AN innovative programme to help adults in deprived areas of south and east Belfast to secure employment is one of seven local schemes to receive vital support from a £250,000 pot of money being allocated by Ulster Bank.
Initiatives to increase debt awareness among adults with learning disabilities and to help young people acquire business skills are also among the Northern Ireland projects to benefit from the bank’s Community Impact Fund.
There is also support for people in isolated areas of north Antrim to develop computer skills, and for women in the North West to learn about business and IT. A financial support programme to increase people’s financial capability, and an initiative to train volunteers for a social enterprise in east Antrim will also receive support.
The Ulster Bank Community Impact Fund is run alongside the Community Foundation for NI. The all-island scheme is intended to support projects in relation to enterprise creation, financial education and employability initiatives.
The seven Northern Ireland projects receiving funding are:
GEMS NI Ltd
Funding towards a number of pre-employment training and development programmes for 64 adults in deprived areas of South and East Belfast.
Community Change
Funding towards a financial support programme to increase the financial capability at ten community and voluntary groups across NI.
Glenarm Buildings Preservation Trust
Funding towards development of accredited tourist guide training for 30 volunteers for the Trust’s new social enterprise, the new Seaview Activity Centre.
Loughgiel Community Association
Funding towards engaging 50 socially isolated, disadvantaged adults in a range of structured computer training courses across Ballymoney, Ballymena, Ballycastle and the Glens.
NOW
Funding towards the creation of debt awareness tools for adults with learning disabilities.
Waterside Women’s Centre
Funding towards a project for 30 women to engage in a series of flexible IT and Business courses.
Young Enterprise Northern Ireland
Funding towards developing the business skills of 1,200 young people through the Quick Start programme. Ulster Bank chairman Dr Philip Nolan said: “I’m delighted to announce this year’s Ulster Bank Community Impact Fund recipients. These are projects that will benefit communities right across Northern Ireland, enhancing financial education, fostering enterprise, and ultimately helping create a more vibrant and progressive economy. I congratulate all of the grant awardees and I wish them well with their excellent work.”
Community groups were able to apply for funding (individual grants can range from £1,000 to £35,000) earlier this year. Applications to the fund were shortlisted by The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and assessed by the Community Impact Fund judging panel.