Two Armagh community groups are among four in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area to receive funding from the National Lottery.
West Armagh Consortium has been awarded a £319,367 grant to improve the lives of people in the area.
Over three years, the project will use community facilities and networks to improve health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and develop the skills of local community groups.
Activities will include fitness classes, mental health awareness, a menopause café, health checks, cultural events, Makaton training and volunteer development.
Thee Apple Blossom 50+ Club will use its £9,510 grant to run activities to bring older people together, reduce isolation, take part in physical activity and learn safety tips.
Bleary Young Farmers Club, based near Craigavon, is using a £3,400 grant to run education and social activities for members and support their running costs. Activities improve the wellbeing of young people who have an interest in rural life and provide an opportunity to develop friendships.
Meanwhile, Laurencetown, Lenaderg & Tullylish Community Association received a £194,285 grant to improve the social skills, mental wellbeing and confidence of young people, focusing on those with autism.
Over four years the project will deliver activities for the young people in all their youth club sessions, with a focus on building the skills of those with autism to take part in the mainstream activities. The project will organise outings, residentials and activities including drama, mindfulness, life skills and exercise classes.
Paul Sweeney, NI chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We fund projects that matter to communities, and I’m delighted to see such a wide range of groups awarded, each making such a difference across Northern Ireland.
“We want to get behind communities and help them make the difference on the ground. Our existing grant programmes remain open, so if we can be of assistance, please contact us.
“These funded projects demonstrate how positive change ‘starts with community’, which is at the heart of our new strategy. We look forward to talking to those who receive or need funding as we develop our future programmes.”
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