Community groups in Ballymena celebrate early Christmas present

The National Lottery money 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 those in need over winter and throughout 2025.

One of the organisations receiving funding is Ahoghill Yew Tree Community Group. They have been awarded a £16,550 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to train volunteers and run community events to bring people together and improve wellbeing. Activities will include a Christmas event with crafts, carol singing and Santa’s Grotto.

Sirene Watt, Secretary of Ahoghill Yew Tree Community Group, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. We can't wait to implement all our plans for the community which we know will make a great difference to so many people in our Village. We look forward to the much-needed changes this grant will make."

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.

Adventures

Also receiving funding in this announcement is LoveHope&Faith, based in Martinstown. They received a £20,000 grant over one year to buy an all-terrain electric wheelchair and organise inclusive outdoor trips. The project will enable children and young people living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida to experience outdoor adventures with their families and friends.

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.

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