WIREDGOV

It’s a great start to the year for 19 groups across the country as the Big Lottery Fund Scotland yesterday announced £4.3m of life changing National Lottery funds. The funding comes from the £250 million to support people and communities to overcome challenging circumstances. See a complete list of grants

Here are some examples of what has been funded across the country:

• Thanks to an award of £347,884, Marie Curie will set up a new helper service for people and their families in Glasgow to help them cope with the daily challenges of living with a terminal illness.
• From their base in Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire Women’s Aid will continue to provide counselling and support to youngsters across the region who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse after an award of £380,439.
• Islay & Jura Community Enterprises Ltd will run a new weekly support group for people with disabilities and long term conditions living on the islands after an award of £63,178.

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: “This funding will support 19 groups across Scotland to improve the places they live and the wellbeing of people facing challenging circumstances.

“It’s great to see groups such as Marie Curie, Wigtownshire Women’s Aid and Islay & Jura Enterprises Ltd all receiving funding to help support people through the toughest of times.”

Also announced yesterday were 17 Investing in Ideas awards, totalling £151,226 helping groups to develop a new idea that will benefit their community. See a full list of awards in your area

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1451
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @BIGSCOTLAND #biglottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFundScotland

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
• The Big Lottery Fund Scotland is focussed on helping people and communities most in need throughout Scotland through its five-year £250m funding scheme as well as small grants schemes Awards for All and Investing in Ideas.
• Since March 2007 Big Lottery Fund Scotland has taken devolved decisions on Lottery spending, the Committee, led by Chair, Maureen McGinn plays a strategic role in the future direction of the Fund in Scotland.
• Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects across the UK that change the lives of millions of people. Every year we fund 13,000 small local projects tackling big social problems like poor mental health and homelessness.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £35 billion has been raised and more than 490,000 grants awarded.