Barnardo's is the first North East charity to benefit from the Geordie Jackpot

Children’s charity, Barnardo’s is the first to benefit from NE1’s Geordie Jackpot, the local lottery, and the generosity of the people of the North East. NE1 Ltd’s Chief Executive, Adrian Waddell, presented a cheque for £1,500 to the charity on Wednesday 2 May.

The money will be used to develop an activity programme that aims to build the emotional wellbeing and confidence of some of Newcastle’s most disadvantaged children by bringing them into the city to enjoy arts, cultural and leisure experiences and activities that have previously been denied them due to cost.

The money was raised from the sales of Geordie Jackpot tickets, launched last year with the dual aim of raising cash for worthy causes and helping fund projects in Newcastle city centre.

Already 29 lucky tickets have won the weekly £1K payout and as well as making its first charitable payout, NE1 is about to unveil the inaugural Geordie Jackpot funded project in the city centre.  An announcement is expected later this month.

Barnardo’s were chosen as the first grant recipient after submitting a strong case to the team at Cash for Kids who are working with NE1 Ltd and the Geordie Jackpot to distribute the charitable grants.

Barnardo’s provide intensive support to some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children in Newcastle including teenage parents and carers.  The charity’s aim is to improve the living conditions and life chances of children, young people and their families. As well as alleviating poverty, their work also focuses on improving the health, well-being and building self esteem among the people they work with.  With the Geordie Jackpot money, Barnado’s plan to give young people the chance to experience and explore the city and the arts, cultural, leisure, social activities and venues that they cannot usually afford.

The Geordie Jackpot grant will help Barnardo’s fund group activities to improve emotional wellbeing and build confidence: pay for group outings and deliver sessions on healthy eating and how to feel good about yourself.

 Adrian Waddell, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said:

“It is fitting that Barnardo’s is our first recipient and that they plan to use our amazing city and its arts, leisure and cultural amenities for the good of some of the most disadvantaged of our community. The city belongs to everyone and this grant will help more people enjoy it.  We hope to make the money go further by teaming up with our business members to offer ‘money can’t buy experiences’ and ‘behind the scenes access’ to leisure and arts venues which will benefit the children and young people Barnardo’s are working with.  This is the first grant award we’ve made and we hope to see more in the future, we encourage everyone to play their part by supporting the Geordie Jackpot.”

 Sue Curry of Barnardo’s said:

“We are very proud to be the first recipient of the Geordie Jackpot payout and we are looking forward to working with NE1 Ltd to deliver the activity projects.

“It is important that the most disadvantaged children of Newcastle are given the opportunity to experience all that their city has to offer and get the chance to enjoy activities that will help to improve their emotional well being and help build their confidence.”