By Isle of Wight Observer
New figures reveal that more than £59 million of National Lottery funding has been invested on the Isle of Wight since the National Lottery began almost 25 years ago.
Thanks to National Lottery players, lives of ordinary people have been transformed on the Isle of Wight over the past quarter of a century. Hundreds of National Lottery grants have been awarded since 1994, helping to strengthen our communities, power our sports teams, protect the environment, unleash local creative talent and look after the elderly and those at risk.
A wide variety of local projects have received National Lottery funding over the last 25 years, including major funding to The Isle of Wight Partnership which brings 21 partners together to provide a range of holistic health services. Schemes include a youth confidential telephone line, a healing arts scheme and an accident prevention scheme.
Most National Lottery grants, however, are for £10,000 or less, for example:
- £8,085 to Island 2000 Trust to improve the access to the local orchard and wetland walk area.
- £10,000 to The Methodist Church Ryde Isle Of Wight to provide access for disabled people into the local hall which is used for community activities.
- £10,000 to West Wight Timebank to enable more members of the community to come together to strengthen friendships, share skills and reduce isolation.
National Lottery Promotions Unit Director, Jonathan Tuchner says, “Since its launch 25 years ago, The National Lottery has changed lives the length and breadth of the UK. As I walk around my neighbourhood, I’m proud of how many projects and organisations the National Lottery has funded – from helping people who have mental health issues to keeping teenagers out of trouble with free after school clubs”
“It’s all down to local people who choose to do incredible things with National Lottery funding, changing their communities for the better, step by step. I look forward to what we can achieve together over the next 25 years.”
From today, any organisation that has received National Lottery funding, has the chance to gain nationwide acclaim by entering the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards – our search for the UK’s favourite ever National Lottery-funded projects.
National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £10,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.
Last year, Fiona Coldron won the Special Achievement Award for her work with her family run charity ‘Something To Look Forward To.’ The charity supports thousands of families affected by cancer and the resulting financial hardship by providing ‘gifts’ and ‘experiences’ that have been donated by individuals and businesses.
Fiona says, “As a result of the National Lottery Award, ‘Something To Look Forward To’ has received both local and national press coverage which has resulted in us reaching and supporting more people affected by cancer. We also received new gift and experience donations including a flight in a helicopter as well as long term financial donors, both of which are imperative for our vital service to continue.”
Fiona’s daughter Francesca who also works for the charity said, “Seeing my mum win the National Lottery Award was one of the best moments of my life. I hope it motivates other people living with cancer to achieve big things despite their diagnosis.”
To enter your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, complete an entry form through our website https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards. Entries must be received by midnight on 30 April 2019.
To thank National Lottery players for making these achievements possible and to celebrate the massive difference The National Lottery has made – and continues to make – to lives of people across the UK, the National Lottery is working on a range of plans in the run-up to the 25th Birthday in November. Further details will be announced in due course.
Isle of Wight Observer