Local charity, developmentplus, is today celebrating after being awarded almost £260,000 in National Lottery funding to continue its work with people who have been in the criminal justice system. The charity, based in Lincoln, will use the cash to offer intensive 1-1 mentoring sessions and group work with a view of reducing prison stays.

developmentplus has been running since 1997 and is staffed by a team of 10.

The charity provides a range of responsive services for the people of Lincolnshire that improves their wellbeing and mental health, promoting hope and sustainable personal progression.

The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will see Bridging the Gap double in size, broaden its reach outside of Lincoln supporting 50 people a year for 3 years.

At the same time, Bridging the Gap will be able continue building positive partnerships with organisations across the City of Lincoln who support and benefit from the project as a referral pathway for their clients.

Lynsey Collinson, CEO of developmentplus, says: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to press on with our plans to broaden the delivery of Bridging the Gap to local people who want to make positive changes in their lives.”

A colleague from the Critical Time Intervention Team, says: “The incredible work BTG does is evident from the level of engagement it receives from the individuals it works with. As a team we have witnessed the positive impact of its support, and how much it is valued by the individuals it works with and partner agencies too.