Broxbourne Big Local celebrates receiving £463,205 of National Lottery funding
to continue supporting the Broxbourne community!
Local community charity, Broxbourne Big Local is celebrating after being awarded £463,205 in National Lottery funding to support the charity's core operations over the next five years, enabling them to facilitate the ongoing development of Wormley Community Centre and continue to deliver supportive initiatives for the residents in the borough of Broxbourne. Based in Wormley, Broxbourne Big Local continues to prioritise the sustainability of Wormley Community Centre as a valuable community asset, not only used for private functions and supporting small businesses, but as a facility providing opportunities for connection, giving individuals purpose and empowering them through supportive and educational programs.
With the dedication and perseverance from a group of local residents, Broxbourne Big Local was established in 2019 and became a registered charity in 2021, saving the Wormley Community Centre from demolition and ensuring its future in the heart of the community. Currently run by 2 staff members and 4 Trustees, this small team are having a big impact, highlighted recently in their 23/24 Impact Report which, in part, has helped secure this essential funding.
The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see Broxbourne Big Local continue the ambitious plans to make the Community Centre a vibrant, inclusive and financially sustainable space for the whole community to benefit from, whilst also encouraging new initiatives and projects aimed at meeting the diverse needs of local residents.
Noelle Blackman, Chair of Broxbourne Big Local, says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to keep our focus on creating an exciting venue and ensure that it becomes the thriving heart of our community.”
Quotes from residents attending some of the many events and initiatives that the charity Broxbourne Big Local are able to host at Wormley Community Centre:
“What a wonderful night, I’ve not seen my husband smile so much! Bringing communities and families together, that is what life is all about!” Community party attendee
“Big Local Breakfast Club brings people and the community together. I am short of money but I know I can have a breakfast” Free Breakfast Club attendee
“The youth workers are great role models to the children having come from the same background. To have a club like this people would usually have to pay a lot of money for or send them to private classes, we can’t afford to do this” Parent of attendee at free youth club DJ & MC Academy
“Thank you so much for today, it was a huge stepping stone for me, to be able to do a course. I haven't done a course since before I left school. So it was so fantastic to be able to prove this to myself, and overcome barriers of sheer anxiety. Thank you.” Community First Aid Training attendee
Broxbourne Big Local is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of local residents. To learn more about the charity's work or to get involved, please visit our social media pages or contact info@broxbournebiglocal.org.uk
The National Lottery Community Fund recently launched its new strategy, ‘It starts with community’, which will underpin its efforts to distribute at least £4 billion of National Lottery funding by 2030.
National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. Thanks to them, last year The National Lottery Community Fund was able to distribute over half a billion pounds (£615.4 million) of life-changing funding to communities.
To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk
