Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has welcomed the allocation of almost Pound 370,000 in funding from her Department's Uniting Opportunities small grants programme.

The programme, which is being delivered as part of the Executive's Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy, targets young people aged 11 to 24 across six specific locations.

The Pound 369,165 will go to 21 projects designed to promote good relations and reconciliation through sport and creativity by addressing barriers to community participation that some young people face.

Minister Hargey said:

"I am delighted to see the response from local communities and organisations to the Uniting Opportunities grant scheme. 

"Being able to fund 21 diverse and exciting projects across such a broad geographical area will have a huge impact on the young people involved and their local communities."

The Uniting Opportunities programme was launched in August to target young people that identify with specific groups such as those who are homeless or who are migrants, refugees or asylum seekers.

The programme has also been tailored to address barriers faced by young people in specific locations.

Minister Hargey continued:

"The Scheme aims to build the confidence and self-worth of some of the most marginalised young people in our society. Projects will be delivered in all six of the target geographical locations to all seven of our target groups.

"Giving young people skills, experience and the potential to develop themselves further is what the Department for Communities is all about."

Successful applications included:

The Now Project which combines cooking and baking skills alongside multimedia to build skills and confidence of the young people involved. 

The Odyssey Ice Academy where young people in care or suffering from poor mental health are helped to help build resilience whilst supporting wellbeing and better life chances.

Artsekta which aims to integrate minority communities and develop a deeper, mutual understanding of other cultures.  

Community Sports Network which works with young people in rural settings at risk of rural isolation. 

Brassneck Theatre Company who use the performing arts as a vehicle to encourage personal and social development in young people.