Over £600,000 National Lottery investment in Newry, Mourne and Down


This is part of wider announcement of over £10.5 million across Northern Ireland, including grass roots community organisations delivering vital activities to local people to reduce isolation and build connections.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Greater Armagh Road Men's Shed, based in Newry, who received an £18,050 grant over two years to set up a workshop area and outdoor space.
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Hide AdThe project will fund new tools, gardening equipment, a generator and a solar panel kit. The project will improve the mental and physical health of local men by bringing them together to socialise and learn new skills.


Martin Kearns, Chairman, Greater Armagh Road Men’s Shed, said: “It's with great delight that we are able to announce that the Greater Armagh Road Men’s Shed has received £18,050 from The National Lottery Community Fund. We have a plan in place that we hope will benefit all within our community, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”
Lissummon District Men's Shed, based outside Newry, are using an £18,755 grant over one year to complete the development of their new building by installing insulation, plumbing, electricity, raised beds and fencing. The project will create a welcoming space for men to come together, build friendships and learn new skills.
Oliver O’Hare, Treasurer, Lissumon Men’s Shed, said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
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Hide Ad"We’ve started work on our project which is allowing us to insulate, wire and plumb our shed, build raised beds in our polytunnel, create safe paths throughout the site, install secure fencing, and build a composting toilet.


"The members have told me that the shed is a fantastic opportunity to meet and chat with other men and that the improvements have made a cosy, friendly atmosphere.”
St Oliver Plunkett Youth Club in Crossmaglen is using an £18,050 grant to resurface their playground area and car park. The project will improve health and safety and provide new markings for car parking and playground activities for the young people to enjoy.
Karena McGahan, Chair, St Oliver Plunkett Youth Club said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured funding through The National Lottery Community Fund for our outdoor rejuvenation project.
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Hide Ad"We will improve our play area/car park to provide a safe space for young people to learn, develop and achieve, through sport and play, whilst improving their health and wellbeing. Improving this space now will help to improve our future programmes for young people, including those with special needs. Thanks to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including Women’s Aid Armagh and Down, which is based in Newry. They are using a £499,799 grant to support women and their families, who are affected by domestic and sexual abuse, to cope with their trauma and give them hope for a positive future.
Over three years the project will run training programmes, learning and networking events, health and wellbeing days, creative activities, coffee mornings and volunteering opportunities. The project will improve their emotional, physical and mental wellbeing, and support the women to build connections in the community to empower them to improve their families' lives.
Other organisations being funded include Burren Vision, who are using a £19,997 grant over two years to run activities to improve the mental and physical health of all ages in the local community. The project includes yoga, dance, walking football, stress management, mental health awareness and healthy heart sessions.
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Hide AdDerramore Men's Shed are using a £13,450 grant over two years to run a wellbeing project for members. The project will run activities that follow the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing process to connect, be active, keep learning, give to others and take notice.
Kilkeel Sea Cadets are using a £7,700 grant to carry out repairs to their safety boat. The project will allow the group to continue their water-based activities for young people to learn new skills, work as a team, and improve their communication and confidence.
Lislea Men's Shed near Newry is using a £13,900 grant install solar panels on their premises to lower the costs of running their digital hub and reduce their carbon footprint.
Cullyhanna GAC is using a £20,000 grant to install a lift in the community hub part of their premises. The project will increase accessibility for people with mobility issues so that the club can expand the community activities they can offer, such as a lunch club for isolated older people.
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Hide AdKate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “It’s incredible to see this £10.5 million of funding going to the charities, community organisations and voluntary groups which are doing vital work every day to support people in their community.
“We’re proud to invest money raised by people who play the National Lottery back into communities, to strengthen them and improve lives. As part of our new strategy ‘It starts with community’, we’re developing a new large grant programme to continue to reach people most in need which will open in the Autumn.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.
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