People in Co Down are receiving more support thanks to National Lottery funding.
The champagne corks are popping across County Down as have just received funding awards from the National Lotteries.
Downpatrick Men’s Club has been awarded a £69,628 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. The three-year project is running activities for men in the greater Downpatrick area to improve health, reduce isolation and build on the group’s skills. Activities include community allotment work, nutrition classes, beekeeping, mental health sessions, first aid, and yearly celebration events. They will also run taster sessions in activities such as photography, archery, and self-defence to help attract new members.
John Gordon, Secretary, Downpatrick Men’s Club said: “The project encourages our members to share and learn skills through activities such as gardening and beekeeping. We can also take part in physical exercise sessions, like walking and yoga, in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This is helping us improve our health and feel more confident about trying other activities.”
Down Armagh Rural Transport Partnership (DART) has also been awarded a £253,000 grant. Their three-year Creating Sustainable Communities project is developing five community hubs in in Banbridge, Craigavon, Dromore, Lurgan and Portadown, led by steering groups made up of support staff and community members. The project is supporting the hubs to deliver transport services for people who have difficulty accessing services in their area, including a social car scheme to reduce isolation and loneliness among older people through befriending. The project is running accredited training such as driver programmes and counselling to help the project to continue beyond the length of the grant. They’re also running training for local community groups. They are delivering these programmes in partnership with The Antrim, Down and Armagh Rural Support Network.
Ian Wilson, DART Director, said: “We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way and I would like to thank the National Lottery players who made this award possible. This project will help address identified community need such as rural and social isolation through by providing additional travel and access opportunities for groups and communities.”
North Down Community Network has been awarded £199,000 for their two-year DICE Connections project is working with young people aged 10-15 from the Bloomfield, Breezemount, Clandeboye and Whitehill areas in Bangor. These young people face a range of challenges including risk of criminal behaviour, problems at school, poor self-esteem and poverty. The project is developing their core and life skills, increase their resilience and self-belief, and improve their health and wellbeing. The programme of activities includes the continuation of local youth clubs, a mentoring programme, wellness activities, personal development, young leaders programme and community events.
Social Farms & Gardens, Dementia (NI), Include Youth and Family Care Adoption Services, which are all working in Co Down, also received funding.
Kate Beggs, The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Director, said: “I am delighted to announce these grants today. It’s great to see National Lottery money being used by people who are taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive. I want to say thanks to all the National Lottery players who have helped make this possible.”
Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.
