Millions handed to South Yorkshire charities since the pandemic lockdown

The money, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, has reached almost 150 community organisations across the Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley areas, funding activities ranging from digital skills classes to reduce isolation for older people, to supporting families with children who have disabilities or learning difficulties.

Paces Sheffield is one of the good causes stepping up to support people during this challenging time. It has been awarded £10,000 of National Lottery funding to support disabled young people, adults and their families during the COVID-19 lockdown. The aim is to provide educational assistance, as well as support and guidance, while trying to limit feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Dr Spencer Pitfield, CEO of Paces Sheffield, said: “Here at Paces Sheffield, we are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a grant of £10,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund. We are a small charity and the impact of COVID-19 has hit charities like ourselves hard, which makes it very difficult to fundraise in the way we usually would. Thanks to National Lottery players, this money has meant that we can continue to provide ongoing support to our children, adults, and families at a time when they need it the most.”

Other charities to receive funding include:

Kashmiri Yemeni Older Peoples Forum, Rotherham (£9,952) - The funding will be used to provide support, guidance and activities to the older people of the Kashmiri and Arab communities. This will enable the group to receive the correct support during the current COVID-19 pandemic whilst also having the opportunity to be involved in various activities to stay connected to others.

Inclusion in Action C.I.C., Barnsley (£10,000) - The organisation will extend their services to run She and Men's Sheds activities for people with dementia, working alongside Alzheimer's Society representatives to support volunteers with dementia.

To find out more about funding visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

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