Ads help us keep this site online
16th March 2021
Posted by Johnny Jenkins
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for us all, but it has also highlighted the incredible kindness that bonds our communities together.
That’s why the Essex Lottery is calling on residents to support the good causes across Essex that have stepped up during lockdown and players could be in with a chance of winning up to £25,000.
Kirsty O’Callaghan, Head of Strengthening Communities at Essex County Council, says:
“Our local good causes always go above and beyond to support communities across Essex. But over the last year we have been especially overwhelmed by how they have gone that extra mile, despite facing their own challenges due to fundraising events being cancelled. At a time when they need it most you can help make a big difference by playing the Essex Lottery.
“As a player you get to support a cause close to your heart and potentially win some cash. As a good cause it’s easy to sign up with no fees or contracts involved. So, it really is a win-win situation for all involved.”
Tickets cost just £1 a week with the player’s chosen cause receiving 50p and the remaining 10p being distributed to other local good causes. 20p goes back into the prize pot. Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance to win a prize each week, which is statistically a better chance than winning other lotteries.
Since its launch in November 2017, the Essex Lottery has donated over £268,000 to good causes across the county, like Motivated Minds based in Basildon.
As a non-profit Community Interest Company, Motivated Minds designs and facilitates sustainable mental health and wellbeing solutions for adults and children. Their aim is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental ill health and support individuals through positive psychological and behavioural change, enabling them to live happier and healthier lives.
Carla Andrews, Founder and Managing Director of Motivated Minds, says:
“This is all about empowering the community to thrive. By giving people positive activities to do, such as bike building, wellbeing walks, crafts and yoga, they are not only focusing their attention away from their anxieties but looking after their wellbeing by engaging with others.
“That peer-to-peer support can be key to sharing our feelings and providing us with emotional support”.
Ultimately, Carla’s vision is to open more hubs across Essex so that more people can feel the lasting positive impact of their support; not only to the individual but also to the community they work, live and learn in.
Carla signed up to the Essex Lottery as it would provide a regular income for the cause, but more importantly it helps her to raise the profile of Motivated Minds so that more people can feel encouraged to reach out for support.
She says: “The impact that poor mental health has on someone’s life can be debilitating. The Essex Lottery is going to be key to giving people the hope and strength they need for better wellbeing”.
If you would like to register as a good cause, then visit the Essex Lottery website. You will also be given regular marketing materials to help promote your lottery.
In addition to the weekly cash prizes, players who buy a ticket before 24th April will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £1000 voucher from Curry’s PC World. Conditions apply: https://www.essexlottery.co.uk/
Image: Warren Page