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Today’s Reaching Communities funding from the Big Lottery Fund will enable Streetwise Opera to grow its successful programme of workshops and support activities for people who have experienced homelessness and support them into independent lives. It is one of 45 projects to share in over £14 million this month.

Streetwise Opera, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, will expand its existing project to coverManchester, London, Newcastle/Gateshead, Middlesbrough and Nottingham. Projects will be tailored to the different needs of the beneficiaries in each town. It receives £500,000.

Through sessions led by professional singers, around 435 participants each year will be able to develop new skills to help build their confidence, improve their well-being and help them become more engaged in the community through performances and theatre trips. Events will also be open to adults in the wider community to help beneficiaries integrate into community life. Over time participants will be encouraged to take responsibility for the running of the group.

The project will also develop work placements for around 75 people per year through Streetwise Opera’s partnerships with arts centres including the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham which will host much of the activities and events. Participation will include public performances, self-managed theatre trips, buddying and mentoring and signposting to further education opportunities through partnership with local colleges.

Also receiving funding today is youth charity Off Centre which has been awarded £477,606for a project called The Right Track that will provide social activities, advice and specialist support services to young people, aged 11-25, in Hackney. The Right Track aims to deal with any problem or issue faced by young people, including mental and emotional health issues; physical, emotional and sexual abuse; drugs and alcohol and gang violence. One-to-one counselling, group work, bespoke workshops and activities such as rock climbing will all form part of Off Centre’s work.

Meanwhile, the City of Exeter YMCA has been awarded £304,871 to run a Community Job Club project that will provide regular drop-in support for those furthest from the jobs market, such as the homeless, people with disabilities and those living in deprived areas. Personal action plans will be developed along with money management courses and a preparation for work course.

A full list of the 45 grants awarded today is available here

Reaching Communities funding is for projects that help people and communities most in need. Grants are available from £10,000 upwards and funding can last for up to five years. For grants of more than £500,000, applicants must contact the Fund before applying to discuss the reasons why a larger project is appropriate. There is no upper limit for total project costs. Salaries, running costs, and a contribution towards core costs and equipment can be funded. Grants up to £100,000 can also be awarded for land, buildings or refurbishment capital costs.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888
Out of hours media contact: 07867 500572
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter: @biglotteryfund #BigLottery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFund

Notes to editors

• The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery.
• The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 it has awarded close to £6bn.
• In the year ending 31 March 2013, 28% of total National Lottery revenue was awarded to projects. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £32 billion has been raised and more than 400,000 grants awarded.