The grant will fund a number of different activities, including gardening, art workshops and support with legal and financial issues. In addition, the fund will help to run car share and minibus schemes which will enable elderly residents to take part in planned activities and services. The project’s long-term goal is to end social isolation for an estimated 6,500 people, the majority of whom are over 80 years old, over the next six years. The activities will start in four areas across Leicester - Latimer, Thurncourt, Spinney Hills and Evington.
Paul Bott, Chief Executive of Vista, said that the National Lottery funding is a “great opportunity for local organisations to join together and work collaboratively to provide activities as well as share skills and experience to improve the lives of isolated older people living in our city.”
Bott went on to say that the areas which have been granted funding were selected for a variety of factors, such as the number of single households, the number of residents aged over 80, those with sight or hearing problems and the number of black, minority and ethnic communities. Bott ended his statement by saying that the money will provide a strong network of support for elderly residents and will make it much easier for them to take part in local activities and feel like a full member of the community.
Every week, the National Lottery generates over £33 million for projects across the UK and in total, a colossal £31 billion has been awarded since the National Lottery began in 1994. You can help fund these great initiatives by playing lottery and instant win games. For more information on the Good Causes Fund, please visit Euro-Millions.com.
