Two London projects have made it through to the finals of the 2011 National Lottery Awards, with voting now open to the public.

In its eighth year, the National Lottery Awards were launched to recognise the difference Lottery-funded projects make to local communities, and celebrate the achievements of the people behind them.

All 22 projects in the finals have already received Lottery funding and the Awards celebrate how they have put that money to good use.

The two London projects to have made it to the final stage are:

  • Include Duchenne, competing for Best Education Project, in association with Best magazine

  • The Include Duchenne project focuses on the behavioural and learning difficulties that often affect children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a serious and progressive muscle wasting condition. The project features specialist learning assessments for more than 80 children aged 6-12 years who follow a new custom-built online literacy programme called ‘Decipha’ which is based on the theme of time travel and is delivered in partnership between home and school.

    Children with Duchenne are at risk of dyslexia, ADHD and autism but these learning and behavioural difficulties have often been overlooked. The National Lottery funding has paid for specialist teachers to assess children with Duchenne across the UK and train parents and schools on how to deliver the Decipha programme to assist their learning.

To vote for Include Duchenne call: 0844 836 9683 or log on to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

  • The Smiling Sessions, London – competing for Best Arts Project

The Smiling Sessions is a musical project involving musicians visiting homes for the elderly to hold singing workshops to brighten residents’ days. The musicians encourage residents to take part by singing and revisiting old musical interests.

National Lottery funding has enabled the project to employ three musicians involved – Alison Jones, Pete Baikie and Dick Smith – as well as funding other costs including songbooks and CDs which make it easier for the session residents to sing along.

To vote for The Smiling Sessions call: 0844 836 9677 or log on to lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

The public have 3 weeks to show their support for their favourite project, with voting closing at midday on 26th September.

There are seven categories in total with the winner from each category receiving national recognition at a star-studded event, broadcast on national TV later this year, as well as a £2,000 cash prize to spend on their project. More information can be found at lotterygoodcauses.org.uk