Instagram Hikaye Kaydet

Every community project starts somewhere.

With a conversation. A cup of tea.

A few people asking, "what if we tried this?" Or simply noticing what the local community needs.

We want to celebrate those starts - the moments when people come together and decide to act. Because even small actions can grow into something that really makes a difference.

Find out more via the link in our bio. 🔗

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

Community spaces matter.

They bring people together and strengthen the bonds that hold our city together.

That’s why earlier this year, @mayorofldn and @tnlcommunityfund invested £1.8 million to create a new network of Community Spaces where every Londoner can feel seen, supported and connected.

Each space reflects the diversity and spirit of its community, offering something unique - from events and activities to trusted advice and support.

Follow along as we visit the spaces bringing Londoners together.

@ageukwf @thealbanyse8 @movementatm @bell.farmcc @_thebighouse_ @bridgerenewaltrust @bromley_by_bow_centre @colindalecommunities @cpctrust @doxadeolondon @ccpkingston @etnacentre @exchangeerith @fyaonroad @grandjunctionw2 @harmonyhousedagenham @hes_holistic_education @londonlibraries  @librariesconnected @Londontigers @oasiswaterloo @peabodycommunityfoundation @peabodyldn @pembrokehouse @response_community_projects @rosettaarts @southmitchamcommunitycentre @southnorwoodkitchen @sthildaseast @volunteering_uk

This is your reminder to visit your local community garden 🌱

Community gardens are more than just green spaces they are places for people to connect.

Our Comms Officer Bella visited Lambhill Stables in Glasgow last week. This thriving community hub boasts a cafe, community art classes as well as an allotment and garden where local people come together to grow fresh produce.

If you have a project that helps people connect with nature and each other, check out our environmental funding programmes.

Video description: Shots of a community cafe, art studio and garden.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re celebrating National Lottery funded projects supporting people’s mental wellbeing. 💛

Meet Finlay, a volunteer at@thrivemind_village in Derby which is a welcoming community space to connect, cook and grow.

After becoming a parent, Finlay felt isolated and without hope. Volunteering changed that and has brought connection, purpose and joy.

From reducing food waste to creating free, nourishing meals, Thrivemind Village is making a difference for people and planet. 🌱

Finlay said: “It’s helped my mental health – I feel more hopeful, joyful and part of a community.”

Over the last five years, we’ve awarded £1.8bn to over 19,500 projects helping to transform lives and we’re not stopping there.

"They say it takes a village to raise a child — but when your child has special educational needs, that village can feel very far away.

The Mencap sessions changed that for me. For the first time, I'm surrounded by people who truly understand. I've finally found my village."

32-year-old Kerri-Ann is mother to three autistic girls all aged under 11. She spent years feeling isolated before finding her local family support service, Mencap Cymru.

“I felt completely alone. I didn’t know much about autism so I was constantly worrying that I was doing something wrong.”

A chance conversation with another mother at the school gates led Kerri-Ann to #NationalLottery funded group Mencap Cymru, who help parents and carers connect with others who understand the realities of raising children with additional needs.

“Mencap is a place where no one judges you. If your child is having a meltdown, no one bats an eyelid. For the first time, I felt truly understood and supported. There are so many activities for the children to try, like dancing sessions. There’s no pressure to join in but the activities are just there if they want to."

Thanks to #NationalLottery players, we have been able to award nearly £140 million over the past three years to local organisations like Mencap, delivering meaningful, lifechanging support for families of young children across the UK. 🙌

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Fresh air, shared purpose, laughter and connection...there’s nothing quite like it.

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we’re highlighting the powerful impact community action can have on our wellbeing.

Callum and Jen both joined community-led environmental projects supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, and the experience made a real difference in their lives.

“When my children were first born, my depression was really bad,” Callum says. “The Birds, Bikes, Bees & Treesproject got us out of the house much more, instead of being in the same four walls all the time. It’s helped us make friends as well, which I never used to have.”

Stories like these show how caring for nature can also mean caring for ourselves. 💚

Head to the link in our bio to read their inspiring stories.

Great work @neyoungdadsandlads @balticgateshead @newcastleuni @heartofbs13 Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Fresh air, shared purpose, laughter and connection...there’s nothing quite like it.

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we’re highlighting the powerful impact community action can have on our wellbeing.

Callum and Jen both joined community-led environmental projects supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, and the experience made a real difference in their lives.

“When my children were first born, my depression was really bad,” Callum says. “The Birds, Bikes, Bees & Treesproject got us out of the house much more, instead of being in the same four walls all the time. It’s helped us make friends as well, which I never used to have.”

Stories like these show how caring for nature can also mean caring for ourselves. 💚

Head to the link in our bio to read their inspiring stories.

Great work @neyoungdadsandlads @balticgateshead @newcastleuni @heartofbs13 Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Fresh air, shared purpose, laughter and connection...there’s nothing quite like it.

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we’re highlighting the powerful impact community action can have on our wellbeing.

Callum and Jen both joined community-led environmental projects supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, and the experience made a real difference in their lives.

“When my children were first born, my depression was really bad,” Callum says. “The Birds, Bikes, Bees & Treesproject got us out of the house much more, instead of being in the same four walls all the time. It’s helped us make friends as well, which I never used to have.”

Stories like these show how caring for nature can also mean caring for ourselves. 💚

Head to the link in our bio to read their inspiring stories.

Great work @neyoungdadsandlads @balticgateshead @newcastleuni @heartofbs13 Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Fresh air, shared purpose, laughter and connection...there’s nothing quite like it.

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we’re highlighting the powerful impact community action can have on our wellbeing.

Callum and Jen both joined community-led environmental projects supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, and the experience made a real difference in their lives.

“When my children were first born, my depression was really bad,” Callum says. “The Birds, Bikes, Bees & Treesproject got us out of the house much more, instead of being in the same four walls all the time. It’s helped us make friends as well, which I never used to have.”

Stories like these show how caring for nature can also mean caring for ourselves. 💚

Head to the link in our bio to read their inspiring stories.

Great work @neyoungdadsandlads @balticgateshead @newcastleuni @heartofbs13 Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, children and young people are developing lifelong connections with nature… and reaping the benefits.🌳

@Rewildingyouth was founded in 2021 with one clear goal: to reverse the isolation and disconnect from the natural world young people experienced during COVID.

Here outdoor education goes beyond the classroom. Whether they want to try green woodwork, earth building, natural crafts and bushcraft, or simply hang in a hammock – children are free to explore and learn whichever way they choose. 🍃

The results? Stronger relationships, increased confidence and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Find out more at the link in our bio.

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, children and young people are developing lifelong connections with nature… and reaping the benefits.🌳

@Rewildingyouth was founded in 2021 with one clear goal: to reverse the isolation and disconnect from the natural world young people experienced during COVID.

Here outdoor education goes beyond the classroom. Whether they want to try green woodwork, earth building, natural crafts and bushcraft, or simply hang in a hammock – children are free to explore and learn whichever way they choose. 🍃

The results? Stronger relationships, increased confidence and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Find out more at the link in our bio.

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, children and young people are developing lifelong connections with nature… and reaping the benefits.🌳

@Rewildingyouth was founded in 2021 with one clear goal: to reverse the isolation and disconnect from the natural world young people experienced during COVID.

Here outdoor education goes beyond the classroom. Whether they want to try green woodwork, earth building, natural crafts and bushcraft, or simply hang in a hammock – children are free to explore and learn whichever way they choose. 🍃

The results? Stronger relationships, increased confidence and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Find out more at the link in our bio.

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, children and young people are developing lifelong connections with nature… and reaping the benefits.🌳

@Rewildingyouth was founded in 2021 with one clear goal: to reverse the isolation and disconnect from the natural world young people experienced during COVID.

Here outdoor education goes beyond the classroom. Whether they want to try green woodwork, earth building, natural crafts and bushcraft, or simply hang in a hammock – children are free to explore and learn whichever way they choose. 🍃

The results? Stronger relationships, increased confidence and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Find out more at the link in our bio.

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

Across Hull and East Yorkshire, children and young people are developing lifelong connections with nature… and reaping the benefits.🌳

@Rewildingyouth was founded in 2021 with one clear goal: to reverse the isolation and disconnect from the natural world young people experienced during COVID.

Here outdoor education goes beyond the classroom. Whether they want to try green woodwork, earth building, natural crafts and bushcraft, or simply hang in a hammock – children are free to explore and learn whichever way they choose. 🍃

The results? Stronger relationships, increased confidence and a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Find out more at the link in our bio.

#NationalLottery #ClimateFundUK #ItStarted #ClimateAction

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

In Bristol, #ItStarted in the places you’d least expect.
In a shed. On a playground. On an urban estate.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together 1,300+ organisations to create positive change across climate, nature and social justice. With support from our Climate Action Fund, their projects show what’s possible when communities lead.

Interested in making a difference? We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes, helping communities turn good ideas into real action.

👉. Link bio

#NationalLottery#UKClimateFund #ItStarted

#ItStarted with five areas of Gwynedd coming together to talk, share and take action on climate change.

That’s GwyrddNi – one big community showing up, together. All ages, united by a passion to improve their local area and the wider world. Big ideas, big smiles and the will to get out there whatever the weather. ☔️

Interested in making a difference? We help communities make a difference to their environment, in all shapes and sizes.

👉 Head to the link in our bio to find out more.

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

#ItStarted with five areas of Gwynedd coming together to talk, share and take action on climate change.

That’s GwyrddNi – one big community showing up, together. All ages, united by a passion to improve their local area and the wider world. Big ideas, big smiles and the will to get out there whatever the weather. ☔️

Interested in making a difference? We help communities make a difference to their environment, in all shapes and sizes.

👉 Head to the link in our bio to find out more.

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

#ItStarted with five areas of Gwynedd coming together to talk, share and take action on climate change.

That’s GwyrddNi – one big community showing up, together. All ages, united by a passion to improve their local area and the wider world. Big ideas, big smiles and the will to get out there whatever the weather. ☔️

Interested in making a difference? We help communities make a difference to their environment, in all shapes and sizes.

👉 Head to the link in our bio to find out more.

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

#ItStarted with five areas of Gwynedd coming together to talk, share and take action on climate change.

That’s GwyrddNi – one big community showing up, together. All ages, united by a passion to improve their local area and the wider world. Big ideas, big smiles and the will to get out there whatever the weather. ☔️

Interested in making a difference? We help communities make a difference to their environment, in all shapes and sizes.

👉 Head to the link in our bio to find out more.

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

#ItStarted with five areas of Gwynedd coming together to talk, share and take action on climate change.

That’s GwyrddNi – one big community showing up, together. All ages, united by a passion to improve their local area and the wider world. Big ideas, big smiles and the will to get out there whatever the weather. ☔️

Interested in making a difference? We help communities make a difference to their environment, in all shapes and sizes.

👉 Head to the link in our bio to find out more.

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

#ItStarted with five areas of Gwynedd coming together to talk, share and take action on climate change.

That’s GwyrddNi – one big community showing up, together. All ages, united by a passion to improve their local area and the wider world. Big ideas, big smiles and the will to get out there whatever the weather. ☔️

Interested in making a difference? We help communities make a difference to their environment, in all shapes and sizes.

👉 Head to the link in our bio to find out more.

#NationalLottery #ItStarted

In Oldham, #ItStarted with a safe space.

Support & Action Women’s Network empowers black, African women and the wider community to act for a greener and healthier planet. 🌎

With support from the Climate Action Fund, projects like this prove that community-led environmental action benefits people and planet.

Got an idea for an environmental project where you live? Find out more and apply on our website. Link in bio. 🔗

#NationalLottery #EarthDay2026 #OurPowerOurPlanet

In Oldham, #ItStarted with a safe space.

Support & Action Women’s Network empowers black, African women and the wider community to act for a greener and healthier planet. 🌎

With support from the Climate Action Fund, projects like this prove that community-led environmental action benefits people and planet.

Got an idea for an environmental project where you live? Find out more and apply on our website. Link in bio. 🔗

#NationalLottery #EarthDay2026 #OurPowerOurPlanet

In Oldham, #ItStarted with a safe space.

Support & Action Women’s Network empowers black, African women and the wider community to act for a greener and healthier planet. 🌎

With support from the Climate Action Fund, projects like this prove that community-led environmental action benefits people and planet.

Got an idea for an environmental project where you live? Find out more and apply on our website. Link in bio. 🔗

#NationalLottery #EarthDay2026 #OurPowerOurPlanet

In Oldham, #ItStarted with a safe space.

Support & Action Women’s Network empowers black, African women and the wider community to act for a greener and healthier planet. 🌎

With support from the Climate Action Fund, projects like this prove that community-led environmental action benefits people and planet.

Got an idea for an environmental project where you live? Find out more and apply on our website. Link in bio. 🔗

#NationalLottery #EarthDay2026 #OurPowerOurPlanet

In Oldham, #ItStarted with a safe space.

Support & Action Women’s Network empowers black, African women and the wider community to act for a greener and healthier planet. 🌎

With support from the Climate Action Fund, projects like this prove that community-led environmental action benefits people and planet.

Got an idea for an environmental project where you live? Find out more and apply on our website. Link in bio. 🔗

#NationalLottery #EarthDay2026 #OurPowerOurPlanet

For nearly 80 years, @citizenstheatre has been pushing boundaries and bringing people together through theatre in Glasgow 🎭

More than a theatre, it is part of the community — a space where local voices and shared stories take centre stage.

Thank to #NationalLottery players this vital space can keep bringing people together.💙

@thenationallottery
#BecauseOfYou

On a warm spring afternoon on the banks of the River Ness, three women and two guide dogs stroll around a sunny park. Sandra, Wendy and their friend Janice first met through the #NationalLottery funded Highland VIP Walking Group and formed a deep and lasting friendship.

70-year-old Sandra’s life changed dramatically when she lost her sight due to optic nerve damage during a liver transplant.

“I went to sleep with two good eyes and woke up three weeks later in hospital thinking ‘why don’t they pay their electric bill in here?’ because everything was dark!” Sandra recalls.

“At first I cried and cried. I treated my sight loss as a bereavement as that was the only way that I could come to terms with it.”

Sandra met Janice by chance in the park and learnt about the walking group. "At the time I was relying on my husband to take me everywhere. The group gave me back my independence.”

The walking group, founded in 2021, is the first of its kind in the Highlands, offering monthly activities for people with sight loss — from boat trips and pottery to open water swimming, alongside their popular walks.

68-year-old Janice also struggled with feelings of loneliness after her cataract operation led to sight loss.

“When I was first diagnosed I was stuck in the house all the time. It’s nice to get out and meet other people in the same situation. There can be a lot of frustrating things that happen when you are visually impaired. With the group we can moan about these things and well as laugh together at the silly stuff that we do like walking into lampposts or sending text messages to the wrong people!”

Wendy, 51, also faced mental health challenges following her sight loss. “When I received the sight loss diagnosis, it felt like my world had ended. Discovering the Highland VIP Walking Group was a turning point.”

“When we’re out together, we feel unstoppable. The group’s support makes a huge difference. You just have to look at how many people turn up each month to see it’s truly one of a kind.”

We share this story with warm respect for Janice, who recently passed away but was an important part of this fantastic group.

On a warm spring afternoon on the banks of the River Ness, three women and two guide dogs stroll around a sunny park. Sandra, Wendy and their friend Janice first met through the #NationalLottery funded Highland VIP Walking Group and formed a deep and lasting friendship.

70-year-old Sandra’s life changed dramatically when she lost her sight due to optic nerve damage during a liver transplant.

“I went to sleep with two good eyes and woke up three weeks later in hospital thinking ‘why don’t they pay their electric bill in here?’ because everything was dark!” Sandra recalls.

“At first I cried and cried. I treated my sight loss as a bereavement as that was the only way that I could come to terms with it.”

Sandra met Janice by chance in the park and learnt about the walking group. "At the time I was relying on my husband to take me everywhere. The group gave me back my independence.”

The walking group, founded in 2021, is the first of its kind in the Highlands, offering monthly activities for people with sight loss — from boat trips and pottery to open water swimming, alongside their popular walks.

68-year-old Janice also struggled with feelings of loneliness after her cataract operation led to sight loss.

“When I was first diagnosed I was stuck in the house all the time. It’s nice to get out and meet other people in the same situation. There can be a lot of frustrating things that happen when you are visually impaired. With the group we can moan about these things and well as laugh together at the silly stuff that we do like walking into lampposts or sending text messages to the wrong people!”

Wendy, 51, also faced mental health challenges following her sight loss. “When I received the sight loss diagnosis, it felt like my world had ended. Discovering the Highland VIP Walking Group was a turning point.”

“When we’re out together, we feel unstoppable. The group’s support makes a huge difference. You just have to look at how many people turn up each month to see it’s truly one of a kind.”

We share this story with warm respect for Janice, who recently passed away but was an important part of this fantastic group.

On a warm spring afternoon on the banks of the River Ness, three women and two guide dogs stroll around a sunny park. Sandra, Wendy and their friend Janice first met through the #NationalLottery funded Highland VIP Walking Group and formed a deep and lasting friendship.

70-year-old Sandra’s life changed dramatically when she lost her sight due to optic nerve damage during a liver transplant.

“I went to sleep with two good eyes and woke up three weeks later in hospital thinking ‘why don’t they pay their electric bill in here?’ because everything was dark!” Sandra recalls.

“At first I cried and cried. I treated my sight loss as a bereavement as that was the only way that I could come to terms with it.”

Sandra met Janice by chance in the park and learnt about the walking group. "At the time I was relying on my husband to take me everywhere. The group gave me back my independence.”

The walking group, founded in 2021, is the first of its kind in the Highlands, offering monthly activities for people with sight loss — from boat trips and pottery to open water swimming, alongside their popular walks.

68-year-old Janice also struggled with feelings of loneliness after her cataract operation led to sight loss.

“When I was first diagnosed I was stuck in the house all the time. It’s nice to get out and meet other people in the same situation. There can be a lot of frustrating things that happen when you are visually impaired. With the group we can moan about these things and well as laugh together at the silly stuff that we do like walking into lampposts or sending text messages to the wrong people!”

Wendy, 51, also faced mental health challenges following her sight loss. “When I received the sight loss diagnosis, it felt like my world had ended. Discovering the Highland VIP Walking Group was a turning point.”

“When we’re out together, we feel unstoppable. The group’s support makes a huge difference. You just have to look at how many people turn up each month to see it’s truly one of a kind.”

We share this story with warm respect for Janice, who recently passed away but was an important part of this fantastic group.