WATCH: Derry projects that work with homeless young people receives almost half a million pounds in Lottery funding from 'undercover' volunteer

Two Derry projects which helps homeless young people received a huge surprise when a National Lottery player shocked them by revealing their application for funding has been successful.

Representatives from both First Housing Aid and Support Services and Business in the Community were taken aback to learn they will receive £443,920 at the launch of The National Lottery’s ‘Thank You Northern Ireland’ campaign, which allows players to visit projects who benefit when they buy a ticket.

National Lottery player Rachelle Connell, from Belfast, went ‘undercover’ as a volunteer to visit them in Derry only to reveal the good news that their #WorkItOut initiative will receive Lottery support via the Big Lottery Fund.

#WorkItOut will work with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless in the Derry and Strabane area.

The three-year partnership scheme will provide them with the ability to cope with challenges in their lives, build resilience and help them overcome barriers to education, work or training.

Leanne Doherty, Employability Manager at Business in the Community, said: “The #WorkItOut project will work with some of the most disadvantaged young people in our society, suffering from social exclusion and addiction problems.

“Our programme will try to make it easier to move from the care system into the community. Employers will have the opportunity to learn from the young people and give them a chance they would not ordinarily receive in the work place.

“We are delighted to receive this National Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund.”

Eileen Best, Director of Operations at First Housing Aid and Support Services added: “This funding will give great support to young people who may not have had any formal education. It will help put them on a level playing field to go out and build a better future for themselves.

“The #WorkItOut project was the vision of young people and we will now be able to take that forward. We would like to thank the National Lottery for believing in our young people.”

You can watch the moment Rachel revealed the good news here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaCUj4Ma5p4&feature=youtu.be