A Big opportunity..

Community groups battle for £150k of Lottery money

THE battle for £150,000 National Lottery cash is heating up as voting continues for five competing communities.

Daily Mirror readers have been helping bolster the voting numbers for their favourite projects and there are just days left to make an impact.

Each is competing for up to £50,000 in National Lottery funding to make big changes in their communities.

But there are only three pots of money available, so every vote counts.

You can find out all the details including how to vote and the terms and conditions on The People’s Projects website – www.thepeoplesprojects.org. uk.

But you better move fast because voting closes at noon on Monday,

The three projects that gain the most votes across the campaign period will take home awards of up to £50,000 in National Lottery money, with the winners announced on May 3.

The Book Buddies project from Pawzitive, which uses trained dogs to encourage children to read, is bidding to win £50,000 to extend the scheme to new primary schools in the Co Down area.

Erne Craftie Women by Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative in Enniskillen is hoping to receive £49,920 for a project to skill isolated women up to restore donated or abandoned furniture.

The Get Up and Go Green project from Longstone Special School PSA in Dundonald is competing for £41,380 to create a community garden and run workshops to raise awareness of the environment.

The garden will also be open to residents and other schools and community groups.

The Huddle Project from uhub Therapy Centre, who run an afterschool drop-in for children with ASD and their siblings, hope to receive £50,000 to expand their support across North Down and Ards to help more young people with behavioural, communication and other needs. The Multi Sport for Multi Abilities from Superstars Club in Cookstown are campaigning to win £50,000 to run a year-long programme of physical activities for young people and adults who have learning and physical disabilities to improve their health and self-confidence.

Julie Harrison, Big Lottery Fund Northern Chair, said: “The projects gives you a chance to help decide on how National Lottery funding is spent in their communities.

“Visit www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk to find out more about the shortlisted projects and vote for your favourite.”

JOY Previous winners Food For Thought scooped a £49,000 grant