The event began with a warm welcome from Elevate Project Manager Stephanie, who gave an overview of what the mentees can expect in the months ahead.

“It is wonderful to see such a diverse range of projects participating in the Community Mentoring & Grants Programme.  The Elevate Team and I look forward to working with you over the coming year.”

Also during the presentation, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer Health Inequalities/Living Well Heather Hamilton of the PHA congratulated the groups on their success in applying for the Community Mentoring and Grants Programme and spoke of the importance in tackling health inequality at a community level.

This will be the eighth year of the Community Mentoring and Grants programme. Its key focus is to mentor and support groups in developing their community development practice so they can take action on the social, economic, and health issues that matter most to their community.

And our launch event is one of many opportunities for the mentee groups to connect, network and learn from one another throughout the nine months of the programme.

In addition to mentorship and guidance, the groups are also provided with up to £5,000 of funding, which offers practical support in delivering their projects. The projects will use a community development approach and focus on the root causes of health inequalities which involve many social factors outside medical care.

The Elevate Mentee Groups for 2026-27 are as follows:

• A Safe Space to be Me
• Antrim Community Fridge
• Bardic Educational Arts and Media (BEAM)
• The COSY Club
• Diverse Youth
• Drama for Kids
• Drumgor Detached Youth Work Project
• Dunloy Stronger Together
• Foyle Obon
• Fresh Minds Education
• Happy Women’s Group
• HEReNI
• iAssist
• Informing Choices
• Inspiring Yarns
• Lobular Breast Cancer Support Group
• Our Social Space
• The Churches Trust
• Yes Laad