SEVERAL community organisations in West Devon are celebrating after being awarded a share in over £1-million in National Lottery funding.

More than £450,000 has been allocated to organisations across West Devon, Plymouth, Teignbridge and South Hams as part of more than £1-million of funding being awarded to 61 projects across the county. The money has been raised by players for good causes and is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

The Tavistock Taskforce CIC has received £9,900 so the organisation can renovate its new premises to create an updated and safe workplace. This will enable the organisation to continue providing a conservation service for the community and work opportunities for people with disabilities and unemployed people.

Princetown Pavilion Youth Club has been given £9,920 so that it can continue to focus on encouraging young people to become more socially active in their local area and to improve community relationships through its ‘Our Village, Our Young People’ project.

Funding of £9,980 has been given to West Devon Youth Partnership to run ’Strength Together’, a programme of residential activities that will support young people who are experiencing the effects of isolation. The project aims to improve levels of confidence and self-esteem for the young people engaging with the initiative.

James Harcourt, England grant-making director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: ‘Great community projects are what National Lottery funding is all about. We can see how the money raised by players for good causes helps to bring ideas to life and gives local people the opportunity to work together for the good of their community.

‘Whether from a village, town or city, we’re proud that our funding supports people who have identified what matters to them and their community and who want to make a positive change.’

Devon isn’t alone in enjoying the good news – the South West as a whole is receiving over £3-million in National Lottery funding, which is being distributed across 214 community projects and organisations.

The Big Lottery Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Every week, it gives out over £13-million to fund bright ideas, big or small.

To find out more, including how funding could help your potential project, visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk