need over winter and throughout 2025.

One of the organisations receiving funding is The Mae Murray Foundation, based in Larne. They have been awarded a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to support adults with complex needs to take part in fitness programmes in gyms and community settings. The two-year project will provide opportunities to get active, improve mental and physical health, reduce isolation and promote independence.

The National Lottery Awards for All programme is accepting applications from community groups for projects lasting up to two years in length. Funding of between £300 to £20,000 is available for projects that have been developed alongside the local community, for activities that reflect what matters to them.

This could be through bringing people together to develop or strengthen relationships, improving places and spaces that matter to local people or supporting people in communities to reach their full potential. We encourage groups considering applying to get in touch with us to chat about their idea.

Also receiving funding is East Antrim University of the Third Age, based in Carrickfergus. They are using a £20,000 grant to renovate their garden and make it accessible for their members and create a relaxing outdoor space for people to meet and improve their wellbeing.

In Ballyclare, Ulster Woodturning is one of the organisations receiving funding. They have been awarded a £15,315 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to run a programme of woodturning demonstrations to engage the local community and increase members. The two-year project will bring new and existing members together to learn new skills and reduce isolation.

Since the first National Lottery draw 30 years ago in 1994, The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £786 million to good causes across communities in Northern Ireland. Over this time, UK wide, £50 billion has been raised for good causes, thanks to people playing the games.

Wellbeing

Also receiving funding is Antrim Community Support Hub. They are using a £20,000 grant to run a one-year mental health wellbeing programme for people in the local community to build connections and access support.

In Newtownabbey, Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group has been awarded a £7,640 grant to create a sensory room to provide a safe and calm space for local children and young people, particularly those with ADHD and autism.

Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group has received a £20,000 grant over two years to run a community festival with traditional activities including soapbox racing, tea dancing, and piano smashing. The project will bring the local community together to reminisce, increase local pride and build new relationships.

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. I’m proud to see the impact our funded projects are having in people’s lives and across communities in Northern Ireland.

“Wintertime and the festive season can be difficult for many, but thanks to these projects, people are being supported to cope with the challenges they face and can look forward to a better 2025.

“As the new year approaches, we’re building on the work and impact already made through these 30 years of National Lottery funding and continuing to meet the needs of communities.”

If you have a project idea and would like to discuss funding, please contact our enquiries team on 028 9055 1455 or email [email protected].

For more information on all National Lottery funding visit:  www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk