Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed new funding for High Peak community projects from the National Lottery Community Fund in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. These grants amount to £34,661, backing local efforts to help vulnerable High Peak families.

Over the past six months, the National Lottery Community Fund has supported the Thomas Theyer Foundation to provide counselling sessions to young people with additional needs; the Glossop Arts Project to help reduce loneliness, fear and anxiety; and Home-Start High Peak to support local disadvantaged families.

Funding has also been made available to the Zink Project for their food distribution network in High Peak. The Zink Project works with people, on a one-to-one basis, to help them overcome barriers to work and plan a career path suited to their circumstances. This project is based on the principle that employment is the surest way of achieving financial independence. 

The charity and community sector is a powerful force for good, supporting individuals to connect, reducing feelings of isolation, and helping communities to thrive. As communities adapt to profound changes during the Coronavirus crisis, awards made by the National Lottery Community Fund in High Peak have helped to keep people connected and supported those at risk of becoming lonely.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“This has been a deeply troubling time for so many High Peak families, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. It has been inspiring to see local people come together to support one another, whether it be delivering food parcels or talking to a neighbour just to check-in.

“So many local charities and groups have risen to the challenge, and I am glad to see them receive much-needed support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

“I want to thank them for all their hard work, and everything they have done to help tackle loneliness and financial hardship throughout this crisis.”