A Coalville community group has received almost £400,000 in National Lottery funding - meaning it will be able to carry out its work in the town for another three years.

Coalville Communities and Neighbours (CCAN), based in Memorial Square, has been given £398,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

CCAN now plans to use the money to continue its work alongside individuals and groups to build connections and to deliver important projects.

The group says the new funding will allow them:

• to connect with people to be directly involved in delivering community activities which they are passionate about

The Coalville CAN offices in Memorial Square

• work alongside people to develop groups for people with shared experiences 

• establish a Youth Forum

• establish a Youth Led organisation to deliver activities and programmes 

• work on employability skills and help people to set up and run their own enterprise 

• support people to bridge the "digital divide" providing access to the digital world.

The group's profile was raised last year when it fought to keep the former Hermitage Leisure Centre building in Whitwick for use by the local community.

It also holds regular talks and exhibitions at its town centre base, as well as hiring out office space.

Part of the workshop space at Coalville CAN

CCAN spokesperson, Community Connector, Deana Wildgoose, said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can look forward to the next three years with confidence. 

"Every community has a wealth of talent and people who want to make a difference. 

"We invite people locally to get involved. 

"This can be with one of our projects or even better bring your ideas and energy for a project, group or club you would like to take part in. Come and visit us at our base on Memorial Square." 

CCAN works alongside local people and organisations to make visible, connect and grow the often-hidden strengths and talents that exist in Coalville and the surrounding area. 

By taking on buildings to be owned in perpetuity by the community and working with other ethical landlords, we can help to make a positive difference and put Coalville on the map as a place to visit as well as a great place to live and work.

National Lottery players raise over £30 million a week for good causes across the UK. The National Lottery Community Fund distributes a share of this to projects to support people and communities to prosper and thrive.  

During the pandemic, in 2020 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed almost £1 billion to charities and community organisations across the UK. 

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