National Lottery Awards 2014 Launch - Hunt Begins for UK’s Favourite National Lottery funded Good Causes

The National Lottery Awards launch today, 5 February 2014, and John Barrowman, presenter of last year’s Awards show, is urging people to propel their favourite charity into national limelight.

National Lottery players have now raised more than £31 billion for good causes across the UK since the Lottery began twenty years ago this year. The Awards recognise the diverse range of Lottery-funded projects touching the lives of the public from grass roots movements to national organisations.

John says: “National Lottery players raise an incredible £33 million every week for Good Causes. Think of the life-changing projects in your community and the chances are they’re Lottery-funded. Funding is supporting a range of causes from helping adults into employment and community sports to urban regeneration and ground-breaking arts projects. The Awards are a great way of celebrating the passion and dedication of those who work on these Lottery-funded projects and without whose help, it just wouldn’t be possible.”
“Whether it’s healthy eating skills sessions for young mothers, volunteering opportunities for older people or an environmental initiative - if you are involved in or know of a project large or small, that is making an outstanding impact in your community, we want to hear from you.”

Michelle O’Rourke, Service Development Manager, My Sister’s Place, and winner of last year’s Charity/Voluntary Award category, says: “We weren’t sure what would happen when we entered the Awards – we’re a small local charity and didn’t really think we stood a chance against some of the bigger nationwide charities. We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, just engaged local volunteers and made the most of social media.

The response was absolutely amazing and winning Best Charity Project meant the world to us. We’d recommend entering the Awards to anyone, no matter how big or small – it was such a worthwhile experience and we’re grateful for having been part of it.”

The National Lottery Awards have seven categories - each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Heritage, Sport and Voluntary/Charity.

The entrants that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will receive national recognition at a star-studded event, broadcast on BBC One, later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000 cash prize.[1]

People and projects can enter the Awards at www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk or by calling 0207 293 3599. Entries must be received by midnight on 12 March.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Natasha Brown at the National Lottery Promotions Unit on 0207 211 3927 or email natasha.brown@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk