Grants windfall for Larne groups

The funding windfall is part of a £568,057 grants roll-out to 68 groups across the Province.

The biggest winner was Acceptable Enterprises (Larne) Ltd, a social enterprise providing training, work experience and employment for people in the Larne area who are dealing with mental ill-health or have a learning disability. The group was awarded £10,000 to buy equipment that will be used by employees for work in various areas of their business.

The Town Parks Resident Association also benefited to the tune of £7,259. The funding will be used to run a range of classes and activities aimed at reducing isolation among older people in the community and encouraging them to socialise, learn new skills and try new experiences.

Finally, Craigyhill Senior Citizens Club received a grant of £7,253 to provide meals for their lunch club, run IT training and provide dance tutors and social outings.

Awards for All offers community, voluntary and statutory groups the chance to apply for small grants of between £500 and £10,000 that will have a big impact on local communities and the lives of people most in need.

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI chairman 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.awardsforall.org.uk