Members of Ahoghill Yew Tree Community Group, Cathy Bamber, Treasurer, Sirene Watt, Secretary, Tiffany Gordon, Jenna Gordon and Kim Rutherford, Chair.
Support is being brought to community groups and charitable organisations across County Antrim as part of an announcement of £6.8 million of funding in Northern Ireland from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The National Lottery money 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 those in need over winter and throughout 2025.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Ahoghill Yew Tree Community Group. They have been awarded a £16,550 grant from the National Lottery Awards to train volunteers and run community events to bring people together and improve wellbeing. Activities will include a Christmas event with crafts, carol singing and Santa’s Grotto.
Sirene Watt, Secretary of Ahoghill Yew Tree Community Group, said:
"We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund. We can't wait to implement all our plans for the community which we know will make a great difference to so many people in our Village.
“We look forward to the much-needed changes this grant will make."
The National Lottery Awards 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.
This 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.
Also receiving funding in this announcement is LoveHope&Faith, based in Martinstown. They received a £20,000 grant over one year to buy an all-terrain electric wheelchair and organise inclusive outdoor trips. The project will enable children and young people living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida to experience outdoor adventures with their families and friends.
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.
“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.”
Groups across County Antrim who have received funding:
Ahoghill Yew Tree Community - £16,550
Ahoghill Yew Tree Community Group, based near Ballymena, is using a £16,550 grant over one year to train volunteers and run community events. The project will bring people together to improve wellbeing. Activities will include a Christmas event with crafts, carol singing and Santa’s Grotto.
LoveHope&Faith - £20,000
based in Martinstown near Ballymena, is using a £20,000 grant over one year to buy an all-terrain electric wheelchair and organise inclusive outdoor trips. The project will enable children and young people living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida to experience outdoor adventures with their families and friends.
The Mae Murray Foundation - £20,000
The Mae Murray Foundation, based in Larne, is using a £20,000 grant over two years to support adults with complex needs to take part in fitness programmes in gyms and community settings. The project will provide opportunities to get active, improve mental and physical health, reduce isolation and promote independence.
Carrickfergus Historical Reenactment Group - £20,000
Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group is using a £20,000 grant over two years to run a community festival with traditional activities including soapbox racing, tea dancing, and piano smashing. The project will bring the local community together to reminisce, increase local pride and build new relationships.
East Antrim University of the Third Age - £20,000
East Antrim University of the Third Age, based in Carrickfergus, is using a £20,000 grant to renovate their garden and make it accessible for their members and create a relaxing outdoor space for people to meet and improve their wellbeing.
Antrim Community Support Hub - £20,000
Antrim Community Support Hub is using a £20,000 grant over one year to run a mental health wellbeing programme for people in the local community to build connections and access support.
Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group - £7,640
Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group, based in Newtownabbey, is using a £7,640 grant to create a sensory room to provide a safe and calm space for local children and young people, particularly those with ADHD and autism.
Ulster Woodturning - £15,315
Ulster Woodturning in Ballyclare is using a £15,315 grant over two years to run a programme of woodturning demonstrations to engage the local community and increase members. The project will bring new and existing members together to learn new skills and reduce isolation.
Ballycastle and District over 55's club - £15,356
Ballycastle and District over 55's club is using a £15,356 grant over two years to run a programme of craft activities, information sessions and day trips for older people, to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
Ballymoney Women's Institute - £5,790
Ballymoney Women’s Institute is using a £5,790 grant to upgrade their IT equipment, hold regular meetings, organise day trips and host a Christmas craft and dinner event to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing among local older women.
Causeway Down's Syndrome Parent/Carers Support Group - £20,000
Causeway Down's Syndrome Parent/Carers Support Group is using a £20,000 grant over two years to deliver speech and language workshops for children and young people with Downs Syndrome. The project will develop their communication skills, increase confidence and self-esteem, and bring them together to build friendships.
If you have a project idea and would like to discuss funding, please contact our enquiries team on 028 9055 1455 or email enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.
For more information on all National Lottery funding visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.u