Lottery cash now available to locals

The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, today launched Healthy Minds NI, a programme supporting activities to improve the mental health and well being of local people.

Grants of between 500 and 10,000 are now available to groups in Antrim and across Northern Ireland to fund activities supporting isolated older people, adults with mental health issues, families affected by alcohol and people affected by life changes such as bereavement. Activities that could be funded include activity classes for older people in nursing and care homes, alternative therapy sessions to support people with mental illness or addiction problems or physical activity programmes for people with disabilities.

Frank Hewitt, the Big Lottery Fund's NI Chair said: "The Healthy Minds programme will support activities at the heart of local communities. Improving people's mental health and well being can have a positive impact on family life, work and social life – the community as a whole."

"This is a small grants programme but it will make a major difference to the lives of many people. I am also delighted that we are partnering with BBC's Headroom NI mental health campaign to highlight the issue and ensure as many groups as possible know about Healthy Minds and can apply for funding."

More information on the Healthy Minds NI programme is available from the Big Lottery Fund website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.