NEW figures show that more than £1,134,779 of National Lottery funding was awarded across Ealing last year alone.

38 National Lottery grants were given out in Ealing during 2016 – providing a vital boost to arts, sports and heritage projects alongside community groups helping those most in need.

A wide variety of local projects received National Lottery grants last year, including:

  • £9,925 to Hounslow Seniors Trust: The group will use the funding to deliver an older people's festival providing events, workshops and activities to promote good health
  • £9,769 to Ealing Mencap: The group will use the funding to deliver a training programme that will enable adults with learning difficulties to volunteer within the community
  • £40,000 to Twining Enterprise: The funding will be used to develop community engagement events based on providing vocational services to people with mental health issues.

From today, these examples, or any organisation that has ever received National Lottery funding, has the possibility of gaining nationwide acclaim by entering The National Lottery Awards 2017 – the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

National Lottery Awards winners will receive a £3,000 cash prize and national recognition at a glittering ceremony broadcast on BBC One later in the year.

National Lottery Awards show presenter John Barrowman MBE said:  “The National Lottery Awards are a fabulous celebration of the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects as voted for by the public. 

“The Awards rightly put the focus on ordinary people doing extraordinary things with National Lottery funding, whose efforts go such a long way and are indeed changing lives. 

“National Lottery players can be very proud to have contributed towards their fine work.”

National Lottery Awards cover seven categories; Sport, Heritage, Arts, Environment, Health, Education and Voluntary/Charity, to reflect the range of funding that the Lottery gives out. 

There is also a Special Achievement Award to recognise the outstanding contribution made by an individual to improving the lives of others.

If you wish to nominate your favourite project in this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or call 0207 293 3329 to find out more and to enter. Entries must be received by midnight on 7 April 2017.