Charlene Brady and family – Gary, Freya, Charlene and Ayda.
The news comes as part of an announcement of £6million to 157 groups across Northern Ireland this holiday period.
The National Lottery funding is being used to run festive celebrations as well as bringing isolated people together to make connections, and support people with activities to improve their mental and physical health over the coming years.
One of the organisations receiving funding is Altnagelvin Parents Group in Derry.
They have been awarded a £9,965 grant to organise a Christmas party for families who regularly attend the children’s ward at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Lisa Storey, Chairperson of Altnagelvin Parents Group, said: “As a small charity we were delighted to hear that we’d received this funding so we could plan a very special Christmas event for our families who have children with lifelong or life limiting medical complexities and conditions.
“We had 300 guests who all received a beautiful lunch, saw Santa and had an afternoon of family festive fun. It was an event that catered for the whole family – a social opportunity that may not be afforded to our families otherwise. Thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible.”
Bogside and Brandywell Initiative in Derry also received a £10,000 grant to run their Hen’s Shed to reduce isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of local women.
The project will run craft sessions, exercise classes and teach them new skills to build their confidence.
Kyra Reynolds from the Triax Neighbourhood Management Team at Bogside and Brandywell Initiative said: “The Hen’s Shed provides women of all ages in the area with social and upskilling opportunities.
“There are almost 200 women registered and they also have their own WhatsApp group to keep in touch when they aren’t at the shed.
“We couldn’t have extended this wonderful group for another year, without the support of The National Lottery Community Fund.”
Tullyally Community Partnership in Derry also received a £10,000 grant to bring residents together to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
The project will run a weekly luncheon club for older or vulnerable people and organise a Christmas event for people impacted by the rising cost of living.
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including Kinship Care Northern Ireland.
They are using a £9,997 grant to organise Christmas activities in Derry Strabane and Belfast for children and young people living in kinship care or community care.
Activities will include outings to Christmas shows, a Christmas Disco, a Santa Bus and a Christmas Craft Party.
Currynierin Community Association has been awarded a £10,000 grant to run events to bring the local community together.
The project will include a Christmas event, dinner dance for older people and a summer festival.
Foyle Women’s Aid received a £10,000 grant to support local women to improve their confidence and skills to overcome the barriers they face to be the best version of themselves.
The Dress for Success NI – Survive and Thrive project will include health workshops, meditation, styling sessions, financial advice and preparation for employment.
Also receiving funding is North West Community Network, Triax Social Economy Project, Bogside and Brandywell Initiative, Derry YMCA, Campsie Masonic Community Hall Social Club, Derry Theatre Trust, Hive Cancer Support, and John Mitchel’s GAC in Claudy.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding today. These projects are improving the lives of people in their communities, especially during the winter period where many people need additional wellbeing support or help to take part in festive celebrations.
“We recently launched our new funding strategy up to 2030 which will ensure National Lottery money continues to make a difference to communities across Northern Ireland.
“We look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in 2024 and beyond.”
For more information on National Lottery funding visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland
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