Funding blow threatens Strathfoyle’s youth provision

A devastating funding blow means Enagh Youth Forum (EYF) will be forced to reduce the level of youth service provision across Strathfoyle.

Speaking to The Derry News, Ann Gormley, EYF’s chairperson said the reduction would be effective from April 2026. 

“On Friday, EYF received the very difficult news our recent funding application to the National Lottery Community Fund’s Stronger Futures programme had been unsuccessful,” she added.

“For the past number of months, EYF has been working in the Strathfoyle community to conduct a youth audit, a parents and carers audit, and a mental health and well-being audit, to evidence real need and support this funding application for our proposed early intervention, Stronger Futures project. 

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“The aim of the project was to allow for the continued growth of our youth support and youth well-being services throughout the rural and Greater Enagh area.

“The project, shaped as it was by local young people, was designed to offer a range of support services, including practical life skills; one-to-one guidance; issue-based groupwork; training and activities to improve health and well-being; alongside support for young people’s wider support networks, helping young people to thrive rather than just cope.

“The Community Fund’s decision now means, for the foreseeable future, our local community should expect a much reduced level of youth service provision across Strathfoyle, from April 2026,” said Ms Gormley.

Noel O’Donnell, EYF’s youth support worker, explained the organisation had been “deeply embedded” in the Strathfoyle community for 15 years.

“Ours is a rural working-class area with limited services,” added Mr O’Donnell. “Throughout this time, EYF has always strived to do our best to represent the young people and wider community of Strathfoyle and Enagh.

“We have worked alongside young people and families, building youth programmes from the ground up. We have also worked alongside local community groups, organisations and sports clubs across the area, including Strathfoyle Community Association, Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group and Tiny Tots Community Playgroup, as well as other local partners, recognising that strong partnerships and a shared approach are key to supporting our community. 

“Over the years, EYF has delivered youth summer intervention projects, worked with local partners on key annual community events like Hallowe’en activities, Christmas celebrations, and community fun days, and successfully supported youth and community campaigns including Strathfoyle play park, Strathfoyle Greenway, Stradowen Greenway link campaigns, and local road safety initiatives through active lobbying of the Council.

“From the Strathfoyle Greenway and play park, to road safety initiatives, environmental projects, and youth programmes supporting confidence, wellbeing and active lifestyles — this work has only been possible because of the collective effort of our committee, staff, volunteers, young people and wider community.

“The Strathfoyle Greenway has proven incredibly beneficial in promoting active travel, connecting communities, and improving health outcomes. For the past few years it has been part of the Waterside Half Marathon route, helping to connect our rural community to the wider city and district,” said Mr O’Donnell.

“Alongside our outdoor education programmes, canoeing, kayaking, and other activities, it supports hundreds of young people to increase confidence, self-esteem, and live healthy, active lifestyles. It really has made a massive, immeasurable difference,” he added.

Paul Hughes, EYF’s youth and community worker recalled Derry City and Strabane District Council nominated the organisation to represent the area in the 2025 Pride of Place competition, in the Community Youth Initiative category. 

“While we did not win,” he added, “that nomination reflected the hard work and impact of our staff, volunteers, and young people. 

“EYF has also been previously recognised for its contribution to the community, winning the NIHE Community Spirit Award in 2016 and the Cleaner and Greener Rural Community Award in 2021, demonstrating the difference our grassroots work continues to make for local families and young people.

“EYF would not have grown into the organisation it is today without the support, commitment and input from our committee, staff, volunteers, young people, and the wider community over the years.

“Everyone working together has played their role. Even though the National Lottery Community Fund has supported our youth provision over the years, there have also been many softer wider outcomes achieved. These have resulted in a stronger, more resilient community making a meaningful difference in other areas through campaigning, lobbying, community safety initiatives, and numerous environmental and social action projects,” said Mr Hughes.

“It all comes back to the simple message, ‘If everyone does their own wee bit,” said Noel O’Donnell. 

“We must now continue to explore all available funding opportunities for help and assistance so that we can continue to deliver these essential youth and community services in Strathfoyle and Enagh which are so badly needed and now at risk,” added EYF’s youth support worker,” he added.

“The National Lottery Community Fund, particularly through the Empowering Young People initiative, has been one of our greatest supporters, helping build EYF’s capacity and enabling us to grow into the thriving, grassroots, community-based youth organisation we are today. 

“We are grateful for its guidance and backing over the years and understand the difficult decisions funders face given the high volume of applications and shifting priorities. 

“We remain committed to working with the National Lottery Community Fund in the future and developing projects that respond to the needs of local young people.

“We want to place on record our appreciation and sincerely thank them for their support, guidance and investment in our work thus far in our journey,” said Mr O’Donnell.

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Despite this week’s setback, EYF’s management committee remains determined. 

“We will continue to work to keep services going where we can, to support local young people and families. We will take on board feedback from funders to strengthen future proposals and continue developing projects that respond directly to local needs,” said Ann Gormley. 

“EYF  thanks its staff, volunteers, partner organisations, and all our funders to date who have become part of our story,” she added. “Together, we will continue to advocate for the young people and rural families who rely on our services,”

“Whilst this is an extremely worrying time for EYF and in particular our staff and service users, we will continue to work alongside all local groups and stakeholders to strengthen our community and advocate for the services and facilities our area deserves. 

“Finally, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our local Strathfoyle and Enagh community for your continued support. 

Everything we have achieved has been through people coming together — and that spirit remains as strong as ever.”