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We are proudly supporting the #EnjoySummerSafely campaign, and encouraging the public to feel inspired to get out and explore all the great culture right here in the UK that we’ve missed over the last few months.
 

On 20 August we want to fill social media with pictures of British holidays, day trips and all the fabulous culture we have on offer. Can you add a throwback picture of you, perhaps at a UK gallery, beach or museum, with the hashtags #EnjoySummerSafely and #ThrowbackThursday?
 

Just remember, booking in advance is now essential at many places so make sure you check out the visitor guidance before your trip, to ensure you aren’t missing important information. VisitBritain’s ‘Know Before You Go’ page offers plenty of advice so you can prepare and feel reassured before your visit. 

Artisan Taslima Ahmad has been awarded a 2020 National Lottery Award, for her work to keep traditional textile techniques alive with her courses to help marginalised women and children cope with the impact of COVID-19. 

In 2013, Taslima set up Creative Design & Manufacture UK, a non-profit space for artists and designers. When the pandemic hit, and her classes forced to close, Taslima delivered 20 sewing machines to her students and ran online textile training sessions to help vulnerable and disadvantaged BAME women. 

BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee judge, Patrick Grant, helped celebrate Taslima's win, saying: “The education and creative skills she offers to the women who attend her courses are invaluable, especially throughout the last few months. I couldn’t think of a more worthy winner.” Continue reading here. 

Scottish TV presenter Jean Johannsson has crowned the Community winner of The National Lottery Awards 2020!

Julie Morrison, Founder of the Baby Loss Retreat, has been announced the winner of the Community category for her amazing work supporting bereaved parents through lockdown. Julie, from Coatbridge in Lanarkshire, was inspired to set up the charity following the tragic loss of her own daughter, Erin, who was stillborn at 37 weeks in 2003.

Julie comments; “When the coronavirus lockdown came into place, we knew grieving parents would feel more isolated than ever. Setting up the online and phone support was really important to ensure that grieving families could still access support – thanks to funding from The National Lottery, we were able to do this.” Click here to read more. 

Do you know a young person who has made an extraordinary impact in their community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? Do you have a treasured outdoor space, park or beach that you have taken solace in during lockdown? Or, do you have a favourite heritage site that has been protecting precious collections to ensure they can reopen again?
 

Well, whatever it is, we want you to tell us about it by nominating a worthy individual for the 2020 National Lottery Awards. For the first time, the prestigious annual awards will honour individuals or small groups who have gone the extra mile during the COVID-19 crisis. 

We particularly want to give recognition to people within three different categories: Young Heroes aged 18 and younger, green-fingered good Samaritans in our Environment category, and those caring for historic national treasures in our Heritage category. Click here for more information about how to nominate.

This week we're travelling to the Blackford Gala Day Scotland, Carmarthen Youth Project in Wales and Cinemagic Festival in Northern Ireland... and keep your eyes peeled for a surprise special guest! ??