Devon groups share Lottery millions

A rowing club project that will increase search and rescue efforts is one of 214 South West projects to share £1,748,596 from the Big Lottery fund in the latest round of Awards for All grants.

East Devon based Exmouth Rowing Club will use £9,935 National Lottery funding to purchase a new rescue boat. The club members are currently refurbishing their new premises at Exmouth’s old Lifeboat station. The money will help the community by increasing the groups search and rescue efforts and the effectiveness of beach safety.

Graham Hurley, Chair, Exmouth Rowing Club said: “Getting nearly £10,000 from the Big Lottery is fabulous news for us in the club, and for the wider community we serve.  Not only will we have a reliable and easy-to-launch rescue boat, but it will double as an on-the-water coaching platform for our many crews.”

In Exeter the WESC Foundation, St James School and Magic Carpet will each receive £10,000.

WESC Foundation will use the funding to create an outdoor, wheelchair classroom with covered story telling pavilion. This will allow the group to incorporate play into all areas of the curriculum and encourage the beneficiaries to approach new activities in a creative and imaginative way while boosting their productivity and attention spans. This will also improve facilities in the children's residential care grounds.

St James School will use the cash to deliver a programme of confidence building activities for children who are transitioning from primary to secondary school. This will provide the beneficiaries with the confidence and skills which will make their transition from primary to secondary school a more positive experience. This will also ensure the beneficiary's educational levels of engagement and attainment are maintained.

Magic Carpet in Exeter will use the money to provide creative activities for people living with mental health disabilities. This will enable beneficiaries to engage in meaningful activities, increase their confidence and develop a peer support network.

The Devon Partnership NHS Trust has been Awarded £8,750 for a recovery library for people with mental health issues, their families, carers and health professionals to use. This will enable beneficiaries to recover from their mental health issues and self-care by using books, DVDs, journals and magazines.

Cheriton Fitzpaine Parish Hall will also receive £10,000 to refurbish the kitchen and purchase new kitchen equipment for their parish hall in order for it to meet the required levels of hygiene. This will improve the group's facilities allowing them to expand the number of services that they provide to the community.

Lyn Cole, Big Lottery Fund England Director, said: “National Lottery money is making a positive impact in local communities, helping to change lives for the better and support a wealth of projects in the South West region.

“The projects demonstrate the life-changing difference a small amount of Lottery funding can have and will continue to do so, long into the future. I wish them all the best of luck."