WIREDGOV

The National Lottery Community Fund yesterday announced over £3 million of grants to 162 community projects, based in every Council area in Northern Ireland. This includes those helping people over Christmas and projects that are giving longer term support for mental health, living well with health conditions and making sure communities keep connected. A full list of grants awarded can be downloaded below.

One of the groups funded is Listening Ear, based in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, who are using a £10,000 grant to provide support to people who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Brian Kerr, Chair of Listening Ear, yesterday said:

“Many families were dreading Christmas this year, causing them so much stress which was affecting their mental health too, it is heart-breaking. Thanks to this National Lottery grant, we have been able to bring much needed Christmas cheer. We have been making up parcels with good warm food and treats too, and will be delivering them to over 60 houses in the estate. This has made a big difference to families, taking some pressure off and ensuring they can have a good festive period at the end of a hard year.

“We would like to thank National Lottery players for making this funding possible through buying tickets and raising the money. It matters so much to local people.”

Granaghan and District Women’s Group in Swatragh has received a £4,040 grant. Deirdre Bradley, Chair of the group, yesterday said:

“Thanks to the funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to provide 100 three-course, hot and nutritious Christmas dinners, plus surprises, to people in our local community.

“It has been a very challenging year for everyone, but this initiative brightened the lives of so many. It also gave them a sense that they were not alone and that their community cares for and values them. Two of the beneficiaries are centenarians – how amazing is that? Our phones have not stopped ringing since the deliveries with people thanking all involved in this big team effort."

Click here for the full press release