The Midsomer Norton MP writes:

Last week, The National Lottery Community Fund wrote to me confirming that £39,654.00 was awarded to community projects in North East Somerset between May and August this year.

I am delighted that part of the sum, £9,657, has been given to the Somer Valley Education Trust CIO for its Sound Vision Sound Academy. This funding will be used to teach a range of audio and music production skills to young people aged eleven to sixteen, including children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities and those who require additional emotional support. The project also aims to deliver an afterschool activity where young people can learn new creative skills, work on their confidence and resilience and improve their overall well-being.

This week, I was also contacted by Nick Cook, Deputy Head of Public Affairs for the People's Postcode Lottery, announcing that £14,550 has been awarded to Creativity Works for Everyone. This falls within the remit of The Radstock Community Festival and is a creative, socially engaged organisation that was established to enable locals to come together and forge a better future.

Organisations such as The National Lottery Community Fund and the People's Postcode Lottery offer millions of pounds to grassroots projects. The Lottery Fund also gives grants that can help tackle social isolation, offer valuable provision for children throughout the school holidays, provide inclusive activities for people with disabilities and enhance employability opportunities.

I am heartened that several bodies in North East Somerset are benefitting from these allocations, which give back so much to the communities that they support.

Please do not hesitate to contact me: www.jacobreesmogg.com / [email protected]