Sunrise Diversity Secures Lottery Funding

Barnstaple based charity to continue supporting local diverse communities and expand team in Northern Devon

04/03/2026

Sunrise Diversity, a Barnstaple based charity dedicated to empowering diverse communities in Northern Devon, is delighted to announce the award of £499,980 over five years from the National Lottery Community Fund. This funding will enable Sunrise Diversity to continue delivering inclusive services across the region and recruit four new team members, strengthening its capacity to deliver the 5-year programme of safe spaces, advocacy, and community development work.

With this generous grant, Sunrise will deliver the “See Me” Project, building belonging and inclusion in Northern Devon through support, connection, and celebration. The charity will enhance its outreach and support programmes, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to opportunities, advice, and a welcoming community. The funding will facilitate the recruitment of four new roles, expanding the charity’s ability to engage with local residents and respond to emerging needs.

Sunrise was founded in 2014 and since then, their work with diverse communities- including migrants, refugees, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ and many other diverse individuals- is increasingly relevant in the face of increased division and polarisation. This is especially true in rural areas where people are faced with being asked to integrate, for communities to form cohesion, and to “fit in”. The work Sunrise delivers centres on creating safe spaces for people to exist as they are, to forge a way forward to a place that is for everyone, and to belong- exactly as who they are.

Through this grant, Sunrise will offer:

  • Advocacy support: 1:1 support for migrants, refugees, LGBTQ+ people and others who face discrimination or barriers to accessing services due to protected characteristics.
  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): Functional English classes and conversational groups to support practical English language for Life in the UK, confidence and access to employment, services and rights.
  • Multi-cultural Community Groups: Community gatherings will offer social connection, wellbeing activities, cultural celebration and integration events.
  • LGBTQ+ Community Groups: Safe-space peer groups for LGBTQ+ people. Sessions will support identity exploration, wellbeing, rights awareness and community safety and connection with others.
  • Lived Experience Activities: Workshops and panels centred around lived experience of diversity for local residents, which will inform their community and service offers.
  • Sunrise will continue to work in partnership with statutory services and the VCSE sector to ensure representation of diverse communities, and improve on accessibility of services.

Clients say:

My VISA application has been successful! I am truly grateful for all your support through this process, it couldn’t have been easy if not you.

The help I received from Sunrise Diversity gave me strength and reassurance when I needed it most, and I truly appreciate the positive impact you had.

And from the wider community:

“I feel we learn and grow most when we are open with others and to others lived experiences.”

While National Lottery funding marks a significant milestone, Sunrise Diversity relies on continued support from local partners, donors, and volunteers to sustain and grow its services. Local input has been hugely appreciated during some difficult times recently and the charity would like to recognise this alongside the essential funding from the NLCF and encourage those interested in making a difference to continue to support this invaluable local organisation.

Ana Lodge, CEO of Sunrise Diversity: “We are grateful for the trust and investment shown by the National Lottery Community Fund. This funding gives us security and confidence to continue supporting those who need it most, and to welcome four new colleagues who share our vision for a fairer, more inclusive Devon.

Local supporters are also hugely important to us and we thank everyone who has given their time and funding in recent times and encourage you to join us again now as a supporter, volunteer or donor as we move into this exciting new phase.”

Jon Lockett, Chair of Sunrise Diversity: “Our work is only possible thanks to the commitment of our team, community, volunteers, and funding partners. We urge local people to join us in creating positive change. Together, we can build a stronger, kinder Northern Devon.”

Sunrise Diversity wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the National Lottery and its players for their generous support. This partnership is instrumental in driving positive change and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked.