Following the successful first phase of funding, Northamptonshire Sport has been awarded a second wave of National Lottery cash from Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities Fund.

The money, now up for grabs, will be dished out to under-represented groups, including women’s groups and LGBTQ+ to reduce the negative impact of coronavirus on activity.

Matthew Peleszok of Northamptonshire Sport said, “We are excited to be supporting the local community stay active during COVID -19.

“As an organisation we have worked hard to ensure that the inequalities gap doesn’t widen and we are delighted to have awarded 20 grants to date.”

The organisations funded through phase one included Age UK Northamptonshire, Breast Friends, Dostiyo Asian Women and Girls and Springs Family Centre.

Matthew added: “We have a unique position to support the county and we look forward to working hard to provide opportunities to every resident of the county.”

Other target audiences include lower socio-economic groups, BAME communities, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions .

The funding can be used in a wide range of ways but the priority should be to maintain or improve the physical activity levels of a group over the next few months.

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, said: “We are proud to be able to provide funding and support to Northamptonshire Sport in this difficult period.

“This funding will help support our valuable community infrastructure that is so important in keeping the nation active and will also provide important connections and reconnections for people whose lives have been affected by COVID-19 and for whom remaining active is so important for their physical, mental and social wellbeing.

“We know from our research and data that there are existing inequalities between groups when it comes to activity levels and COVID-19 has re-enforced these.”

The minimum grant that organisations can apply for is £50, with the maximum application available being for £3,000.

To apply for the phase two of funding, organisations have until the September 18th by clicking here.