NI Community Health Project Support Programme Invites 2023/24 Applications

Applications are invited to a support programme for groups delivering projects which use community development to tackle health inequalities in Northern Ireland.

Funding is available for community organisations in Northern Ireland that are working to reduce health inequalities at a local level to enable them to make connections, build networks, share information and ideas and support each other in their work.

Applications will be accepted from voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations based in Northern Ireland.

Programme participants take part in a six-month mentoring process (September to March) with an experienced mentor. Mentees are also able to access a grant of up to £5,000 (capped at £1,000 for unconstituted organisations).

Funding is intended to enable the implementation of a community-based project that focuses on health inequalities, in line with locally defined community needs.

Examples of eligible projects and activities include:

  • Group work – engaging directly with a community on a programme of activity to address their identified health needs using a community development approach.
  • Community engagement – hosting an engagement or insight gathering event to raise awareness about health inequalities and uncover the current issues affecting a local community.
  • Developing the evidence-base – engaging directly with people and communities to gather their lived experience of health inequalities and identifying what works in addressing those needs.
  • Organisational development – developing a Strategic Plan for the organisation to better understand health inequalities and focus its actions.

Applications are particularly welcomed from groups who are in local areas with previously low uptake (Lisburn and Castlereagh, Antrim and Newtownabbey, Omagh, Lisanelly and Crossmaglen areas), and groups who support people from LGBTQIA+ and BAME groups.

The deadline for applications is 28 August 2023 (4pm).

(This report was the subject of a GRANTfinder Newsflash.)