Community Hub Supporting West Belfast Women for More Than 30 Years is Being Celebrated

A Belfast charity that has supported women, children and families in its community for decades is being celebrated as part of a landmark campaign between The National Lottery and Co-op. 

Footprints Women’s Centre, based in the Colin area of West Belfast, has been highlighted as one of five National Lottery funded projects across the UK to feature in the nationwide celebration marking the £3 billion that has been raised for Good Causes through National Lottery sales in Co-op stores since 1994. 

The campaign will run in selected Co-op stores and communications from the 12th of August to the 1st of September, helping to connect National Lottery players with the local projects that, because of them, are made possible. 

Since its opening in 1991, Footprints Women’s Centre has become a key community hub for women, children, and families in West Belfast. The centre provides a wide range of support, including childcare, family support services, wellbeing programmes, education and training opportunities, advice services, volunteering opportunities, and community food initiatives. 

Through its work, Footprints Women’s Centre helps women build confidence, access practical support, develop new skills and feel more connected to their community. Its services have supported generations of local families, creating a welcoming space where women and children can be heard, supported, and empowered 

Thanks to National Lottery players, Footprints Women’s Centre has received a total of £1,600,000 in National Lottery funding between 1996 and 2025, helping the charity to continue delivering vital services for women, children, and families across its community. 

Lisa Maclean, Chief Executive at Footprints Women's Centre said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as part of this campaign and grateful to National Lottery players, whose support over many years has helped make our work possible. Thanks to National Lottery funding, Footprints Women’s Centre has been able to provide vital services and opportunities for women, children and families across West Belfast. The impact of this funding has been felt across generations, and we are delighted to celebrate the incredible difference National Lottery players continue to make to communities like ours every day.” 

Kate McCrae, Co-op Retail Director, said: “Whether you pop to Co-op for a pint of milk, lunchtime meal deal or dinner, many people also enjoy playing The National Lottery. Every ticket bought has helped to make a difference, and this amazing sum raised via Co-op since The National Lottery first began more than 30 years ago has helped to fund causes that support stronger communities, improve wellbeing and, create opportunities for people of all ages in towns, villages and cities across the UK.” 

Bridget Lea, Managing Director Retail at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: "Reaching £3 billion raised for National Lottery Good Causes through Co-op stores is a remarkable milestone. Every National Lottery player who has purchased a ticket at Co-op has helped make a difference to communities across the UK. This campaign is our opportunity to say thank you - to players, to the incredible Co-op team and to everyone who has helped deliver life-changing National Lottery funding over the past three decades. The projects featured in this campaign are powerful examples of the positive impact made possible by National Lottery players every single day." 

This campaign is not only a celebration of the £3 billion that has been raised for Good Causes through Co-op stores, but a powerful reminder that playing The National Lottery also supports thousands of projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people of all ages.  

Since The National Lottery started in 1994, more than £53bn has been raised for Good Causes, supporting projects in every postcode district across the UK. Today, National Lottery players raise on average, more than £33m each week for National Lottery-funded projects.