The Drummond Centre Project welcomed Lorraine Gallen (Funding Officer) from The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland to the centre to officially present a ‘big cheque’ in celebration of recent funding. L-R Ashley Campbell (Voluntary Youth Leader), Pearl Smyth (Secretary & Director), Lorraine Gallen (The National Lottery Community Fund, Funding Officer) and David Buchanan (Director)
The grants are part of an announcement of £7.2million from The National Lottery Community Fund to 153 groups across the North of Ireland.
The National Lottery funding is being used to support people during these challenging times, including bringing people together, providing mental health support and helping people struggling with the rising cost of living.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Enagh Youth Forum.
They are using a £499,450 grant to run activities for vulnerable young people in the Greater Strathfoyle area in Derry, to improve their mental health, build skills and connect with the community.
Over three years the project will provide learning activities on topics decided by the young people such as youth safety, climate change, life skills, and youth rights. The project will also organise social events and youth-led projects designed by the young people and their peers from neighbouring areas.
Eamonn O’Donnell, Secretary, Enagh Youth Forum, said: “This funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will make such a positive difference to local young people and the rural community of Strathfoyle.
“We look forward to holding a number of registration events over the next number of weeks and the project will start later in April.
“On behalf of the young people, committee, staff and volunteers, I would like to thank the The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery Players for making projects like this happen!”
The Drummond Centre Project in Donemana has also been awarded a £9,950 grant to run activities for young people to build relationships and improve their confidence. Activities include workshops, training, a volunteer recognition event, teambuilding activities, and social outings.
David Buchanan, Director and Youth Coordinator, The Drummond Centre, said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding for our Donemana Rural Youth Project 2023.
“The grant will allow us to support, deliver and enhance youth services through trips, workshops and educational support, for the youth within the village and district.
“From everyone at the Drummond Centre, thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund and the National Lottery players for making our project possible.”
Eglinton Building Bridges also received a £10,000 grant to provide a warm, safe, welcoming place for vulnerable members of the community who are impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
While members are using the space, they will have the opportunity to eat a hot meal and take part in activities such as cookery, musical performances, woodwork classes and tea dances.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes across the UK, including Strabane Community Project.
They are using a £9,995 grant to help fund their rising costs so they can continue to run their evening wellbeing club for older people.
The project provides social activities and a healthy meal in a warm space, and a take-home snack box at the end of the evening.
Paul Sweeney, The National Lottery Community Fund’s NI Chair, said: “I’m proud to see the impact our funded projects are having in people’s lives and across communities in Northern Ireland as we continue to live with increased pressures and uncertainties.
“Our staff are happy to talk with groups about their ideas for funding to help communities.
“We are also supporting current funded projects to deal with the rising costs that are challenging their services and working flexibly, to ensure that National Lottery money continues to reach people in need.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland
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