Community groups and charities in Lisburn celebrate early Christmas present

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 Glenclare Friendship Group, based in Glenavy. They have been awarded a £10,980 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to run a wellbeing programme for older people. The two-year project will run activities, day trips and practical support workshops.

Jennifer Slane, Chairperson, Glencare Friendship Group, said: “We are delighted to receive this National Lottery funding to bring older people together in Glenavy. Our project is tackling loneliness and isolation in a rural area and improving health and wellbeing through supporting each other, being more active and learning new skills.”

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 Boardmills Women's Institute. They have been awarded a £9,700 grant over 18 months to celebrate their 75th anniversary. The project will run craft competitions, host guest speakers, deliver health and wellbeing sessions and organise day trips to bring local women together.

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.

Including Ballinderry Movarian Church which received an £18,000 grant over 15 months to make improvements to the building to make it an accessible, shared space for the whole community to use. The project will replace pews with movable chairs, install new IT equipment, and run non-faith-based activities to bring people together to socialise and learn new skills.

Rev, Jared Stephens said: "We are delighted to receive this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. Our project will bring activities and programming to the community of Ballinderry, to bring people together, improve access to services, and promote our wonderful community spirit."

Other organisations being funded include Ballymacash Neighbourhood Craft Group and St. John`s Parish Church.

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