Derry organisation 'Live Music Now' receives funding from local retailer’s grant initiative

A Derry organisation has received a £5,000 grant from SPAR NI, as part of its Community Cashback Grant initiative.  

Live Music Now is one of seven local organisations that have benefitted from part of a £20,000 grant, delivered by SPAR NI as part of their annual Community Cashback Grant Scheme.    

The scheme aims to reward local groups and charities for their work and care for their community, helping them to continue, while growing and improving their services.   

Live Music Now has received £5,000 from the grant, which the organisation says will help them continue to bring their services to over 600 disabled children, 1,000 primary school children and 50 isolated adults and their families to support mental wellbeing.   

Live Music Now is a UK wide organisation dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. The Northern Ireland branch, which opened in 1992, develops innovative musical approaches to support the wellbeing of children and adults facing challenging circumstances. 32 Northern Irish professional musicians are employed to provide these high-quality music sessions and each year 400 sessions are delivered by the organisation, reaching over 9,000 individuals across the country.   

Karen Irwin, Strategic Director at Live Music Now commented, “We wish to extend a huge thanks to SPAR NI. This grant will make a significant difference in the delivery of our music projects, reaching more individuals and families across the country who are in need of our support.”  

Bronagh Luke, Corporate Marketing Controller at Henderson Group, commented, “We are privileged to be able to offer the Community Cashback Grant Scheme for another year, helping local charities and organisations across Northern Ireland. It is an honour to show support to such selfless people doing vital work, day in and day out.    

“These donations are much needed across the country. Each year the entry numbers show us just how many amazing local charities and community groups need help to continue their work. 

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“We hope these grants make a difference to these seven deserving organisations, helping them continue their work and grow the services they are providing.”   

There are over 300 SPAR stores in Northern Ireland, each acting as community hubs and are dedicated to supporting local charities and community groups, from hospice centres to foodbanks, with store teams going beyond their roles in-store to engage and help