£18.5 million National Lottery funding for community projects across England

17 Jan 2017 02:54 PM

More than 530 projects across England are sharing £18,560,998 in the latest round of grant awards from the Big Lottery Fund.

Today’s funding will support a diverse range of projects that enable people to improve their skills, meet new people and strengthen their communities.

James Harcourt, Big Lottery Fund Deputy Director of Responsive Programmes, said: “It’s great to see so many projects up and down the country bringing a positive change to their communities. Thanks to National Lottery players, the funding announced today will support people to overcome barriers, learn new skills and improve their lives for the future.”

See a full list of the great projects receiving funding

The Conservation Foundation in London has received £240,199 to deliver a project collecting old and broken garden tools from the public, refurbishing them in a prison workshop, and then giving them away to local schools and community groups for gardening and food-growing projects. The project will run in six prisons across England.

1625 Independent People in Bristol has received £901,194 to support and engage young people leaving care and custody. Working alongside regional and national partners, the project will specifically target those who are most disengaged and mistrusting of local services, including people who are at risk of homelessness, social exclusion and exploitation.

Barnardo’s in Leeds has received £499,040 to deliver lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender support to children and young people aged between eight and 24 in North and West Yorkshire, delivered from a central base in Leeds. Activities, workshops and support groups will be aimed at raising awareness and empowering people, professionals and communities to tackle discrimination against gay, bisexual and trans communities.

Crossroads Derbyshire in Glossop has received £301,802 to support young women aged 16-24 who are experiencing abuse, have poor emotional health and are struggling to successfully parent their children. The group will provide a safe place to women who are escaping abuse from partners or family, are fleeing forced marriage, sexual exploitation or online grooming.

Castle Vale Tenants and Residents Alliance in Birmingham has received £344,039 to provide advice and support to women who are experiencing complex debt issues and are affected by health and social inequalities. The bilingual service engages with the hardest to reach communities, often hidden due to cultural or language barriers. It will address any underlying issues and support people with employment and training advice to help reduce poverty and exclusion.

Notes to editors