Groups enjoy project funding windfall

7th Antrim Whiteabbey Scouts has received a £9,264 grant from Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme. It is part of a Big Lottery Fund grants roll out today of £942,846 to 114 groups across Northern Ireland.

They is a voluntary cross community scout group, offering activities such as scout led community projects, camping and team building. They are using the £9,264 to provide the group with their own camping equipment.

St Marys On The Hill Guide Unit, based in Glengormley, has been awarded £6,270. The group offers activities, adventure and challenges for girls and women. They are using the money to deliver a Free Being Me residential, to encourage girls to increase their self-esteem and be more confident in their body image.

Ballyclare RFC has been given £9,961. The club provides facilities, coaching staff and the opportunity for children and adults to take part in rugby. They are using the funding to improve the club's kitchen facilities allowing for greater community use.

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s NI Awards for All programme funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities.

“The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.”