Jackpot year for Rochdale projects

Homestart benefit from Lottery grant for befriending activities for children with complex mental health issues

New figures show that more than £3.9 million of National Lottery funding was awarded in Rochdale last year.

A total of 41 Lottery grants were given out in the area during 2016; providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.

A wide variety of local projects received National Lottery grants last year, including: 

• £312,897 to Home Start Rochdale Borough for a new project providing befriending activities for children with complex mental health issues
• £8,000 to Rochdale Sea Cadet Corps towards a safety boat
• £14,000 to Link4Life for the Revealing Rochdale arts project

From today, these examples, or any organisation that has ever received National Lottery funding, has the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2017, the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

John Barrowman MBE, presenter of the National Lottery Awards show, said: “The National Lottery Awards are a fabulous celebration of the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public. The Awards rightly put the focus on ordinary people doing extraordinary things with National Lottery funding, whose efforts go such a long way and are indeed changing lives. National Lottery players can be very proud to have contributed towards their fine work.”

National Lottery Awards cover seven categories; Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out. There is also a Special Achievement Award to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual to improving the lives of others.

If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards call 0207 293 3329 to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on 7 April 2017.