National Lottery Champions
For more than a quarter of a century, National Lottery players have helped make some amazing things happen, but never before in such extraordinary times. This campaign recognises the hidden heroes in our communities whose actions, big or small, are making such a difference throughout the UK.
CELEBRATING SPORTING STARS
Iconic sports venues across England and Wales are changing their names for a day to honour grassroots sport community workers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond during lockdown. Meet them here.
Did you know?
Nearly half of sport fans (44%) believe 2020 should be the year we celebrate community sportspeople in the same way we celebrate professionals.
HONOURING HERITAGE CHAMPIONS
TV’s Sir Tony Robinson unveiled a historic takeover of Stonehenge, with the 5,000-year-old sarsen stones temporarily illuminated with images of ‘unsung heritage champions’ from across the UK. Prohibited from attending the display due to current restrictions, a video projection of Sir Tony acted to first illuminate the historic stones and introduce the momentous display. Meet the heritage champions here.
Did you know?
72% of adults say outdoor spaces have had a positive effect on their mental wellbeing this year with 43% saying that heritage sites make them feel more relaxed and less anxious in difficult times, and half (49%) saying heritage sites make them proud of their local area.
CELEBRATING UNHERALDED CHAMPIONS OF THE ARTS SECTOR
Eight of the UK’s most iconic art galleries, and the UK’s lead organisation for film, television and the moving image have come together to present a unique photography exhibition where the subjects aren’t celebrities or historical figures, but instead the unheralded everyday champions of the arts sector. Meet our wonderful photography subjects by clicking here.
Did you know?
Across the UK, the public turned to a wide range of artistic activities, with 24% seizing the chance to do more arts and crafts, half enjoying listening to more music (51%) and watching more films (50%), and 14% singing more.
HONOURING SOCIETY’S UNHERALDED COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
The brilliant Jay Blades has been helping us celebrate the amazing work of community heroes across the UK, by honouring them with a specially designed bench. Meet Michelle and Sarah-Jane from BASIS South Essex, who have been supporting blind and visually-impaired people during lockdown. Meet our other TNL Community Champions by clicking here.
Did you know?
Over half of adults in the UK (58%) feel they now appreciate community workers more than before the pandemic and almost three quarters (73%) feeling the same about essential workers such as nurses, ambulance drivers and members of the fire service.