1,600 community–led projects to share £58m of National Lottery funding

Around 1,600 community–led projects in England are celebrating after being awarded more than £58m of National Lottery funding.

The funding will go to a wide range of projects supporting local communities to thrive, and much of it has been awarded specifically to projects run for or by young people, empowering them to take the lead on things that are important to them and their communities.

One of these projects isAlum Rock Community Club in Birmingham, which has been awarded almost £10,000 to run football sessions for local children and young people, as well as provide them with coaching opportunities.

Around 70 children aged from four to 16-years-old will benefit from the project over the next year, where they will enjoy meeting new friends and learning new skills through football games on Saturdays at Rockwood Academy.

There will also be educational sessions to raise awareness of knife crime, radicalisation and internet safety, empowering young people to make positive changes in their community.

Some of the teenagers will also have the opportunity to gain a qualification in coaching, so that they can give something back to their community and make a difference to other young people’s lives.

Mark Purvis, deputy director of England Funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: ‘Young people are the experts in their own lives and, thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to support an exciting range of organisations and projects delivering the activities that they have told us they want in their communities.

‘We have seen time and again that when young people are in the lead, amazing things happen. We are excited to see how this funding will be used to enable communities to thrive’

Other groups to receive funding are Denton Youth & Community Project in Newcastle, which has received £85,000 to deliver vital provision, activities and inspirational trips for local children and young people.

Tough loving in Preston has also been awarded £10,000 to provide support and guidance to young people who are homeless. The project aims to offer accommodation and an individual bespoke care plan to develop and achieve short and long-term goals.