Mid Ulster community groups benefit from International Fund for Ireland funding

A funding package of £4,322,833 / €4,884,800 will provide support to 25 projects across the IFI’s four programmes, all aimed at delivering tailored support to communities who need it.

The funding allocation comes at an important juncture in peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland, with local communities dealing with a range of challenges that are impacting community relations and prosperity.

Two of the 25 projects will provide much needed support in the Mid Ulster area.

Sperrin Cultural Awareness Association will deliver a programme of engagement over the next 21 months with PUL communities in Mid Ulster to deliver peace and reconciliation, and conflict transformation through restorative practice & mediation, community cohesion, capacity building and peace building. The local project received £261,836 under the IFI’s Peace Impact Programme (PIP).

Galbally Youth and Community Association will use £182,974 (through the IFI’s Personal Youth Development Programme – PYDP) to deliver their 21 month ‘Game Changer’ project, aimed at supporting 15 marginalised young people not in education, employment, or training, from the South and East Tyrone area, to help them improve their skills, and future employment and education prospects.

IFI Chair Paddy Harte said: “Unfortunately, we have seen the threat of paramilitary recruitment and antisocial behaviour persist in many communities. In the last year, the IFI’s programmes have included specialised interventions to divert young people away from the threat of paramilitary recruitment.”