THREE West Devon organisations are celebrating after being awarded thousands of pounds in National Lottery funding.

The West Devon Art Workshops CIC will receive £9,142 for its Tavistock and Okehampton Art for All projects, which deliver arts and crafts activities for people who are socially isolated. The project aims to bring people together, promote well-being and teach new skills.

Roots and Shoots, based in Chagford, will receive £10,000 to provide a range of after school activities for vulnerable families including outdoor pursuits and creative play.

Its Nature and Nurture Continued Family Support project aims to enable children and their families to gain access to support and reduce isolation in this rural area.

Tavistock Dementia Alliance will receive £4,000 for its Tovertafel — Magic Table project, which will provide stimulating activity for those with dementia. The funding will be used to purchase specialist equipment.

The National Lottery Community Fund has granted almost £2-million to 78 community projects across the county, ranging from grief counselling to a local cycling route.

Devon isn’t alone in enjoying the good news – the South West as a whole is receiving over £5-million, which is being distributed across 263 community projects and organisations.

Tom McCulloch, head of funding for the South West region at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: ‘National Lottery money continues to change the lives of thousands of people across Devon.

‘From community-led projects that reduce loneliness and isolation to those looking at ways of tackling bullying amongst young people, this quarter’s funding has one thing in common — it’s all been awarded to groups with the ideas, knowledge and passion to make the changes they want to see in their local area.

‘Thanks to National Lottery players, projects like these are investing in what matters most to them and their community.’

The National Lottery Community Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.

‘As part of today’s announcement, it has revealed that it is making grants totalling £65-million awarded to 2,261 community organisations across England.

Tavistock Dementia Alliance said it was really pleased that the organisation could now take forward the Tovertafel project, which used innovative technology to support those living with dementia.

Member Stephen Pearson said: ‘There is a considerable resource tied up in delivering care to people with a dementia.

‘However, it is largely spent in hospitals settings. We need to rebalance the way we provide care and support for those with a dementia and their families.

‘Community projects such as this deliver wonderful opportunities for social and stimulating activities.

‘These are essential to combat social isolation and loneliness which unfortunately are experienced by many with a dementia and their carers.’

The Tavistock Dementia Alliance still requires some further funding to implement the project and is welcoming donations from the community.

Go to tavistockdementia.org to find out more about the organisation.