COMMUNITY organisations across the Forest of Dean are celebrating after being awarded over £143,744 in National Lottery funding.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

In total, six community projects across the district are receiving a share from farming activities for people with dementia to hip-hop dancing for young people.

Among these is The Forest of Dean Children’s Opportunity Centre, based in Coleford, will now be able to extend its service from two days to three days a week, thanks to a grant of £101,074.

The centre supports babies and children under the age of seven, and their families, through activities including stay and play, hydrotherapy and sensory sessions.

This funding will help expand support to families with additional needs such as physical and learning disabilities, drug and alcohol problems and behavioural issues.

These families have helped to design the project, with the aim of strengthening relationships in the family unit.

The project provides early years support for children (and their parents/carers) from birth up to the age of seven, across the Forest of Dean District of Gloucestershire.

The project uses an inclusive approach and have an established practice of providing mixed groups programmes where children with additional needs and those without can mingle and play together.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S FORESTER