National Lottery hands out more than £100m to good causes in last three months

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has revealed details of its latest wave of funding to charities.

It says that more than £100m has been handed to 2,500 charities and community groups over the last three months.

Grants have ranged from £350 up to £500,000 to good causes covering issues including employability, loneliness and homelessness.

Among the largest awards is to Futureworks NY community interest company in Scarborough, which has been handed £285,000 to develop a workshop for disadvantaged young people to refurbish donated furniture.

“This funding is so important right now for us, as an organisation that provides support to local people in need, at a time that is fraught with uncertainty and high anxiety,” said Futureworks director Michelle Padron-Kitching.

Meanwhile Spoons in Greater Manchester is using its £175,000 funding aware to support mothers and families recover from traumatic birthing experiences. The money is being used to hire extra family support coordinators.

“As we face more economic uncertainty ahead, our families are relying on us more than ever,” said Spoons operations director Kirsten Mitchell.

NLCF England director Emma Corrigan added: “We’re delighted to be able to distribute over £100 million to groups responding to their communities’ challenges and supporting them to prosper and thrive.”

Elsewhere Exeter based homeless outreach service St Petrocks has received £10,000 to support people facing homelessness.

Peter Stephenson, Director at St. Petrocks said: “This award comes at a vital time to ensure we can keep delivering this essential Mobile Rough Sleeper Service following a challenging few years for us.”