Grants awarded to health groups in 2013

Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal Alan Farrell has welcomed National Lottery Funding grants of over €150,000 for local community health groups in Fingal, awarded through the Department of Health.

“Each year, the National Lottery Grants are allocated to community health groups who provide a vital service at a community level for people specific needs. In 2013, I am delighted to say that eight organisations in Fingal will receive funds of up to €120,000 towards improving services for people with health needs, including mental health.

“The main bulk of this funding will be going toward transport services for people with disabilities, mental health services and support for carers of children with special needs.

“North Fingal Rural Community Transport LTD (NIFTI) will receive €50,000 towards the cost of purchasing two wheelchair accessible buses.   The Remember Us initiative in Balbriggan, a social group for young people with special needs will receive €30,000 towards respite breaks, and Nurture Post Natal Depression Support Services in Rush will receive €20,000 for start-up costs. Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre will also receive €15,000 to improve pool accessibility for wheelchair users.

“Other worthy groups that will receive a grant from the Department in 2013 is the Donabate Senior Citizen’s Group (€10,500), the Portmarnock Integrated Arch Group (€10,000), Littlesteps Drama Group in Swords who provide a programme for children with ASD (€7,500), and the recently established Snowflakes Autism Support (7,500) to provide a library service of books and DVDs.

“Improving services that are accessible nearby is vital for those who may need a helping hand. This concept is at the heart of the National Lottery Grants. I would like to commend the hard work and dedication that is put toward providing these services, as well as the Department of Health for investing in and recognising the role that local services play in improving the quality of life and health of our community.”