COMMUNITY projects across the region are celebrating after winning a share of more than £1m in Lottery funding.

Eight North-East schemes have received grants in the latest round of The Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme.

A £303,785 grant has ensured that a whole new project can be launched to help people with learning disabilities across Tees Valley and County Durham improve their self confidence and life skills.

The three-year project, run by Endeavour Training, also aims to increase the employability of people with learning difficulties in the region.

Gavin Hosford, director of operations, said: “The project will aim to develop self-confidence and independence through challenging activities such as rock climbing, orienteering and canoeing.

"A social enterprise strand will help improve their community involvement and employability and taking part in the project will widen their social circles.

“Our aim is to help at least 300 young people with mild and moderate learning difficulties to have more positive life opportunities over the next three years.”

Other initiatives to receive a share of the spoils include £371,505 going to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC), which has offices in Darlington and Durham City, and My Sisters Place in Middlesbrough receiving £499,262 to continue tackling domestic violence.

Deborah Barker, CEO of the RSACC (Darlington and County Durham), said that the grant will fund groundbreaking work in the region.

She said: “We are part of a national rape crisis centre, therefore it is always phenomenally difficult for us to get sustainable funding, so we are absolutely delighted to get this community funding.

“It is for a specific project we are developing that involves going into schools and doing preventative work with young people around sexual violence.

“We are very excited to be given this opportunity to do what we think is some really invaluable and much-needed work.”

The grant will fund a dedicated project worker for the next five years but it is hoped that the project will continue across Darlington and County Durham beyond that initial period.

Other grant awards in the region include Age Concern County Durham receiving £355,460 and Gateshead Carers Association winning £301,868.