Derry Health Project Triumphant In National Lottery Awards

A healthy living centre that has changed the lives of hundreds of people in Derry has today (Thursday 22 November) been named the UK’s Best Health Project in this year’s National Lottery Awards.

The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum received the highest number of votes to be crowned the UK’s favourite health project in this year’s Awards - the annual search to find the nation’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

The Forum brings together many different groups and agencies in order to enhance the health and well-being of the people that live in Derry.

Tony Doherty, general manager of Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum, said: “We’re delighted to be named Best Health Project in this year’s National Lottery Awards. We’ve been here since 2001 and have become a fixture within the local community, helping to boost the health and wellbeing of all those who live here.

“It’s fantastic that our work in the community has been recognised with this Award, particularly because it is decided by the public. We’d like to thank everyone who supported us and voted for us to win.”

Congratulating The Forum, Jackie O’Sullivan from The National Lottery Awards, said: “The National Lottery Awards recognise the life-changing difference that Lottery-funded projects make to communities and Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum is a shining example of this. Winning this award is an amazing achievement and everyone involved should be very proud.”

The public has been voting for their favourite projects in seven categories in the National Lottery Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and voluntary/charity.

The National Lottery has been changing people’s lives for 18 years. Every week National Lottery players raise over £30 million for good causes. The National Lottery Awards recognise the outstanding contribution that Lottery-funded projects make to their local community.

Neighbouring music charity, Achieving Something Special, was a runner-up in the Best Arts Project category. This project provides a creative space for adults with learning disabilities to work in and showcase their talents. It has become an important part of the lives of people who can often feel isolated and excluded from the arts, education and society.

Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum and the six other winners will be celebrated at a special star-studded BBC One programme on Saturday 8 December with all the finalists, including Achieving Something Special, later in the year. Winners receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.