East Kent Mencap GOLD (Getting On With Learning Difficulties), based in Foresters Hall, Ramsgate, is celebrating today after being awarded £216,672 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
The GOLD project is being funded for a further three years, supporting people with a learning disability in Thanet who do not receive statutory funding or are moving out of the welfare system. The aim of the project is to combat social isolation and promote independence.
The GOLD project is led by people with a learning disability, supporting them to have their voices heard and listened to in their local community. The project offers social groups and collaborates with like-minded organisations and groups to get involved with community projects.
National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities to prosper and thrive.
East Kent Mencap, CEO, Jason Gerlack, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can continue the GOLD project for a further three years, supporting people with learning difficulties in our community who struggle with social isolation and need access to essential information. This will make a big difference in people’s lives.”
During the pandemic, in 2020 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed almost £1 billion to charities and community organisations across the UK. To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk
To help run the project, we are recruiting a GOLD Community Inclusion Advocate and Support Worker/Community Connector. If you are interested find out more here.
If you or someone you care for needs support, please get in touch with East Kent Mencap at 01843 808 964 or email info@eastkentmencap.co.uk
