Groups in Newry Mourne and Down awarded funding to improve the wellbeing of the local community
The National Lottery Community Fund has announced funding to projects in the Newry, Mourne and Down areas. This is part of an announcement of £5 million of National Lottery funding to 89 groups across Northern Ireland. (For full details of all grants awarded see attached table)
One of the organisations receiving funding is Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group. They are using a £45,000 grant to run activities for children and young people with autism and for parents and carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum or who are awaiting a possible diagnosis.
Over three years the project will help children and young people learn coping techniques and develop relationships, while reducing stress for parents/carers and offering respite. Activities will include an annual fun day, occupational therapy sessions, drama sessions, social skills sessions, mental health programmes, yoga, and parenting training.
Carnaget Area Community Association in Newry is using a £10,000 grant to run a series of events and activities for families and people of all ages in the local community to support those affected by social isolation and financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Martin’s Lane Area Community Association in Newry is using a £10,000 grant to run a series of day trips, Halloween and Christmas celebrations for people of all ages, bringing people together and promoting social inclusion and diversity within the local community.
Also receiving funding in the area are Collaboration for Change, Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail, Kilkeel Sea Cadets, Home-Start Newry & Mourne, Bessbrook District Vintage Tractor Club, Advocacy VSV, Rowallane Community Hub, Schomberg Society Kilkeel Ltd and South Armagh Rural Women’s Network.
Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association and Moneydarragh Community Hub also recently received funding from ‘Places Called Home,’ a UK-wide £1.5m pilot programme from The National Lottery Community Fund and IKEA UK to help people get involved in their community, create shared spaces and promote sustainable living.
Thanks to National Lottery players more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes across the UK like these. The vast majority of grants awarded are for smaller amounts of under £10,000, going to the heart of communities to make a big difference.
Paul Sweeney, The National Lottery Community Fund’s NI Chair, said: “I’m proud to see the amazing impact that money raised by National Lottery players is having in communities across Northern Ireland.
“This funding is supporting a diverse range of projects, who are meeting the needs in our local communities. I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects help people to rebuild and thrive.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit our website:
www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland or on social media.
