Welcome financial boost for Derry community organisations

The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded funding to organisations in the Derry area who are bringing people together and improving wellbeing. 

One of the organisations receiving funding is Community Action for Locally Managing Stress (CALMS). They received an £18,570 grant over one year to provide counselling sessions, complementary therapies and workshops to improve mental the health and wellbeing of people in the local area. 

Elaine Porteous, Community Action for Locally Managing Stress, said: “Our project will support people with a range of mental health presentations, including anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal ideation and financial stress. It will help them, not only to ease their distress in the short term, but also to learn tools and techniques to develop healthy coping strategies to deal with any future challenges.” 

Foyle Search and Rescue was also awarded a £20,000 grant to buy a rescue boat to enable volunteers to access hard-to-reach areas safely and without causing environmental damage. 

Christina McKeegan, Charity Manager, Foyle Search and Rescue, said: “Foyle Search and Rescue is honoured to receive funding from The National Lottery Community Fund for the purchase of a new boat.  

“This vital support will enable our dedicated volunteers to carry out essential search and recovery operations with enhanced safety and efficiency. We are deeply grateful to National Lottery players for helping us continue this important work in service of our community.” 

This funding comes as part of the latest announcement of over £6 million of grants from The National Lottery Community Fund, to provide support and services to local people across Northern Ireland, to improve their lives. 

Tullyally Women’s Group are using a £20,000 grant over two years to run a programme of activities for women to build strong relationships and learn new skills. Activities will include craft and cooking classes, accredited training, baby health and development workshops, and information sessions. 

Other organisations being funded include ALLY Foyle Ltd, Derry Theatre Trust, Gasyard Development Trust, Naiscoil Cholmcille, Newbuildings Community & Environmental Assocation, Sean Dolans GAC and Ulster Project Derry/Londonderry. 

People across Northern Ireland can apply for grants of between £300 and £20,000 for environmental projects through The National Lottery Awards for All programme.   

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to all the groups receiving funding and carrying out vital work to improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland communities.  

“We are continuing to deliver on our strategy, ‘It starts with community’, with several programmes open for applications to support those in need. Please contact us if you would like advice on which funding would best suit your project idea.”