Report reveals benefits of investment into community spaces

The National Lottery Community Fund has published a report documenting the impact of the £650m of National Lottery, government and third-party funding that has been invested in community infrastructure over the past five years.

The funding was found to have supported the voluntary and community sector to undertake 10,000 building renovations and 900 accessibility infrastructure projects, to make community spaces greener and more accessible for local people.

The report found that 1,500 village halls and community centres have received £120m of National Lottery funding over the past five years, and the Community Fund has helped communities acquire 600 spaces that were important to them and may otherwise have been lost.

To address local needs and build resilience in communities, the funder also gave out emergency funding to over 300 community business during the pandemic so they could keep running.

Faiza Khan MBE, director of engagement and insight at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: ‘This report highlights the impact money invested into community assets has on people’s lives across the UK. Places like village halls, community cafés and leisure centres are at the heart of our communities and provide a focal point for people to come together, make connections and build friendships and support networks. These spaces play a vital role in helping communities to prosper and thrive and will be more important than ever as communities rebuild from the pandemic.’

The full report can be read here.

In related news, new analysis from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales found that, while emergency funding ensured that many charities could adapt to continue to support people during the pandemic, many now face an uncertain future.

Photo by Dylan Gillis