​Christmas bonus (ball) as community organisations receive lottery funding

​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 Newry and Mourne Co-operative Limited. They have been awarded a £325,201 grant to provide educational and employment activities for young people in the Newry, Mourne and Down, and Banbridge areas, to help them reach their potential. Over three years the project will provide training, community volunteering projects, mentoring, work placements and support to deal with the challenges they face. The project will develop their skills, increase confidence, improve their wellbeing, and help them to re-engage with education or seek employment.

Autism Support Kilkeel has also been awarded a £9,620 grant to provide tailored swimming lessons and water safety skills sessions for children with autism who aren’t able to attend mainstream lessons.

Mullaghbawn Cú Chulainns CLG, based outside Newry, also received a £2,110 grant to run a weekly parent and toddler group with varied activities to promote early child development and provide an opportunity for parents to socialise and support each other.

Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes like these across the UK, including Crossmaglen University of the Third Age. They are using a £6,192 grant to celebrate their 20-year anniversary. The project will bring members together to take part in activities and celebration events to thank them for their commitment over the years.

Also receiving funding is Craobh Rua Camlocha, Dorsey Senior Citizens and St. Bronagh's Youth Club.

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.”