Upper Norwood Library Trust awarded £776,571 of National Lottery funding for expansion of community-led activities

We’re delighted to announce we’ve been awarded £776,571 across the next five years in National Lottery funding to expand our vital work!

We’ll empower local communities through literacy, lifelong learning and health and wellbeing activities at the Upper Norwood Library Hub and through our ‘Library Without Walls’ outreach programme, which aims to improve health and wellbeing, build social connections, skills and employability opportunities.

The new funding will see an increase in volunteering opportunities for local residents, offer a crisis, signposting and referral service and capacity building support, in pursuit of protecting and sustaining libraries through best practice community-led models.  

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK. It has four key missions, which are to support communities to come together, be environmentally sustainable, help children and young people thrive and enable people to live healthier lives.  

Jenny Irish, UNLT Director said, “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our impact with this long-term investment. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we can expand opportunities for residents through an array of community-led activities and share the success of our collaborative model, uniting communities, councils and libraries.” 

Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “I’m delighted that this fund has been secured for what is a really popular library hosted jointly by Lambeth and Croydon councils and supported by the wonderful trust. 

“Securing this backing is a real testament to the work being undertaken at the Upper Norwood Library Hub and I am delighted that this will be extended further into the community through the outreach work that will now take place.” 

Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry said: “It’s fantastic news that the Upper Norwood Library Trust has secured vital funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This support will benefit residents of all ages - encouraging lifelong learning and offering meaningful help to those who need it most. 

“I look forward to working closely with the Trust as they roll out this exciting new programme and deliver activities that will make a real difference in our communities.” 

UNLT participant Sue said, “It’s really fantastic news that the Upper Norwood Library Trust has got this amazing funding as the sessions here are so helpful to socialise, meet other people and help us to keep going in life!”