Almost £60,000 of lottery funding has been awarded to six causes in Gravesham and Dartford.

In total the Big Lottery Fund announced £3.6million of grants for projects across the South East and £50.3m for organisations around the country.

The biggest amount, of £10,000, was awarded to Bright Star Wellbeing in Rose Street, Northfleet, which provides a range of therapeutic activities for people who experience loneliness, anxiety or mental health problems.

Dartford-based domestic violence charity Against All Odds – Still Standing received £9,997. This project will continue to deliver a befriending service and therapeutic rehab support to woman from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community who have experienced domestic abuse. It aims to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and improve their confidence and self-esteem.

A total of £9,964 was awarded to Vigo Parish Council to install new play facilities on the village green which will provide inclusive facilities for children with disabilities as well as a hub for the wider community.

Refocus Project Limited’s Inside Out, based in Home Gardens, Dartford, which aims to provide mental health and wellbeing mentoring sessions to girls from Traveller, European and African communities to increase their confidence and self-esteem, was awarded £9,900.

St George’s Church, in Church Street, Gravesend, received £9,750 for much-needed community hall roof and guttering repairs and the North West Kent Hindu Cultural Society’s sharing and caring project was awarded £8,500 to help with the refurbishment of its new facility in Manor Road, Gravesend.