Destined takes Lottery vote campaign to Facebook

Members of a Derry -based project for people with learning disabilities have taken their campaign to reach the 2010 finals of the National Lottery Awards to social networking site Facebook. The Destined group is urging the local public to weigh in with thousands of votes as they battle with nine other groups to win the "Best Health Project" category with their project 'Access to Citizenship' . This is an innovative project that is delivered in partnership with the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the North West Regional College and Mencap. Now the campaign has gone online to reach a self set target of 10,000 public votes. The Destined Facebook page now has over 100 group members after it was set up on Friday. Volunteers are encouraging Facebook users to urge their online friends to vote for the organisation.

Founded in 2002, Destined has established itself in Great James Street as a pivotal service for people for people with learning disabilities and operates a seven day service from its Drop-In centre offering a range of programmes including Health & Fitness, Arts, Education and Social activities.

The 'Access to Citizenship' project has the opportunity to win £2000 by winning the final of its category and will be invited to take part in an star studded  Awards ceremony in London to be screened on a BBC1 on prime time TV on a Saturday night.

Destined founder Dermot O'Hara is urging the Derry public to vote the group through to the finals in London. "The fact that the Access to Citizenship project has made it this far is a testament to the worthwhile work it does for people who otherwise would feel isolated and left behind by society. Destined exists to empower people with learning disabilities and recognition from the National Lottery Awards shows the value of this project. We know that the people of Derry and their enthusiasm will take us through to the finals and we are appealing for all the help we can get from schools, businesses, organisations and the general public. We see Facebook as a major part of getting the votes needed.

Michael Cole, a member of Destined said "We 're going to put a massive effort into this and we are asking people to support us by phone, online and on Facebook to take us to the finals in London. Voting closes on the 18^th June, so we need people to rally now."

To join the Destined Facebook group simply search Destined under groups on your page, join and vote. Or log onto www.destined.ie and click on the Facebook link there. To register you vote for the Access to Citizenship by phone call 08446861992.

For further information on Destineds bid contact Dermot O'Hara: 02871362424.