SEUPB

Confirmed: €76,476 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: YMCA Larne Autism Support Programme Lead Partner: YMCA #Larne Engagement Partner: Access Employment Ltd Purpose: A cross-community programme supporting autistic children and young people through structured social, creative and physical activities. By creating opportunities to connect with others, participants will build confidence, develop life skills and strengthen relationships across their communities. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €57,648 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Community Basketball Programme Lead Partner: #Larne YMCA Purpose: A cross-community basketball programme bringing young people together through sport, personal development and shared experiences. Regular training sessions, camps and events will help participants build confidence, develop teamwork skills and create lasting friendships. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €96,378 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Recovery Together Lead Partner: #Dunlewey Addiction Services Project Partner: Turas Purpose: A cross-border recovery programme supporting people recovering from addiction through counselling, personal development and peer support. By participating in shared activities, participants will build confidence, strengthen social connections and support one another on their recovery journey. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

📢The ‘S2@25’ project which measured the impact of the North-South implementation bodies established under Strand 2 of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement has concluded. It identified and shared examples of best practice of cross-border and all-island operations which will improve strategic cross-border cooperation and collaboration over the next 25 years, as well as developing a training programme aimed at officials and others involved in North-South cooperation and governance. Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/s225-pr…

Confirmed: €99,959 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Football United Football Club Lead Partner: #Inishowen Development Partnership Project Partner: #Foyle Games Centre Purpose: A cross-border football programme bringing young people together through sport, tournaments and educational workshops. Participants will build friendships, promote respect and challenge racism and division while strengthening relationships across communities. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

📢 REACH has been launched by Clanrye Group and partners, with support from PEACEPLUS, to provide a significant boost to the health and wellbeing of thousands of people across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. It will support more than 7,500 people through a new social prescribing initiative aimed at improving mental health, strengthening family wellbeing, promoting social inclusion and reducing health inequalities. Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/clanrye…

Confirmed: €32,085 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: TradConnect Lead Partner: Brady Music Academy Project Partner: Rural Area Partnership in #Derry Ltd (RAPID Ltd) Purpose: A traditional music programme bringing children, young people and the wider community together through music lessons, open sessions and social events. By sharing musical experiences, participants will build friendships, celebrate culture and strengthen community relationships. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €93,933 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Seas the Day Lead Partner: Liquid Therapy CLG Associated Partners: #Bundoran Community Centre, local schools and community groups Purpose: A surf therapy programme bringing together young people from different community backgrounds in a safe and supportive environment. Through shared experiences in the ocean, participants will build resilience, improve wellbeing and develop positive relationships across communities. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €50,592 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Hike For Better Future (HFBF2026) Lead Partner: #Traad and #Ballyronan #Ballinaderry Development Association Limited (TABBDA) Purpose: A programme of guided hikes and shared outdoor experiences bringing people from different communities together across #NorthernIreland and #Ireland. Through exploring nature, heritage and local landscapes, participants will build friendships, improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €80,804 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Youth Engaged Activists for Health (YEAH! Project) Lead Partner: Developing Healthy Communities Purpose: A cross-community programme bringing young people together to explore healthy lifestyles, food justice and wellbeing through creative arts, digital storytelling and community action. Participants will build leadership skills, strengthen relationships and become advocates for healthier, more inclusive communities. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €98,835 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: #Cortamlet & Central Skillz & Thrillz Lead Partner: Cortamlet Primary School Project Partner: #Castleblayney Central National School Purpose: A cross-border programme bringing together children from two neighbouring primary schools through creative, sporting and practical activities. Working together in a fun and inclusive environment, participants will develop teamwork, build friendships and strengthen cross-border relationships. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €99,534 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Gaels Across Borders – A Cross-Border Schools Coaching Project Lead Partner: Drumragh Sarsfields GAC Project Partner: Truagh Gaels Purpose: A cross-border sports programme bringing together primary school pupils through GAA coaching, tournaments and shared activities. By participating in regular sporting experiences, children will build friendships, strengthen cooperation and develop lasting connections across communities. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €40,339 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: HEARTs HEARTLANDS: Crossings – Artist-led Desire Paths for Cross-Border Dialogue and Civic Cooperation Lead Partner: ARTARCADIA Ltd Project Partner: Regional Cultural Centre Purpose: An artist-led programme using creativity, conversation and community engagement to strengthen cross-border relationships. Through shared cultural experiences and collaborative activities, participants will build trust, encourage dialogue and deepen understanding between communities. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Huge congratulations to Waterside Shared Village, which was a finalist in the ‘A Europe Closer to the Citizens’ category at this year’s REGIOSTARS Awards ceremony in Brussels. The competition was tougher than ever this year, with REGIOSTARS receiving a record 274 applications from right across Europe. Waterside Shared Village was one of just 25 outstanding finalists selected across five categories. The achievement recognises the impact of the €8 million shared-space development, situated in the interface area between Irish Street and Top of the Hill in Derry/Londonderry. The facility includes a community hub, sports complex, youth facilities, community garden and a range of indoor and outdoor spaces designed to encourage participation, inclusion and meaningful cross-community engagement. Supported through the EU’s PEACE IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Waterside Shared Village was developed to build trust, promote reconciliation and create opportunities for sustained engagement between people from all backgrounds. The project was represented in Brussels by Geraldine Doherty and Niree McMorris. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “Being recognised at European level at the REGIOSTARS Awards is a fantastic achievement for the project and a well-deserved recognition of the people, partnerships and community commitment behind it. “A special mention and congratulations to all of the volunteers at Waterside Shared Village for their dedication and passion, to Derry City & Strabane District Council and all the funding partners for their support for shared spaces. Being named among this year’s top projects is a brilliant recognition of the partnership, dedication and community focus behind the project.”

Confirmed: €91,249 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: Shared Circuits: Building Connections Through Robotics Lead Partner: #Gleneely National School Project Partners: #Killygordon NS, #Donegal and #Donoughmore NS, #Donegal Purpose: A cross-community robotics programme bringing together primary school pupils from three schools through STEM learning and teamwork. Working together to design, build and programme robots, participants will develop friendships, build confidence and strengthen mutual understanding. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €32,341 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Project: GEMs Lead Partner: Foyle Learning Community Associated Partners: Roe Valley Learning Community, Carndonagh Community School, Royal and Prior School, Donegal ETB, North West Regional College, Ulster University, Atlantic Technological University, Scoil Mhuire, Mourne & Derg Learning Community, Ardnashee College, Knockavoe College and Rossmar College Purpose: A cross-border education programme introducing young people to careers in engineering and manufacturing through workshops, school events and industry visits. By learning together, participants will develop new skills, broaden career aspirations and strengthen cross-border relationships. Find out more: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni