THE Warriors Community Foundation has been awarded £240,000 of National Lottery funding which will support and expand the Foundation’s inspiring and life-changing projects and initiatives.

The Foundation has continued to improve people’s physical and mental health and wellbeing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, work that has been recognised by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

This vital funding will help the Foundation to develop and expand its offering to people living with disabilities, dementia, poor mental health and support young people who are disengaged from formal education.

The funding will also develop and significantly expand the projects that are currently delivered by the Foundation and allow the charity to expand its staff base to cover more ground and engage with more local people than in previous years.

“The past year or so began incredibly difficult for the Foundation, with us facing immediate pressure due to the impact the pandemic had on our financial streams,” said Dan Hart, the Foundation Development Co-ordinator.

“However, we took the time and used the opportunity to refresh our approach. In doing so, we have been able to not only stabilise the foundation but find support through The National Lottery Community Fund to put us in the position we are in today, which is one ready to significantly increase our multiple life changing projects through rugby to meet the demand of our participants.

“We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and the support they have provided us. Thanks to the National Lottery players, we are now able to deliver our services to a further 30,000 people in the local community over the next three years and we cannot wait to get going on this incredible journey.”

The Foundation exists to help build a legacy for sport, education, health and social cohesion in the local community. From an award-winning Tackling Dementia Sports Café – which has weekly sessions at Sixways – to rugby teams for the homeless, and visually impaired, the Foundation works to bring together those who are hardest to reach of all ages.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, services offered by groups such as the Worcester Warriors Community Foundation are essential to boosting community spirit,” said Nicola Thurbon, Senior Head of Regional Funding for the Midlands at The National Lottery Community Fund.

“The Foundation plays an important role in its local community and really bring people together who might otherwise not be able to access grassroots rugby clubs.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised each week for good causes throughout the UK and with that we are able to support the Foundation and ensure its programme can go from strength to strength.

“Communities are at the heart of our cities, towns, and villages and seeing a local sports club bring people together, will not only boost spirits, but highlight the invaluable difference grassroots groups can make.”