£2million to help your community!
#CelebrateNationalLottery25 is offering grants of up to £1,000 for projects that bring people together. And here’s some inspiration...
The National Lottery goes far beyond making millionaires. Since the first draw took place in 1994, it has raised an astonishing £40bn for good causes across the UK. And to celebrate the huge impact it has had on UK life over the years, they are running #CelebrateNationalLottery25, a £2m fund giving people the chance to apply for funding of between £100 and £1,000 for an event or activity that brings their community together in 2020. Support worker Varsha Thakrar used a National Lottery grant to host a picnic in Coventry’s War Memorial Park, bringing together 120 carers and their families. “Caring for a family member or other loved one is one of the most selfless things you can do – but it can be exhausting and isolating,” said Varsha. “You might have to give up your own job and be financially disadvantaged, too. “I know how much love and energy caring takes, because as a wellbeing support worker for Carers Trust Heart of England, I advise and help carers. For many, English is not their first language and speaking openly about their personal struggles is still taboo. “That’s why when we applied for a small grant from The National Lottery to host a carers’ community picnic in Coventry – as part of the Mayor’s Community Weekend celebrations – the fact we were able to bring carers and their families from many different backgrounds together in a safe and inclusive environment was so important. I saw the real joy people got out of the event – it made them feel free. “We had plenty of great food, music, dancing, loads of information on hand if people wanted it and a quiet space for those who wanted to chat. It just goes to show that you don’t need lots of money to make a positive difference.”