Young people benefit from Lottery windfall

The good news marks a new milestone for the programme which has now handed out over 1.3 million to more than 590 projects working with around 26,000 children and young people across Northern Ireland.

The Big Deal Small Grants Programme, administered by Youthnet, was set up in 2006 and has been funded to the tune of 1.5 million by the Big Lottery Fund.

The programme allows those up to 25 years of age to apply for an award between 500 and 2,500 towards a project where they get to decide what it is they want to do, when, where and how!

A group of pupils from Bushmills Primary School received 2,500 to make over their playground.

“Our school has 110 pupils, mostly from the town. The school enjoys a beautiful setting – we’re near the sea, the River Bush and the Giant’s Causeway – but the playground itself is fairly uninspiring,” explained vice-principal Robert Smith.

Taking inspiration from their stunning setting the children have come up with a range of novel design ideas, such as seats in the shape of the Causeway stones as well as playground markings including the outline of the River Bush with its Salmon of Knowledge and the giant’s footprints.

“We’ve approached the National Trust too for help with establishing a vegetable patch where we hope the children will be able to grow their own vegetables which our kitchen staff will be able to cook up,” added Mr Smith.

Austyn Finnegan, 17, one of The Big Deal Children and Young People’s Forum grant panel members, said: “The best thing about The Big Deal projects is that young people show the initiative, interest and enthusiasm to plan their own project and apply for the money to carry it out. This is a great way of young people getting money from the Big Lottery Fund and it’s an exciting way for young people to have responsibility and make good use of it.”

The Big Deal Project Officer, Niamh O’Carolan, said: “On the face of it 500 to 2,500 doesn’t sound like a huge amount of money but we know from previous experience that these small grants going directly to young people will make a big difference. The big bonus is that once children and young people become engaged in activities like these they tend to stay interested and get involved more in what’s going on around them in their local communities and beyond.”

She continued: “There’s been a brilliant response to the programme from all over Northern Ireland and great feedback about how the projects are making a difference at local level. A little money can go a long way! “

Paul Cavanagh, Chair of the Big Lottery Fund’s Young People’s Fund Committee said: “The Young People’s Fund is a great way for young people to have their opinions heard and to influence what activities are funded in their area. These grants allow young people to

become more actively involved in their community.”