Big Lottery spells out future funding plans

Published on 15 October 2009, by paulartherton

in

The Big Lottery in Northern Ireland has unveiled the new focus for its grant programmes up to 2012 which will deliver £40 million for the voluntary and community sector.

Last year the Big Lottery Fund carried out a consultation to find out how local communities wanted future grant programmes to be developed.

The new grant themes include the impact of alcohol on people and communities, young people at risk, older people at risk, and improving communities by making better use of existing spaces.

A series of events and meetings will take place across Northern Ireland between now and the end of November 2009 giving Northern Ireland communities the chance to have their say on the funding proposals.

The Big Proposals for Northern Ireland gives details on how future grant could be developed in the following areas:

· Alcohol Related Harm: A £5 million programme that will provide funding for up to four years for projects that reduce the harm to people, families and communities directly affected by alcohol misuse. It is likely that the programme will be open by Autumn 2010.

· Young People at Risk: A £10 million programme providing funding for up to five years for activities that give young people opportunities to reconnect with school, society, employment, their families and their communities. It is likely that the programme will be open by Autumn 2010.

· Older People at Risk: A £10 million programme providing funding for up to four years for activities giving older people the opportunity to live more independent lives and contribute to their community. It is likely that the programme will be open by Autumn 2010.

· Space and Place: A £15 million programme providing funding to improve community relations by making better use of existing spaces and places where people live and creating safe places to play, to meet others and take part in activities such as sport, learning and health promotion. It is likely that the programme will be open by Autumn 2010.

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk