MORE than £630k is being given to good causes across East Lancashire thanks to National Lottery funding.

The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

In total, there are 18 community projects in Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley which are getting the cash from a fund of £2.5m being distributed across the North West.

The Goodlife Project in Pendle is receiving £196,000 to deliver a horticultural project for people with mental ill health.

Based on an allotment site in Nelson, it will offer a wide range of activities including woodwork, nature-based craft and accredited qualifications.

These aim to improve people’s confidence, skills and well-being.

Meanwhile the Blackburn Festival of Light will be getting £9,970 and they will be aiming to bring the whole community together in a celebration of Blackburn and instilling a sense of togetherness and pride in the area.

The Every Day Free project is receiving £272,360 to provide emotional, psychological and practical support to women escaping abuse and are ready to being their journey.

They will deliver domestic abuse support alongside drug, alcohol and mental health recovery programmes.

Jenny Rouse, Head of Regional Funding at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “All over the country, National Lottery money is being used by people who are taking the lead in developing great ideas to help their communities thrive.

“They know and understand the needs of their area better than anyone else and are best-placed to develop projects to tackle them.

“These projects in Lancashire are brilliant examples of this and, thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to be able to support them to change lives for the better.”

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. As part of today’s announcement, it has revealed that it is making grants totalling almost £80 million going to more than 2,200 community organisations across England. To find out more visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.