WIREDGOV

People experiencing loneliness and isolation are amongst those benefitting from £2.5 million of National Lottery funding announced yesterday (WED 11 OCTOBER).

The funding comes from Big Lottery Fund Scotland, which awards National Lottery funds to good causes across the country. See is a list of the awards

Announcing the grants, Martin Cawley, Director, Big Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery funding, people and communities are coming together and building social connections, thereby reducing loneliness and isolation. This in turn is improving access to services for isolated people and communities, helping them to lead happier and healthier lives.”

Examples of projects receiving funding are:

• Cowal Elderly Befrienders receives £234,000 to provide activities that help older people stay connected to each other, to services and to the community.
• The Haven Caring Counselling Communication Centre will use their award of £299,889 to support people affected by life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, and aim to reduce the impact of loss, loneliness and isolation on affected people and their families.
• An award of £437,208 will allow North Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Centre to provide addictions counselling and advocacy support to people with substance misuse issues, and help them rebuild relationships with family and friends.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 0141 242 1524
Website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
Twitter:@BIGSCOTLAND #BIGScotland
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 scheme National Lottery Awards for All Scotland.
• Since March 2007 Big Lottery Fund Scotland has taken devolved decisions on National 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.