Sunrise Diversity secures nearly £500,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to safeguard its future
Students, staff and volunteers at Sunrise Diversity have expressed their deep appreciation after receiving £500,000 in National Lottery funding, ensuring the organisation can continue its vital work.
A charity based in Barnstaple that has been described as a ‘lifeline’ for some of North Devon’s most marginalised residents is looking ahead with renewed confidence after being awarded almost half a million pounds in National Lottery support.
Last autumn, the organisation launched an urgent appeal for short-term financial help amid fears it could be forced to shut down after serving the community for more than a decade.
Now, thanks to a pledge of £499,980 over five years from the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), Sunrise Diversity not only remains open but is also preparing to grow its services.
Sunrise supports a wide range of communities across North Devon and Torridge, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, refugees, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Its current services include English language classes (ESOL), LGBTQ+ peer support groups, family crisis advocacy, and grassroots diversity training delivered through its Sunrise Community Hub.
The newly secured funding will allow the charity to continue providing inclusive services across the region while also recruiting four additional team members.
This expansion will strengthen its ability to deliver a five-year programme focused on safe spaces, advocacy, and community development.
Plans include increasing outreach efforts and enhancing support programmes so that individuals from diverse backgrounds can access advice, opportunities, and a welcoming network.
While describing the National Lottery award as ‘a significant milestone’, the charity emphasised that it still depends on the ongoing backing of local partners, donors, and volunteers to maintain and expand its work.
It also expressed sincere gratitude for the strong local support shown during recent challenging months and encouraged anyone wishing to make a difference to continue supporting the organisation.
Ana Lodge, CEO of Sunrise Diversity, said: “We are grateful for the trust and investment shown by the National Lottery Community Fund.
This funding gives us security and confidence to continue supporting those who need it most and to welcome four new colleagues who share our vision for a fairer, more inclusive Devon.
“Local supporters are also hugely important to us, and we thank everyone who has given their time and funding in recent times and encourage you to join us again now as a supporter, volunteer or donor as we move into this exciting new phase.”
Jon Lockett, chair of Sunrise Diversity, added: “Our work is only possible thanks to the commitment of our team, community, volunteers, and funding partners.
We urge local people to join us in creating positive change. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder Northern Devon.”
Sunrise Diversity also extended its ‘heartfelt thanks to the National Lottery and its players for their generous support’, noting that the partnership is playing a crucial role in creating opportunities and driving positive change for people who might otherwise be overlooked.