4 April 2000

Grants will help carers make a ‘bigger difference’

From stroke victims to scouts, from pension clubs to playgroups, a wide range of people in Northern Ireland society, whose lives are made better through voluntary work, will benefit from the latest grant allocations by the National Lottery Charities Board.

Altogether 65 charitable and community groups are sharing a total of £217,508 in the latest round of awards under the Charities Board’s Small Grants Scheme. In addition nine groups share £35,523 under the Millennium Small Grants Scheme.

The recipients heard the good news today at a presentation in the Down County Museum in Downpatrick.

Noel Stewart, Chairman of the National Lottery Charities Board in Northern Ireland, said the 65 grants would make a real difference to the impact of the efforts of those who care for others.

"These groups exemplify all those across Northern Ireland, often neither seeking nor receiving public acclaim, who work to improve the quality of life in urban and rural areas. They often underpin life for those who might fall through the net of support from larger agencies"

The recipient groups represent the whole spectrum of voluntary action in Northern Ireland and range from provision of play equipment to a grant of £5,000 to Arthritis Care in South East Belfast to provide a respite break for 20 sufferers.

Other awards include:

£4,979 to purchase camping equipment for 29th Belfast Scout group

£3,150 to the Hansel and Gretel Playgroup in Larne to purchase play equipment

£5,000 to Lower Andersonstown Mothers Support Group for an outdoor soft-surface play area

£3,670 to Manor Empowerment Committee in Lurgan for a Millennium Festival for disabled adults and children

National Lottery Charities Board Director in Northern Ireland, Ann McLaughlin, told the recipients: "You may not always realise how much your work is appreciated but you are the very fabric of your local communities, holding groups of people together and helping them retain a sense of belonging and identity."

Among the guests at the presentation were the chairman of Down District Council, Councillor Peter Fitzpatrick and the Chief Executive, John McGrillen.

The Small Grants Scheme awards Lottery Grants of up to £5,000 to smaller voluntary and community groups. These grants are simpler to apply for than the main grants schemes and are available for a wider range of projects.

For further information contact Sally Gardiner 02890-423314