Mid Ulster community groups and charities 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 The OpenDoor Complex in Bellaghy. They have been awarded a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to develop their community hub to support all ages and abilities in the local area. The project will work with other community groups to bring people together, train volunteers, run a varied programme of activities and expand their social enterprise to become more sustainable.

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 Rural Support in Cookstown which received a £20,000 grant over six months to deliver a pilot programme for farmers who have gone through their Plough On programme and need further support. The project will develop specialist support sessions for succession planning, coping with stress, improving health and wellbeing, and strengthening social connections.

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.

Wildlife

Ballymaguigan Community Development Association, based near Magherafelt, is using a £7,350 grant to restore an old fishing platform along the Moyola River walk into a secure walking path. The project will provide a safe walking area for the community to use with places to rest, fish, observe wildlife and relax in a peaceful location.

Also receiving funding in the area are: Dungannon Masonic Hall House Committee, Ealú and Syerla Loyal Orange Lodge 509.

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