A GROUP in Derry is to benefit from National Lottery funding.
Mandarin Speakers Association Derry will put its £9,600 grant into promoting diversity and celebrating cultural traditions.
Yang Zhou, the group’s chair, said the money would allow the group to share their culture with the local community.
“Our group is very grateful for the grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.
“This will allow our community to connect and let us share our culture with local people and connect our communities, to benefit all.”
Clanmil Housing Association will use its £9,990 grant for technology and training to help its tenants stay connected.
Claire Darby, a senior engagement officer at the association, said: “It’s so important our tenants don’t feel
excluded as a result of not having the equipment or digital skills.
“This funding will help support tenants who want to get involved, have their say and help shape our services.”
Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) has been awarded £499,595 to support care experienced young people whose wellbeing and opportunities have been badly hit by the pandemic.
Research they carried out with Queen’s University showed that delays in decision making made leaving care more challenging, that young people had less informal support networks and that poor mental health was a big issue.
Caoimhe Coyle, Area Manager at VOYPIC explained: “The pandemic had a huge impact, particularly on young care leavers aged 16 to 25 years old.
“We heard from a young woman who didn’t know when, how or where she would be moving to, right up until the day of her 18th birthday.
“Many of these young people who have left care during the pandemic have found themselves living alone, so social isolation is a big issue.
“This funding from the National Lottery Community Fund couldn’t have come at a better time and will allow us to directly support care experienced young people, providing much needed advocacy, coaching and community support networks in their local areas.”
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