Community Groups & Charities In Borough Receive An Early Christmas Present From The National Lottery

Support is being brought to six community groups and charitable organisations in Causeway Coast and Glens as part of an announcement of £6.8 million of funding in Northern Ireland from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

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. 

One of the organisations receiving funding is Causeway Downs Syndrome Parent/Carers Support Group. They have been awarded a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Awards for All programme to deliver two years of speech and language workshops for children and young people with Downs Syndrome.  

Una Crowe, Chairperson, Causeway Downs Syndrome Parent/Carers Support Group, said: “We’re delighted to receive this £20,000 funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to continue to run our Speak Easy workshops for children and young adults with Downs Syndrome. This will allow them to develop their confidence, communication skills and integration within the community.” 

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.  

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 is Ballymoney Women’s Institute. They have been awarded 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. 

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.   

Including, Kilrea and District Ulster Scots Society which received a £19,210 grant over two years to run a programme of activities to bring the community together and reduce isolation. Activities will include craft classes, day trips, storytelling and reminiscence evenings, seasonal celebrations, wreath making and a Christmas Dinner.   

Other organisations being funded include Ballycastle and District Over 55’s Club, Ballyrashane Women’s Institute and Building Ballysally Together. 

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.” 

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