'Lifeline' charity given National Lottery funding

3 hours ago

Caroline RobinsonSouth West

Ana Lodge said the funding would give the charity the security to continue

Olga Vynnyk A woman stood on green grass. She is wearing a brightly coloured top, an orange high visibility vest and pink trousers. Behind her the grass is green and full of white flowers. There are people in the background sitting on the grass. — Ana Lodge said the funding would give the charity the security to continue

A North Devon charity which provides English language lessons has been given £499,980 over five years from the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF).

Sunrise Diversity said the funding would enable them to continue to "deliver inclusive services" and recruit four new team members.

The charity said the funding marked a "significant milestone" and it would "enhance its outreach and support programmes".

Ana Lodge, ceo of Sunrise Diversity, said: "This funding gives us security and confidence to continue supporting those who need it most, and to welcome four new colleagues who share our vision for a fairer, more inclusive Devon."

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Lodge described the money as a "game changer".

She said it had been a difficult financial climate for a lot of charities and organisations over the last few year.

"There was a real fear and a real worry that we weren't going to make it through," she added:

"But the lottery have seen us and they've seen the potential and the lifeline support that we provide diverse individuals in the community so we're just so thankful," she said.

'Always understand you'

Olga Vynnyk, from Ukraine, said when she started life in Devon three years ago she started learning English at Sunrise Diversity.

She said: "It's an amazing place where you're feeling absolutely safe."

Vynnyk said Sunrise Diversity built a friendly atmosphere where people always understood you.

Manisha, who came to the UK on a work for sponsor visa three years ago, said she struggled to find accommodation in Devon and she was told about Sunrise Diversity.

She said: "They called me and in every single step they were with me, my emotional support to get a house and to get all my essential things which I need to start my home, they support me in every step of my new beginning."

In response Lodge said: "Their stories and their words are just a demonstration of how important it is for us as a charity to keep doing what we're doing."

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