Three Northern Ireland community projects have been awarded nearly £64,000 in the latest round of the UK Government’s Connect Fund, which aims to strengthen East-West collaboration and support local initiatives tackling social and economic challenges. The Fund, managed by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), has so far distributed almost £400,000 to twelve projects across Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
Among the latest recipients is The Castle Community Trust in North Belfast, whose Veterans and Volunteers Project focuses on reducing social isolation among veterans by fostering connections with their counterparts in Great Britain. The initiative will link veterans from Belfast and Shrewsbury through workshops and exchange visits, encouraging shared learning and collaboration on issues of wellbeing, reconciliation, and legacy.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Matthew Patrick praised the Connect Fund’s impact, highlighting how it helps veterans overcome isolation, empowers communities to raise their voices, and supports progress toward gender and economic equality. His visit to the Castle Community Trust ahead of Remembrance Sunday underscored the importance of the project in recognizing and supporting those who have served the nation.
JoinHER Network CIC, based in Newtownabbey, is another successful applicant. Its project will empower individuals from African, Caribbean, and other minority communities by building networks across Belfast, London, Chelmsford, and Austell. The initiative includes a fellowship for emerging leaders and the launch of a Digital Bridge Platform—an online hub to share experiences and best practices—developed in collaboration with the African & Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland (ACSONI), Action for Race Equality, and the National Black Police Association.
The third grantee, the Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Group, will host a Four Nations Summit in partnership with Women’s Budget Groups from England, Scotland, and Wales. The summit will develop a cross-nation strategy promoting gender economic equality throughout the UK.
Launched in June 2025, the Connect Fund offers up to £1 million in total awards to support civic and cultural collaboration across the UK. It continues to accept applications for projects under £9,999 until February 2026, with funding decisions made monthly. The Fund remains a key vehicle for strengthening East-West connections, supporting leadership development, and encouraging dialogue on shared challenges affecting communities across the UK.
