A Cullybackey community organisation is set to dramatically expand its impact after being awarded £59,000 from The Gallaher Trust — enabling an 83% increase in activities and supporting hundreds more local residents over the next three years.
Cullybackey Community Partnership (CCP), which delivers vital programmes tackling isolation, skills gaps and community wellbeing, will use the award to extend its Community Development Officer role and scale up its proven initiatives across the village.
The funding forms part of The Gallaher Trust’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communities across the Ballymena area. Since its establishment, the independent charity has committed £3.1 million to delivery partner projects, creating 445 jobs, upskilling over 1,600 individuals and supporting almost 2,000 disadvantaged adults.
Established in 2014, CCP delivers a range of programmes designed to address issues within the community and target specific needs by organising events, hosting a Men’s Shed, delivering educational projects and workshops and putting services in place to tackle loneliness. The organisation also received the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in 2023, the highest award a volunteer group can attain.
The additional funding from the Trust will enable CCP to extend its Community Development Officer role and over a three-year period it’s anticipated that activities and projects will increase by 83% from 12 to 22 per year, while programme participants are expected to rise by 85% from 205 to 380 annually. It’s also planned that the number of participants reporting benefits from taking part in the programmes will increase by 83% from 134 to 247 per year.
“This funding will make a real difference to the people of Cullybackey and will enable us to expand the reach of our current projects and engage with even more people in the community. We’re very grateful to The Gallaher Trust for the support,” said Jonathon Fulton, Chair, Cullybackey Community Partnership.
“From reducing loneliness to encouraging learning opportunities and connection with others, our programmes are all about improving the wellbeing of the area and helping local residents to thrive. With this additional funding, we can continue to build on what we have already achieved and ensure that Cullybackey remains a great place to live.”
Additionally, CCP owns and manages the Maine Business Centre, which includes a total of eight offices, two retail units and three workshops. Rental income generated from the property is reinvested in charitable activities.
“Over the last few years, CCP has demonstrated significant impact through its inclusive initiatives and we’re looking forward to seeing how this additional funding will enable them to reach even more people in meaningful ways,” said James Perry MBE, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust.
“By committing funding to projects that are geared towards improving wellbeing, solving isolation and creating opportunities for connection, we’re continuing to build a stronger, more vibrant community. We’re very proud to support CCP in its mission to strengthen and enhance the Cullybackey area.”
