Grants now on offer for volunteer groups

The ‘Live Here, Love Here’ scheme, spearheaded by environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, in association with Larne Borough Council, is designed to tackle issues such as poor environmental quality, littering and dilapidation – particularly in coastal areas – by encouraging volunteers to take practical action in their local communities.

The initiative forms part of the wider ‘Live Here, Love Here’ programme, which includes an innovative media campaign, due to launch at the beginning of next year, and the creation of a calendar of volunteering opportunities to encourage participation all year round.

The scheme is open to constituted volunteer groups operating in the Larne borough, who taking action to improve their local environment. Grants will be available from £500 to £5,000. The deadline for applications is noon on Monday, September 22.

Director of Environmental Services for Larne Council, Philip Thompson said: “I would encourage volunteer groups to come forward and access this funding opportunity to support the good work that is ongoing throughout the year across the borough. There is a strong community tradition of groups coming together to carry out environmental improvements, particularly the regular well supported beach clean –ups and I hope this initiative will stimulate further interest and support for more of these projects.”

Ian Humphreys, chief executive at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful added: “This scheme will help volunteers to take practical action in their local communities to improve their local environment, how it is managed and support the growth of civic pride. By working together and encouraging everyone to take part, we can start to tackle the negative impact of littering and other environmental behaviours.”