'Connecting Communities – Linking BT47' project in Derry celebrates financial boost

Local community group, Lincoln Courts Youth and Community Association, has been awarded £430,515 in National Lottery funding to provide activities and services to connect people across the Waterside area.

The National Lottery 'Community Fund' grant award will assist the project, 'Connecting Communities – Linking BT47', over three years and reduce social isolation, improve community relations, build skills and increase wellbeing.

The project includes workshops for older people, recreational activities for young people, inclusive community events and development of a strategic plan to build a stronger community.

Welcoming the news, Project Manager Don McClay said: “Lincoln Courts Youth and Community are delighted to receive funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for our project, Connecting Communities – Linking BT47.

“Our project will provide community orientated activities, developed from the bottom up, for the benefit of all residents within the Waterside (BT47) area of Derry.

“The impact of the funding will be to develop and sustain activities which have addressed the specific needs and aspirations of community members and are reflective of the priorities and values as seen by the community.

“The project will empower local people and the community by building capacity and encouraging active participation. The project will promote self-reliance and sustainable development by enabling individuals to take ownership of their developmental processes.

“A heartfelt thank you to the National lottery players for making this project and the associated benefits attributed to this project possible”.