[C]ommunity organisations across Cumbria are celebrating today after being awarded £338,000 in National Lottery funding. The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
In total, 31 community projects across the region are receiving a share. These range from water-based activities for veterans to the refurbishment of a school playground. Key towns and cities including Carlise, South Lakeland and Allerdale will benefit from the funding.
Kirksanton Village Hall in Copeland have received over £60,000 to extend and renovate the village hall and create a social hub to bring local people together.
Additional hall space, storage facilities and a fully functioning kitchen will mean that the group can drastically increase the range of activities on offer to local residents.
Anne Harrison, Treasurer at Kirksanton Village Hall, says: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’ll be able to provide a much improved venue for local residents to access health and wellbeing activities. Our village is rurally isolated, so the hall provides a place to bring people from the community together and take part in social activities, attend coffee mornings or have fun in arts and crafts sessions. There’s something for everyone here at Kirksanton and after the refurbishment we’ll be able to provide so much more.”
James Harcourt, England Grant-Making Director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “Whether in a village, town or city, National Lottery funding is helping to make a difference, bringing communities together to help people lead happier and healthier lives.
“It’s wonderful to see the positive impact projects like Kirksanton Village Hall are making by bringing people together in Copeland. They are an inspiration to others, showing what great things can be achieved when people work together to tackle the things that really matter to their community.”
The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. As part of today’s announcement, it has revealed that it is making grants totalling £41 million going to over 2,300 community organisations across England. See the full list of projects HERE.
To find out more visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
