Lightbody Foundation Awards £70,000 just in time for christmas  

16 Jan 2020

Seven charities have benefited from a second round of funding from the Lightbody Foundation, set up by the popular Snow Patrol artist, Gary Lightbody in partnership with the Community Foundation. The Foundation is making a real difference to areas of need in Northern Ireland and matters close to the musician’s heart, including special educational needs, mental health issues and mentoring for young people.   

Receiving their funding at a low key event before christmas the groups had an opportunity to discuss the benefits of their work with Gary and share with him the difference his Foundation is making.

The charities benefiting include: 

Beama Education CIC who promote creative activity and provide opportunities for young people who feel excluded from their communities.  

Foyle Deaf Association who will use the funds to secure music lessons for deaf members and the creation of a sign language choir.

Have Your Tomorrow (HURT) will use their funding to support clients with mental health and suicidal thoughts by extending their counseling services.

Aspire NI, will provide opportunities for young people to explore various career fields in business, art, music, hospitality and youth work through their Aspire Academy programme. 

Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group will continue their work to address the issue of postnatal depression building confidence and self-esteem in women. 

Down Right Brilliant will use the funding to continue to develop their drama club and summer scheme for children and adults with Down Syndrome providing a space for them to develop and meet new friends.   

Young at Art received funding to provide creative activities for 15 nursery schools in community interface areas across Belfast.  

Andrew McCracken, CEO, Community Foundation said “We help to place generosity where it is needed most and create impact, making a real difference to communities and families in Northern Ireland. This fund was heavily oversubscribed, highlighting the huge need for funding and the generosity of Gary and his team.” 

Groups that received funding from the Lightbody were delighted and Simon McLean, Principal at Nettlefield Nursery School said “Children should not be defined by postcode, their experience or their background. Every child should have the same opportunity to be creative through music, using woodwind, strings, brass etc so they can express themselves and have their voice valued equally to any other child. Thanks to Gary and the Lightbody Foundation for helping to make this happen.”  

P.s. Congratulations to Gary Lightbody for being recognised and awarded an OBE for services to music and charity in the New Years Honors 2020 .  

For further information visit The Lightbody Foundation