EU funding boost backs refugee and community links in North Belfast

A project that will connect refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland with people from loyalist and republican backgrounds is among the programmes granted an EU funding boost.

In total more than 800,000 euro has been announced from the PeacePlus Changemaker Programme.

The latest awards include projects focused on intercultural understanding, women’s empowerment, youth leadership and wellbeing and cross-border collaboration.

Among the projects supported are two North Belfast-based initiatives, Neighbours & Newcomers and Women Around the Table.

North Belfast made headlines internationally when violence flared in early June after a graphic video clip emerged of a man being stabbed in the area.

Masked mobs set fire to homes, cars and a bus, and people were targeted based on their race, including healthcare workers subjected to threats and intimidation.

Neighbours & Newcomers, led by Horn of Africa Peoples Aid Northern Ireland in partnership with the 174 Trust, has received 72,109 euro.

The project will connect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants with people from Protestant, unionist and loyalist; and Catholic, nationalist and republican communities through intercultural events, interfaith gatherings and facilitated dialogue, aiming to promote understanding and reduce prejudice.

Women Around the Table, led by BCT NI CIC alongside partners including New Beginnings, Belfast Asian Women’s Academy and Belfast Islamic Centre, has been awarded 72,352 euro.

That initiative will bring together women from ethnic minority, loyalist and republican backgrounds through wellbeing programmes, creative activities and community participation opportunities.

Other projects receiving a share of the new funding is Groundwork for Growth supporting people experiencing isolation through nature-based activities, and Empowering Marginalised Voices for Peace, Opportunity, Wellbeing, Equality & Resilience, which will engage women across Co Londonderry in leadership, wellbeing and community development programmes.

Cross-border collaboration remains a focus of funding, with projects including Border Business Boost, Cricket for Change and Community Festivals Along Carlingford Lough.

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre congratulated all the organisations benefitting from the uplift.

“These projects reflect the diversity, creativity and commitment of local communities working to bring people together and build stronger relationships,” she said.

“With a strong emphasis on cross-community and cross-border engagement, the programme enables locally led initiatives to deliver practical, meaningful activities that promote understanding, inclusion and connection.

“These projects will make a real difference in supporting more cohesive and resilient communities.”

Peaceplus is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the UK and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.