POPULAR community hub, Murphy’s on Main Street in Ederney, has been awarded more than £296k in National Lottery funding to support its activities over the next three years.
The Ederney Community Development Trust will use the money to run new programmes and events there creating more opportunities for local people to meet and look after their health and wellbeing, and to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.
The new funding will see Murphy’s on Main Street reach 100 users per week through its weekly programme of activities. This will help people within their community to meet more often, learn new skills, and be mind and body-active.
These new activities will give people a sense of belonging to their space and purpose to their day alongside providing much-needed information around key health and wellbeing themes. There will also be a focus on creativity and affording opportunities to try new experiences through cultural and creative activities, digital enablement and self-care.
“We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way,” Neil Armstrong, manager of the community hub, said.
“Now, thanks to the National Lottery, Murphy’s on Main Street community hub can continue to provide a safe space for individuals to meet in both a formal and informal setting, to develop friendships, learn and thrive both emotionally and physically with a consistent, planned and regular community provision.
“This three-year support is an essential lifeline for the Hub and will allow the community to feel safe in the knowledge that Murphy’s on Main Street will always be there when they need it.
“I am so proud to have secured this funding for the community, and I’m really excited about planning the activities starting in September.”
Dr Anne Monaghan, Trustee of Ederney Community Development Trust, said it was “a momentous day for the Trust, the village and the whole area.”
“To have received this funding ensures the sustainability of Murphy’s on Main Street for the next three years and beyond,” Dr Monaghan said.
“The building itself is iconic, so too are the programmes which run within the confines of its walls, and we know how much both mean to people locally.
“We have all seen and heard the testimony given by the participants of how important Murphy’s is in their lives. We are beyond excited for the future!”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere