The National Lottery Community Fund supports music groups
https://spreadasmile.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Untitled-design-3.png 780 400 Hannah Myers Hannah Myers https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fed07b715e69c8b6d60438635e53ede9b7f2284faa500e7724c6b74a8aedd0eb?s=96&d=mm&r=gEarlier this year we were delighted to receive a 12-month grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, to help fund Spread a Smile’s virtual music groups for seriously ill children.
Grants from Trusts and Foundations are a vital source of funding for Spread a Smile, supporting targeted service provision, innovation and long-term planning for the charity.
Our virtual sessions, enable children and their siblings to enjoy visits with our entertainers from any setting, wherever they are. We run four virtual music groups a week, tailored for younger children (aged 5–10), older children and teenagers (11+), and their siblings. Activities include singing, sensory music, and child-led song requests, ensuring inclusivity and creativity.
Trusts and Foundations Manager, Kuljeet de Souza shared, “The sessions aim to support some of the most isolated children who are unable to attend school or see friends due to serious illness, immunocompromised conditions, or hospital stays. This isolation often leads to anxiety, depression, and developmental delays, with the virtual sessions offering moments of joy and connection, helping children cope with trauma and fear.”
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players to support charities, community groups, and projects across the UK, helping people and communities to thrive.
Julie Galano, Head of National Lottery Awards for All at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“We’re proud to support this important project from Spread a Smile that we hope will bring moments of joy to children who are navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.
“Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, over £17,000 will help to create a supportive and uplifting environment for children, bringing positivity and connection, and making their stay in hospital a little easier and less isolating.
We are rooted in communities across the UK, covering every postcode; we are here for everyone and especially for those who need us the most.”
We are extremely grateful for their support, helping ensure that our music groups continue to bring respite and fun to seriously ill children and their families when it’s needed most.
If you know of a Trust of Foundation that can support Spread a Smile, we’d love to hear from you. Please email Kuljeet de Souza at kuljeet@spreadasmile.org to find out more.