
The National Lottery Community Fund is today announcing £30,838 to projects across the Causeway Coast and Glens, helping them tackle the issues affecting families and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is part of a roll-out of £1.8million to more than 100 projects across Northern Ireland.
Dalriada Training Services is using a £4,388 grant to provide fresh food and toiletries between May and June to those most in need in the Bushmills, Portballintrae and surrounding areas in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Portstewart Football Club is using a £4,500 grant to provide essential aid to low-income families, older people and those with health conditions impacted by the COVID-19 crisis in the community. Through a befriending service, volunteers are delivering food packages with essential goods to those in need.
St. Canice’s GAC is using a £3,950 grant to support the vulnerable and those most at risk during the COVID-19 crisis in Dungiven, Gortnaghy, Feeney, Park, Claudy and Benedy, by providing food and other essential items. The project improves community cohesion both during the pandemic and moving forwards, helping shape pathways for the future.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund said: “Thanks to National Lottery funding, these groups are able to step up to help people and communities through these difficult times. We are here to support them to overcome obstacles in bringing people together and get help to those in need, as well as to think about recovery and longer-term needs.
“We are getting millions out quickly to support communities across the UK during the crisis. It is all thanks to National Lottery players who provide our funding so projects like these can continue their amazing work.”
Other projects were :
Harmony & Co Ladies Choir –
Harmony & Co Ladies Choir, based across the Causeway area, is using a £10,000 grant to support their choir activities which includes the recording of a CD, uniforms, hall hire and sheet music. The choir brings ladies from all communities together to sing and build friendships, lifting their mood through song and laughter.
Millburn Community Preschool Playgroup Ltd
Millburn Community Preschool Playgroup, based in Coleraine, is using a £8,000 grant to fund a support worker to manage an outdoor play space for use by children, families and residents in the local community. The project gives children an opportunity to learn about nature and the environment in a safe, enclosed space.