Communities across Ballymena and Mid & East Antrim strengthened by National Lottery Funding
- Love Ballymena
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Representatives from D3MAC, Ballymena, has received a £20,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to run a programme of community activities.
Communities across Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area are celebrating after receiving vital support through National Lottery funding.
The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded grants to numerous local organisations committed to bringing people together, improving wellbeing, and supporting those in need.
Among the recipients is D3MAC, which has been awarded £20,000 over two years to deliver a programme of inclusive activities for all ages, including youth clubs, parent and baby groups, and seasonal community fun days.
Julie Rodgers of D3MAC commented:
“This funding has an ongoing and very positive impact on our diverse community in Dunclug. It enables us to continue providing inclusive, year-round family events and has allowed us to further develop our new Youth/Community Hub.
“We now offer not only a safe and supportive space for our youth, but also new groups, workshops, and resources for all residents.”
Turning Point NI, also based in Ballymena, received £20,000 over one year to provide essential counselling services. The initiative is aimed at helping people within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) area recognise emotional triggers and develop coping mechanisms to support their mental health.
Other local projects awarded funding include:
Ballymena Substance User Support Group – £9,049 to deliver art therapy classes for individuals struggling with addiction and poor mental health, offering a creative outlet to aid recovery.
Ballymena and District Carers Group – £5,750 to organise day trips providing respite and social connection for local carers.
Ballymena Walking for Health Group – £10,000 to encourage older residents to stay active and connected through group walks and information events.
Portglenone Community Workshop and Men’s Shed – £19,994 to equip a woodworking workshop that fosters community and skill-sharing.
These awards are part of a broader £6 million National Lottery Community Fund investment announced for groups across Northern Ireland. Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised weekly across the UK to support charitable projects and community wellbeing.
Wider Mid and East Antrim Area Benefits
Beyond Ballymena, several organisations across Mid and East Antrim also received support:
Cairncastle Women’s Institute – £2,105 for a cultural day trip to connect rural residents and boost wellbeing.
Charles Sheils Community (Carrickfergus) – £20,000 for community activities and the renovation of a shared kitchen.
Eco Rangers NI (Larne) – £15,000 for environmental clean-up equipment to increase community pride.
Greenisland Community Council – £5,200 for a youth summer scheme promoting skills and confidence.
Larne YMCA – £20,000 to improve their building’s energy efficiency and ensure sustainable youth service.
Learning Disability Pride NI (Carrickfergus) – £20,000 to organise a parade and event promoting visibility and inclusion for people with learning disabilities.
Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Over 50s Club – £20,000 over two years for trips and activities aimed at tackling isolation among older people.
Designability Charity Ltd – £18,185 to relaunch a powered wheelchair loan scheme in partnership with the Mae Murray Centre.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, praised the latest recipients:
“Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding and carrying out vital work to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland communities.
“We are continuing to deliver on our strategy, ‘It starts with community’, with several programmes open for applications to support those in need. Please contact us if you would like advice on which funding would best suit your project idea.”
Apply for Community Funding
The National Lottery Awards for All programme offers grants between £300 and £20,000 for community-based and environmental projects across Northern Ireland. Local groups are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
For more information on National Lottery funding visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.
