Festive lotto windfall for organisations in Newry and Kilkeel


The National Lottery funding is being used for a range of projects, including bringing isolated people together to make connections, building skills to empower people to improve their lives, and supporting people in need over winter and throughout 2025.
The National Lottery Awards for All programme is accepting applications from community groups for projects lasting up to two years in length. Funding of between £300 to £20,000 is available for projects that have been developed alongside the local community, for activities that reflect what matters to them.
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Hide AdThis could be through bringing people together to develop or strengthen relationships, improving places and spaces that matter to local people or supporting people in communities to reach their full potential. We encourage groups considering applying to get in touch with us to chat about their idea.
Amongst those getting funding are Advocacy VSV in Kilkeel, who are using a £417,288 grant to support and advocate for male and female victims of sexual violence in the Southern Health and Social Care Trusts area. Over four years the project will provide emotional support and practical guidance from an early stage, to help them navigate the criminal justice system while they are recovering from trauma. The project will also offer support to victims’ families and raise awareness of the issues victims face to legal professionals.
Mourne Local studies Group, based in Kilkeel, is using an £8,300 grant to run educational trips, local interest talks and to buy equipment to support their work. The project will bring people together to learn about the history of the local area, build connections and share their knowledge with the wider community.
Newry and Mourne Community Transport is using a £20,000 grant over one year to provide transport across this rural area for people with disabilities and vulnerable adults to access essential services such as medical appointments.
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Hide AdSticky Fingers Arts, based in Newry, are using a £20,000 grant to make their building accessible for children and young people with complex needs so they can take part in activities. The project will install a changing place facility, ensure all areas within the building are accessible, and upgrade their sensory equipment.
Since the first National Lottery draw 30 years ago in 1994, The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £786 million to good causes across communities in Northern Ireland. Over this time, UK wide, £50 billion has been raised for good causes, thanks to people playing the games.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. I’m proud to see the impact our funded projects are having in people’s lives and across communities in Northern Ireland.
“Wintertime and the festive season can be difficult for many, but thanks to these projects, people are being supported to cope with the challenges they face and can look forward to a better 2025.
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Hide Ad“As the new year approaches, we’re building on the work and impact already made through these 30 years of National Lottery funding and continuing to meet the needs of communities.”
If you have a project idea and would like to discuss funding, please contact our enquiries team on 028 9055 1455 or email [email protected].
For more information on all National Lottery funding visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
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