Big Lottery Awards windfall for Londonderry groups

A total of 12 local groups have been allocated Awards For All programme funding for various projects.

Guildhall Press has received £9,909 to design and create a pilot Digital Reminiscence and Wellbeing Platform containing resources such as images, video, music, sayings and games linked to Derry, in conjunction with residents of a local care home.

Hillcrest Trust Ltd in Top Of The Hill meanwhile will use there £9,909 grant to provide a six week summer scheme for children aged between five to 10.

The Greysteel Community Association have been allocated £6,440 for a six month programme to get young people more involved in community activity including team building, litter picking and neighbourhood improvement sessions.

After recently converted a plot of land into 34 allotments, Ballymagowan Allotments Ltd in Creggan will use their grant of £10,000 to hold a number of events to help engage young people from the Triax area in the scheme and to run classes on biodiversity.

Disability Equality Group NI will train 50 volunteers in disability awareness at Holywell Trust Social Enterprise Hub in Londonderry, while Gaelscoil na Daroige in Ballymagroarty will use their grant to provide equipment for afterschool clubs to enhance children’s development.

Galliagh Women’s Group aims to increase the self-esteem, personal development and health and well-being of local woman with their funding by providing a programme of classes for younger women.

John Mitchel’s Gaelic Athletic Club in Claudy meanwhile will develop a programme of women’s health and fitness activities across all age groups and abilities.

Other winners include Newbuildings Primary School, who are using their £8,856 to provide an afterschool programme, while North West Women’s Collective will use their funding for costs associated with the Women of the World Festival.

Rosemount and District Welfare Rights Group, who work with young people to decrease anti-social and risk taking behaviour, have been allocated £8,250 to bring older and younger members of the community together through outdoor and gardening activities.

Search Youth Group community meanwhile will start up a Friday Night Club with the money they have been allocated.

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s NI Awards for All programme funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities. “The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.