Three good causes in Portsmouth are all set to make a difference this Christmas thanks to the Portsmouth Lottery. 
The lottery grants panel awarded over £4000 to organisations helping people who need a bit of extra support over the winter period.
Age UK Portsmouth received a grant to help run their ‘Saggy Slipper Swap’ campaign, which aims to reduce slips and trips at home by buying older people new slippers, whilst the charity Frontline Debt Advice were awarded vital funds to enable them to help people deal with their debts.
Portsmouth Walking Football club used their grant to host a Christmas dinner for people who are socially isolated or living with the early stages of dementia. 110 people attended, and were treated to great grub and rock and roll tunes played by club members.
Alan Scott, Portsmouth Walking Football club chairman said: “This lunch was our way of giving back to the community. Social isolation amongst older people is a cause close to our hearts. A lot of our players are in their 60s and 70s, so are familiar with how hard it can sometimes be to get out and see people as you get older.
“Seeing people socialising and dancing together was such a treat. We’d like to thank our members, the Portsmouth Lottery and Pompey In The Community for helping make the dinner such a success.”
Cllr Lee Mason, Deputy Lord Mayor and Portsmouth Lottery good cause grants panel chairman said: “We’re thrilled to have awarded these grants to organisations helping vulnerable people at this time of year, whether that’s through a seemingly small change like providing a new pair of safer slippers or by helping someone in debt get their finances back on track.
“Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket for the Portsmouth Lottery this year. Your support is essential in helping us make awards like this to the good causes making a difference in our city.”
The deadline to receive applications for the next funding panel is 5pm on Friday 12 January 2018. Find out how to apply for small grants here.
You can play the Portsmouth Lottery online by visiting the website.
