21 September 1998

National Lottery Charities Board awards one million pounds to UK Charities and Voluntary Groups

The National Lottery Charities Board today announced eight grants worth £1 million across the UK under its Community involvement programme.

Amongst the groups benefiting are Deafblind UK, a long-established charity that represents the interest of deafblind adults. The project will strengthen its communications service, replacing its Braille printer, covering costs for the information service and providing a full-time Communications Co-ordinator and Assistant, so that the communications service is not wholly dependent on volunteers. Deafblind UK receives a grant of £351,520 over three years.

The National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries was set up in 1972 to promote the concept that play is a valid learning tool for children. NATTL is the umbrella organisation for over 1000 toy libraries catering mainly for the under- 5s. The award of £91,400 over three years will enable NATTL to address the needs of an older group of children aged 5-11. A Project Manager will be appointed to develop new libraries and toy banks for use by childminders and after-school clubs. Particular beneficiaries will be children with learning difficulties.

Amanda Jordan, Chair of the Board’s UK Committee, said: "Our Community involvement programme aims to benefit community organisations and activities, volunteering and community action and voluntary and community organisations.

All the projects we have funded today will provide real benefit to communities throughout the UK and show our commitment to helping those at most disadvantage in our society."

Community involvement is a continuous grants programme, and application lines are still open. For an application pack call today on 0345 919191.

Media enquiries: Paul Hensby, Director for Communications, 0171-747 5229