Lottery boost for groups

The small grants programme is awarding grants totalling more than £17,000 to the local groups as part of a grants roll-out of £682,788 to 83 groups across Northern Ireland.

Awards for All offers community, voluntary and statutory groups the chance to apply for small grants of between £500 and £10,000 that will have a big impact on local communities and the lives of people most in need.

South Eastern Health – First Response Northern Ireland, which provides first aid and ambulance services in the trust area and trains the public in the principles and practice of first aid, has been awarded a grant to £8,265 to run training courses and buy equipment.

Lisburn Masonic Hall Management Committee has also been awarded £9,500 to upgrade the kitchen and catering facilities in their hall.

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s NI Awards for All programme funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities.

“The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.awardsforall.org.uk