90 Derry City & Strabane District Council area organisations share in £600k funding

Minister for Communities Paul Givan MLA has announced that 90 Derry City & Strabane District Council area organisations are among the 727 groups successful in sharing £600k from the 2016/17 Volunteering Small Grants Programme.

Among the groups set to benefit are the Bogside and Brandywell Women's Group, COS for Autism Families, Don Bosco's FC, Mens Action Network and many other local community groups.

The Volunteering Small Grants Programme provides grants of between £200 and £1,200 to help organisations throughout Northern Ireland recruit and support volunteers.

Minister Givan said: "The value of volunteering in our society cannot be overstated and I am delighted to announce that 727 voluntary and community organisations have been successful in sharing £600,000 from the Programme.

"I hope this goes some way to assist the significant contribution to society made by so many dedicated volunteering groups throughout Northern Ireland. "The Voluntary and Community Sector has a vital role in identifying and in addressing issues of social justice and equality, and in protecting and promoting the value of our environment.

"The NI Executive and the Voluntary and Community Sector will continue to work together through their shared vision to improve the quality of life for people here by building a participative, peaceful, equitable and inclusive community in NI. "Volunteering brings many benefits to individuals and communities across Northern Ireland. I would encourage people to get involved in volunteering to help communities,  as well as experiencing a sense of achievement and personal fulfilment that volunteering can bring," added the Minister.