The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to organisations in the Ballymena area and across Mid & East Antrim.
The funding comes as part of an announcement of over £2 million of grants from The National Lottery Community Fund to provide support and services to local people across Northern Ireland, to improve their lives.
One of the organisations receiving funding is 7th Ballymena (All Saints) Scout Group which is using a £6,879 grant to run cookery classes for the young people attending their scout camp. The scouts will learn independent cooking skills, plan and prepare a menu for each other and learn about dietary requirements and nutrition.
Pathfinders Walking Group also received a £5,600 grant over two years to organise activities to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of local men. The project will run challenging walking activities to bring men together to enjoy the outdoors and support each other.
Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including WayMaker Child Therapy C.I.C which is using a £20,000 grant over one year to provide play therapy sessions and baby massage for children aged 0-8 years old and their families.
The project will focus on children who have experienced trauma or are in care, to support them in a safe and nurturing environment where children can express themselves, develop coping mechanisms and build connections.
Glenravel & District Community and Residents Association is using a £19,116 grant to provide a two-year programme of events and activities for local residents to build relationships. The project will include intergenerational gardening activities, community festivals, refurbishment of their building, a summer scheme for children and a self-care programme for women.
Good Morning Ballymena has been awarded a £19,990 grant over two years to reduce isolation and loneliness for local older people. The project will organise lunch clubs with educational talks, provide weekend wellbeing calls, and host a recognition event for volunteers.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“I’m looking forward to seeing the difference these grants make across Northern Ireland thanks to the charities, community organisations and voluntary groups which are doing vital work every day to support people in their community.
“As we approach the 30th Birthday of the National Lottery later this year, celebrating these new awards is a great way to thank National Lottery players who raise this money, which is going back into communities, to strengthen them, and improve lives.”
Elsewhere in the borough the following groups have also been awarded funding:
Glynn Community Group based outside Larne, is using an £8,200 grant to run community events including cinema nights in the village hall, a Halloween party for children and a winter warm hub for local residents. This project will bring local people of all ages together to reduce isolation and increase community spirit.
Islandmagee North Women’s Institute is using a £2,637 grant to organise a cultural day trip and meal for members to experience together to create memories and improve wellbeing.
Larne Community Development Project is using a £20,000 grant over two years to run activities for the local community to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. Activities include a luncheon club for all ages, seasonal events, a warm hub and a gymnastics programme for children with additional needs.
For more information on National Lottery funding visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.