CORNISH community organisations were celebrating earlier this month after being awarded more than £500,000 in National Lottery funding for the quarter.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

In total, 45 community projects in Cornwall — ranging from a community repair café to therapeutic farming for people living with complex issues — are receiving a share, as well as a number of community organisations in Devon.

Key areas in Cornwall to receive funding include a number in the Post area.

Gorfenna Community in Liskeard which received £10,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, will install new animal shelters to offer people access to therapeutic treatment. The Accessible Animal Shelters project will provide a supportive and inclusive environment for vulnerable people of all ages who may be living with a range of complex issues such as stress, anxiety and learning difficulties.

Other organisations in Cornwall that have benefitted from National Lottery funding in the last three months include Cornwool Craftivista in Truro and Falmouth which will use almost £10,000 to deliver community crafts to reduce social isolation and strengthen community relationships, and Talons Owltimate Encounters which received £10,000 to deliver animal assisted therapy for people living with poor mental health. The project will reduce levels of anxiety and improve wellbeing by encouraging interaction with animals.

Cornwall isn’t alone in enjoying the good news – the South West as a whole is receiving over £5-million, which is being distributed across 263 community projects and organisations.

Endelienta, which is a charity primarily based in St Endellion is receiving £5,350 and the funding will be used to facilitate creative workshops. The project aims to engage with those living with dementia through music and crafts.

St Breward Village Hall have been awarded £8,100 to replace the kitchen doors and floor at the village hall. The project aims to create an accessible community space.

Bude Surf Life Saving Club’s Community Safety Project, which will see the £9,870 funding go towards running free water safety training for local children. The project aims to provide a preventative measure by improving knowledge.

Tom McCulloch, head of funding for the South West region at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “National Lottery money continues to change the lives of thousands of people across Cornwall. From community-led projects that reduce loneliness and isolation to those looking at ways of tackling bullying amongst young people, this quarter’s funding has one thing in common – it’s all been awarded to groups with the ideas, knowledge and passion to make the changes they want to see in their local area. Thanks to National Lottery players, projects like these are investing in what matters most to them and their community.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. As part of the announcement, it has revealed that it is making grants totalling £65-million awarded to 2,261 community organisations across England.

To find out more, visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk