A lifeline organisation supporting older and more vulnerable people in Derry with essential meals on wheels have been given a festive funding boost of over £100,000.
This is part of a wider boost for 22 community groups in the Derry and Strabane areas.
These groups have received a £2million share of £6.8million of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to 139 groups across Northern Ireland.
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Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million a week is raised for good causes, including The Resource Centre in Derry.
They have been awarded a £173,278 National Lottery grant to expand their Meals on Wheels Service and support people over the next two years.
Patrick McCarron, CEO, The Resource Centre Derry said: "We’re providing nutritious meals to 120 older or vulnerable people who are struggling to cook proper meals themselves or buy healthy ingredients due to the rising cost of living.
"But we don’t just deliver the meals, we also check-in on people’s health and wellbeing, give them some human contact and help them to feel less lonely - we might be the only person they speak to that day.
“Our team of cooks, drivers and volunteers are providing much-needed support and always looking out for potential health and safety risks in the older people’s homes or signposting to additional support they could receive."
Another organisation receiving funding is Altnagelvin Parents, based in Derry.
They used a £6,700 grant to organise a Christmas event for families who regularly attend the children's ward at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Lisa Storey, Chairperson, Altnagelvin Parents Support Group said: "We had a fantastic Christmas event for children who regularly spend time on the Children’s ward in Altnagelvin Hospital, due to life-long and life-limiting medical conditions.
"It was a magical day, and so lovely for parents and children to meet outside of their usual clinical hospital environment.
"The event would not have been possible without the funding received from The National Lottery Community Fund."
Dawn, one of the parents who attended the event said: "This was the first Christmas party in a long time where we were all together as family and friends.
"We got to talk, share memories and current stories, we had an amazing lunch, and our kids had so much fun. Even Santa signed and sung Happy Birthday to Maisie."
Glen Development Initiative in Derry also received a £266,158 grant to run health and wellbeing activities for all ages in the local community, at Glenview Community Centre.
Over four years the project will work with the six community groups which use the centre, to plan a connected programme of events and activities which will help people to come together and learn new skills.
Adrian Kelly, Manager of Glen Development Initiative said: "We’re able to provide a wide range of services within the community thanks to this funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which is very much appreciated by our community.
"We’ve already been able to bring people together to take part in Christmas craft workshops and we’re organising a Christmas meal which will be served by members of our Youth Club to older residents in the area.
"Families are looking forward to our Winter Wonderland and lots more activities will be delivered in the new year."
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