The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to six community organisations in Mid and East Antrim area.
The grants are part of an announcement of £7.2million from The National Lottery Community Fund to 153 groups across Northern 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 Carnlough Community Association (CCA). They are using a £276,727 grant to run community activities to connect residents from Carnlough, Cushendall, Glenarm and Ballygally. Activities will reduce isolation in these rural areas, improve wellbeing and provide opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills.
Over three years the project will run a luncheon club for older people, a bowling club, day trips, a summer scheme and a youth club. The project will also improve the environmental knowledge and skills of the community through work with schools, in the community allotments, and improving green areas in the village.
Keith Cruttenden, Treasurer of CCA and member of the Bowling Club, said:
“I am thrilled that we have received this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, so we can continue to deliver activities like our very popular Bowling Club all year round. Taking part in these activities allows me, and many others, to keep active, socialise and form friendships.”
Larne YMCA has been awarded a £281,365 grant to expand their programme of activities for children and young people who are on the autistic spectrum or waiting on a diagnosis. Over three years the project will run a tailored youth club, parent support groups and emotional regulation workshops, to improve skills, increase confidence and provide opportunities to make friends and have fun.
Activities include team games, cookery, sensory activities, day trips and information sessions. When the young people are ready to take part in mainstream youth activities, they are encouraged to join other YMCA youth clubs. When young people have made this progression, they can become peer leaders for the autism social group, to break down barriers and help young people coping with similar issues.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes across the UK, including Bann Maine West. They are using a £10,000 grant to cover the rent for their community hub in Cullybackey. The hub provides a welcoming, friendly environment for people to drop-in to access information, support, attend workshops and feel connected to their community.
White Ribbon NI in Larne is using a £9,990 grant to help organisations across Northern Ireland to achieve accreditation which promotes their pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. They will be supported to adapt their policies and make an action plan.
Also receiving funding is The Prom Friendship Group in Larne. They are using a £5,700 grant to run a support group for people living with dementia and their carers. The group will include sing-a-longs, craft, dance evenings and storytelling.
Ferniskey LOL 115 in Kells is using a £10,000 grant to install a new kitchen so they can provide meals and refreshments at events hosted by local community groups.
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: