1 million pound funding for Derry community groups

The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded over £1 million funding to 20 community organisations in Derry City and Strabane.

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 Enagh Youth Forum. Enagh Youth Forum (EYF) is led by young people for young people and was established in 2010 to promote the social, economic and environmental well-being of children and young people aged 10-25 in the Enagh Ward’s within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

A £499,450 grant will be awarded to run activities for vulnerable young people in the Greater Strathfoyle area in Derry, to improve their mental health, build skills and connect with the community.

Over three years the project will provide learning activities on topics decided by the young people such as youth safety, climate change, life skills, and youth rights.

The project will also organise social events and youth-led projects designed by the young people and their peers from neighbouring areas.

Eamonn O’Donnell, Secretary, Enagh Youth Forum, said: “This funding from The National Lottery Community Fund will make such a positive difference to local young people and the rural community of Strathfoyle.

“We look forward to holding a number of registration events over the next number of weeks and the project will start later in April.

“On behalf of the young people, committee, staff and volunteers, I would like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery Players for making projects like this happen.”

The Drummond Centre Project in Donemana has also been awarded a £9,950 grant to run activities for young people to build relationships and improve their confidence. 

Activities include workshops, training, a volunteer recognition event, team building activities, and social outings.

David Buchanan, Director and Youth Coordinator, The Drummond Centre, said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding for our Donemana Rural Youth Project 2023.

“The grant will allow us to support, deliver and enhance youth services through trips, workshops and educational support, for the youth within the village and district.

“From everyone at the Drummond Centre, thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund and the National Lottery players for making our project possible.”

Eglinton Building Bridges also received a £10,000 grant to provide a warm, safe, welcoming place for vulnerable members of the community who are impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

While members are using the space, they will have the opportunity to eat a hot meal and take part in activities such as cooking, musical performances, woodwork classes and tea dances.

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: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/ funding/northern-ireland