Young Pioneers call for local support to help clinch Lottery funding

The National Lottery Awards recognise the positive impact that Lottery-funded projects, both big and small, make to local communities.

The Ashburnham-based Young Pioneers ‘Be Healthy’ programme is one of only 10 projects to make it through in the Best Health Project category in the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

Founded four years ago by schoolboy Luke Lancaster, then aged 12, the Be Healthy programme is a practical set of skills which enables young people to be more confident and understand how to have a healthy lifestyle.

It trains young people to become Be Healthy trainers who in turn work with young people to help them understand how they can take positive action and avoid harmful choices.

CEO and founder Luke, now aged 16, said: “We’re delighted to have reached the semi-finals of The National Lottery Awards.

“It’s a superb achievement for our staff and volunteers.

“Be Healthy strives to ensure that young people are physically, emotionally and mentally healthy.

“Our National Lottery funding has helped thousands of vulnerable young people be more confident and understand how to have a healthy lifestyle.

“What’s really cool, is that the training is delivered by other young people.”

People across the south east are being urged to help Young Pioneers make it through to the final three and an appearance on the awards show, which is broadcast live on BBC One later this year.

The winning project in each of the categories will receive national recognition at the star-studded event and a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project.

There are seven categories in the awards each reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, sport, heritage, health, environment, education and voluntary/charity.

Voting for the semi-finals ends at midday on Sunday July 22.

To vote for the Be Healthy programme call 0844 836 9600 or visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards. The three projects in each category with the highest number of votes will go to the final round of public voting later this summer.