Lottery boost for community groups

The Friends of St Francis PS, based in Lurgan, is using a £8,513 grant to purchase tablets, dongles and online books

and licences for accelerated reading to support vulnerable children returning to school and help recover lost learning due to the pandemic. The project supports pupils and parents who found isolation and the challenges of COVID-19 particularly difficult. The new equipment is also being used to connect with others in the community, including older people’s groups.

Fellow award recipients Broomhedge Orange Lodge, based near Moira, is using a £10,000 grant to build a disability toilet block in their hall, to create a safer shared meeting space that is accessible to everyone in the community. The upgrades allow them to better facilitate group activities and use the hall to host larger social gatherings and occasions all within an accessible, safe environment.

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund said, “It’s inspiring to see projects rising to the challenges of COVID-19, supporting well-being now and looking to the future, helping people in need. The wide range of projects funded demonstrates the strength of their members and the importance of staying connected with each other in these unprecedented times.

Individuals or groups in Lurgan who would like to talk about an idea tey have or applying for funding, can phone The National Lottery Community Fund on 028 4378 0003, email [email protected] or visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/northern-ireland.