Comic Relief awards open for funding as eight charities in Northern Ireland receive a grant  

14 Nov 2019

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has been appointed by Comic Relief to make funding available to voluntary and community groups supporting children in NI to survive and thrive, helping people with mental health issues and supporting those fighting for gender justice. 

In this first round of a two year funding programme eight groups benefited from £28,000 at an awards ceremony in Cookstown on Wednesday this week. The eight successful groups came together for a celebration event and the opportunity to network, exchange contacts and share ideas with other charities working towards achieving impact in these two areas – Supporting children to thrive and survive and supporting groups fighting gender justice.      

Encouraging children to achieve their full potential during the first years of life – groups benefiting are addressing issues such as good health, nutrition, opportunities for early learning, responsive and supportive caregiving, safety and protection. The groups awarded are as follows: Pennyburn Community Playgroup, First Steps Playgroup and Parent & Toddler Group, Home-Start North Down and Tiny Tots Mother and Toddler Group Derrylin are all delighted to receive grants. 

ADDNI Limited, We Are Pangs, Centred Soul-Health & Wellbeing for all the Family and Foyle Deaf Association received support for their work with people with mental health problems, ensuring they have access to the support they need to recover and to be empowered to speak out, to live free from stigma and discrimination. 

Michael Hughes, Head of Building Sustainable Communities at The Community Foundation said, “We’re absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Comic Relief and we are equally excited to be able to award this funding  in the first round of Comic Relief grants to these well deserved organisations. We are confident that significant impact will be achieved within these communities and areas of need in Northern Ireland.” 

Comic Relief grants are currently open for the second round of applicants. Funding is awarded under three key strategic areas; ‘Children Survive and Thrive’; ‘Global Mental Health Matters’; and  ‘Fighting for Gender Justice’. Groups can apply online here. Closing date Thursday 12th December 2019 at 1pm.