Tune in this Saturday night to see a Valleys champion launch The National Lottery Awards 2012 on BBC1’s Saturday Night Draw Show (BBC One, Saturday 11 February, time 20.30 tbc). Michelle Lenton-Johnson will launch The National Lottery Awards 2012, the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.
Michelle’s Green Valley Centre was voted the UK’s Best Environment Project at the National Lottery Awards 2011, and she was chosen to launch the 2012 Awards because of the work which her charity, the Bryncynon Strategy, has done to improve lives locally.
Michelle Lenton-Johnson said: “I’m thrilled and a bit nervous, and I hope they let me push the button! It’s a fantastic honour to be chosen to launch the 2012 awards, after winning last year’s award.
“Taking part in The National Lottery Awards last year was a great experience. Receiving national recognition for our work gave all our staff, volunteers and the families we support a real boost – the buzz was amazing! Lottery funding has been absolutely crucial to this project. We would definitely encourage other Lottery-funded organisations to get involved, no matter how big or small they are. It’s a great opportunity to show the positive difference your project is making with Lottery funding.”
The Green Valley Centre, run by Bryncynon Strategy, won its National Lottery Award for its work to engage local people. They took derelict land and turned it into a green oasis for all to enjoy. Where the riverbanks had knotweed and litter, they now have otters and kingfishers. The two-acre garden is used to produce food boxes for some of the most vulnerable people locally, with fresh, affordable food going to people on low incomes – helping to teach about healthy eating.
They offer practical training and qualifications for young people, building their skills, fitness and confidence, and act as a training facility for a range of people. Activities on the four-and-a-half-acre site include a reading group for toddlers and recreational facilities. Local school Ysgol Abercynon have their own garden where they grow vegetables and learn about nature, conservation, environmental awareness and sustainable living.
National Lottery Draw Show host, Jenni Falconer, added: “National Lottery players raise a staggering £30 million every week for Good Causes. The National Lottery Awards recognise the unsung heroes, selfless volunteers and dedicated workers improving lives with Lottery funding. There are literally thousands of Lottery-funded projects across the UK deserving of recognition. So if you know of a project that is making an outstanding impact in your community, we want to hear from you.”
The entrants that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will receive national recognition at a star-studded event, broadcast on BBC One, later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2000 cash prize.[2]
The National Lottery Awards have seven categories – each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Heritage, Sport and Voluntary/Charity.
If you want to see a local project celebrated in this year’s National Lottery Awards, or you are involved with a Lottery-funded project and want to nominate it, visit www.nationallotteryawards.org.uk to find out more or call 0207 293 2128. Entries must be received by 12 noon on Monday 12 March 2012.
