Project to connect young and old makes TV shortlist

Croydon project shortlisted for TV competition. Photo: People's Millions

Croydon project shortlisted for TV competition. Photo: People’s Millions

A project that is hoping to bridge the gap between generations in Croydon has been shortlisted for the People’s Millions TV Competition that could grant them up to £50,000.

The competition, which has finalists from all over the UK competing against one another each day between November 24 and November 26, has shortlisted six groups from across London.

Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of ITV plc, said: “The People’s Millions is an exciting way for people around the UK, through the ITV regions, to win up to £50,000 of Lottery money to improve their communities. We congratulate all the projects on making the final shortlist and wish them all the very best of luck.”

Oaks and Acorns, run by the Timebridge Management Company in New Addington, will be competing against Stockwell Matters by Young People Matter Ltd for viewer votes on November 24.

A short video about the project will be shown on the ITV regional news between 6.00pm and 6.30pm.

If Oaks and Acorns receive the most votes, they will use their requested £23,398 to teach young people life skills including decorating, balancing their budgets and other domestic necessities such as changing plugs and unblocking sinks. The older generation will be taught about exercise and nutrition, and with the setting up of an allotment, both generations can mix and work together to grow fruit and vegetables.

Dawn Austwick, Big Lottery Fund Chief Executive, said: “The People’s Millions competition is a brilliant opportunity for people to have a say in how Lottery money is spent in their communities.”

She added: “Voters will have some difficult choices to make in deciding which of the excellent projects going head to head will get their support. But most importantly, the end result will benefit people and communities most in need.”

Voting numbers will be advertised on the day the projects are due to appear on ITV, on the People’s Millions website and the Daily Mirror, with telephone voting lines opening at 9am on each day and winners announced the following day.

On November 25, Colour the Capital run by Forest Recycling Project Limited, which uses reclaimed paint to improve community spaces across three London boroughs including Hackney, will compete against SkyWay Bike Champions in Golders Green.

If Colour the Capital wins their requested £49,300 they will work with Global Street Art to improve community spaces with street art and murals. 6,000 litres of reclaimed paint will also be donated to communities and those in need of paint for home decoration.

This year 76 awards of up to £50,000 are up for grabs across the UK – four awards in each ITV region including a bonus award for the runner-up with the highest number of votes.

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