MORE than £600,000 of National Lottery funding was awarded across Redditch last year, supporting projects to help people in the town.
A total of £672,000 of Lottery money was gifted to the town last year to 11 different projects, giving a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.
Among those who received the funding boosts were Redditch Nightstop, who got £262,000 to continue their work running prevention programmes and supporting homeless young people aged 16-25 with emergency accommodation in Redditch.
Susan Saddler, who runs Redditch Nightstop said: “This funding will help us to run the service for the next three years.
“The Big Lottery Reaching Communities Funding has enabled Redditch Nightstop to continue to provide emergency accommodation and Supported Lodgings to young people who have become homeless.
“Support Lodgings provides the time and opportunity to learn new skills and different perspectives about life, which together enable the smooth transition onto independently living.
“Homelessness will be an ongoing challenge but our aim is to provide a safety net for vulnerable young people at the time of greatest need, protecting them from the dangers of rough sleeping.”
Redditch Basketball Club also received £9,880 of Lottery funding to run sessions for young people at risk of anti-social behaviour and St Stephens First School, on Mabey Avenue were given £9,830 to install an outdoor play area.
As a way to continue the good work, the National Lottery is inviting any organisation that has ever received funding from it to enter The National Lottery Awards 2017.
To be in with a chance of winning a £3,000 cash prize entrants must get in touch before midnight on April 7.
Prizes will be awarded in categories including Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity as well as a Special Achievement Award.
Call 0207 293 3399 to find out more.
