Key towns and cities to receive funding include Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle
Cumbria’s community organisations are celebrating after being awarded a total of £1,086,500 in National Lottery funding for the quarter. The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
In total, 37 community projects in Cumbria – ranging from support for people at risk of self-harming to sailing and canoeing for disabled people – are receiving a share. Key towns and cities to receive funding include Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle.
The funding also includes nearly £210,000 that is going towards helping to combat loneliness and isolation.
SAFA Cumbria – Supporting people who self-harm in Barrow-in-Furness is one of the projects involved – it will be receiving nearly £300,000. The project provides counselling and support for those who self-harm, and for their immediate families and carers. The funding will enable them to continue their learning and development and provide counselling support for 240 clients over a three year period.
Cindy Daltioni, Chief Executive Officer, SAFA Cumbria, said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to continue to provide the range of services that we offer for a further three years.
Additionally, Autism Support Allerdale & Copeland will also receive over £40,000 for their ‘Bringing Families Together’ scheme. The project is designed to support parents of children with Autism. The funding will go towards running exclusive activities – such as soft-play, bowling sessions, dance classes, and more – hosted in a non-judgemental environment, as well as towards workshops for parents.
Shirley Murphy, Chair, Autism Support Allerdale & Copeland, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players for making our project possible. We’re making a huge difference to the lives of children and their families with Autism.”
Duncan Nicholson, Head of Funding for North East & Cumbria region at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “As the UK’s largest funder of community activity, we believe that when people are in the lead, communities thrive.
“This quarter money raised by National Lottery players has gone towards helping people to tackle some of the most pressing issues in their communities – combating loneliness, improving mental health, engaging young people, and much more.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to be able to support groups like SAFA Cumbria and Autism Support Allerdale & Copeland turn their inspiration and ideas into practical projects to improve thousands of lives where they live and beyond.”
The National Lottery Community Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds (£508.5 million), and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk.