£14 million National Lottery funding to strengthen communities across Northern Ireland

Thirty-five local charities and community groups are delivering projects that reduce health inequalities, improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, strengthen relationships and connections, and help children and young people thrive.

From improving the wellbeing of older unpaid carers to helping adopted young people build confidence and social connections, funding has been awarded to a wide range of projects, supporting people experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.

One organisation receiving funding is AGE North Down & Ards, which has secured £128,872 to deliver the AGEnda Carers Support Project for unpaid carers aged over 65 across Ards and North Down. The project provides personalised support including home visits, weekly check ins, peer support groups and wellbeing workshops, aiming to reduce isolation and improve carers' physical and mental wellbeing.

Suzanne Melville Co CEO at AGE North Down & Ards said:

"Older unpaid carers are a vital but often overlooked part of our local communities, with many experiencing isolation, declining health and financial pressures.

"This funding will help us reach local unpaid carers and ensure they feel supported, valued and connected. By offering consistent, trusted support, we can help carers look after their own wellbeing while supporting their loved ones."

Also receiving funding is Craigavon Travellers Support Committee, which has been awarded £448,850 to deliver the Irish Travellers Counselling Project, providing dedicated mental health support for Irish Travellers aged 16 and over across Northern Ireland. The project offers one-to-one counselling, outreach and awareness workshops focused on early intervention and suicide prevention.

Michael O’Neill, Clinical Manager at the Irish Traveller Counselling Project said:

"Irish Travellers continue to face significant structural inequalities that manifest in stark health disparities, particularly around life expectancy, access to mainstream services and mental health.

"Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players, this funding is enabling us to expand our service and provide early, culturally appropriate mental health support that is trusted, accessible and tailored to the needs of our community."

In Antrim, Muckamore Parish Development Association is using a £185,391 grant to deliver community wellbeing and family support programmes for adults, children and families experiencing crisis, trauma and disadvantage.

Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

"We're delighted to be supporting these community led projects, especially at a time when many organisations across Northern Ireland are facing rising costs, funding cuts and increasing demand.

"Through our Strengthening Communities programme, we focus our funding where it matters most, investing in communities experiencing the greatest need. By offering help earlier and strengthening local connections, these projects are helping to reduce health inequalities and build more inclusive communities."

Strengthening Communities offers funding from £20,000 to £500,000 for projects lasting up to 5 years. Community groups of all sizes are encouraged to get in touch early to discuss their ideas and find out more about available funding.

Full details of all Strengthening Communities grants awarded are available online. 

For more information visit our Strengthening Communities page.