Communities across Newry Mourne and Down to benefit from National Lottery funding
The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to organisations in the Newry, Mourne and Down areas.
The funding comes as part of an announcement of over £2 million of grants from The National Lottery Community Fund to provide support and services to local people across Northern Ireland, to improve their lives.
One of the organisations receiving funding is LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry. They received a £20,000 grant to run Newry Pride 2024 to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community, promote support networks and help people feel included.
Jenny Deane, Founder and Treasurer, said: “We’re so happy to receive this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. Our project restored the yearly Pride Festival to the city for the first time in many years, and in doing so lifted the hearts and spirits of the LGBTQ+ community here.
“This exciting event is a chance for all the community here to come together in support and solidarity with its LGBTQ+ members and to express our diversity and inclusivity.
“It’s a great event for tourism and social wellbeing of our area.”
The Happiness Cafés in Kilkeel is using a £19,760 grant over two years to run weekly Memories Cafes for people living with dementia and their carers, families and friends.
The project will create a safe and supportive environment to share a meal with other people living in similar situations.
Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including Killyleagh Community Association which also received a £7,599 grant to develop an online community directory of local community organisations, public services, and wellbeing activities in Killyleagh and the surrounding area.
The project will keep local residents and visitors informed and connected to local services and support.
Other organisations being funded include Advocacy VSV, Claragh Bridge Vintage Club, Culloville Development Association, Iur Cinn Fleadh, Mourne Masonic Lodge 696, Peak Health & Mind CIC, Samaritans of Newry, Slievenaman Boxing Club and Whitecross Community Association.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the difference these grants make across Northern Ireland thanks to the charities, community organisations and voluntary groups which are doing vital work every day to support people in their community.
“As we approach the 30th Birthday of the National Lottery later this year, celebrating these new awards is a great way to thank National Lottery players who raise this money, which is going back into communities, to strengthen them, and improve lives.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit:
