Edmonton MP Andy Love has welcomed Lottery money for school and groups.

The Big Lottery Fund has made 11 grants in the past six months totalling £537,794.

One-to-One Enfield, a charity based at Community House on Fore Street, which works to improve the lives of those with learning difficulties and advance inclusivity in the area received the biggest grant of £439,470, given in July.

The money will be spent on a five-year healthy living project, enabling people with learning difficulties to take responsibility for their own health,.

Aylward Academy in Edmonton received £9,800 to pay for language classes for parents whose first language is not English.

The Alliance for Social Development Association was given £9,980 to provide workshops on life changes and financial planning for women who have been victims of domestic violence. 
 
Other local groups to benefit, each receiving around £10,000, include the Enfield Asian Welfare Association, Ilamos Youth Actions, Niburu Recordings Ltd, Starks Field Primary School, the Kaos Organisation, Dazu, Dementia Care Initiatives and Tender Care Health Initiative.

Welcoming the grants, Mr Love said: “With Government-funded community initiatives becoming increasingly sparse, local groups are filling the void and looking elsewhere for funding. The Big Lottery Fund has benefited our area well, providing a considerable number of grants over the years.
 
“It’s great to see so many local projects getting funding in the past six months alone.  I know many of the recipient organisations well and I have no doubt that they are busy putting the money to good use; making our community a better place to live in.
 
“If you’re involved with a local organisation and think there’s scope for funding like this to benefit your local organisation, I would urge you to take a look at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk or call the funding advice line on 0845 4 10 20 30.”