Malvern support network for families given £300,000 boost - The Malvern Observer

Malvern support network for families given £300,000 boost

Malvern Editorial 8th Feb, 2019   0

A MALVERN-based support network for Worcestershire families with special needs has been handed a cash boost of almost £300,000 from a newly-named lottery fund.

What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful (WMYDMYB) is one of the first projects in the UK to receive cash from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The community funder, the largest in the UK, changed its name last week from the Big Lottery Fund and has cemented the move by awarding the six figure sum.

WMYDMYB supports children who have disabilities and additional needs, as well as their families, across Worcestershire.




Various activities are held from its centre on Howsell Road in the town including cookery, coffee mornings and parties. Day trips are also provided to places like farms, theme parks and bowling alleys and there is a weekly club specially for the children’s siblings.


This provides a safe and welcoming space, bringing families together so they can meet others in similar situations, helping to reduce loneliness and create new friendships.

Kim Philpotts, founder of What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue to support families with special needs across Worcestershire.

“As a mother who has a child with a brain injury, I discovered that there wasn’t the support and respite out there and I’ve put my heart and soul into helping change this.

“Our activities are a lifeline to the whole family unit. It’s so important to also support the parents and siblings of children with disabilities and additional needs.

“We’re so grateful to be able to carry on this vital work.”

Matt Poole, senior head of regional funding for the Midlands at the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful to help children with special needs, and their families.

“People across Worcestershire will have more opportunities to come together, sharing memorable experiences and sparking new friendships.”

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.

Last year – as the Big Lottery Fund – it awarded over half a billion pounds and supported more than 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes and 90 per cent of the grants it makes are for under £10,000.

Visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk for more.

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