Residents from Currynierin and Tullyally have come together to celebrate the achievements of the Dare 2 Dream Project, a two-year community-led programme, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) funded through Derry city and Strabane District Council.

The initiative gave local people the opportunity to shape, vote on and deliver projects that responded directly to the needs of their communities.

Through a £24,000 participatory budget, residents and young people submitted 118 ideas across three funding rounds, with 48 projects voted for by local residents and delivered between the two community centres. The programme reached 402 participants—52% above the original target and generated 5,902 hours of community engagement.

Young people were at the heart of Dare 2 Dream. A target that at least 30% of winning bids would come from young people was exceeded, with youth-led ideas accounting for 45% of successful projects. Two local schools participated in every funding round, supporting pupils to turn environmentally focused ideas into practical Action.

Dare 2 Dream closes with 48 community projects, 402 participants and a lasting legacy for Currynierin and Tullyally.

placeholder image — Dare 2 Dream closes with 48 community projects, 402 participants and a lasting legacy for Currynierin and Tullyally.

The project used participatory budgeting to place local residents at the centre of decision-making. A Resident Action Group, made up of people from both communities, helped design the funding process, agree the assessment criteria, support public voting events, count votes and ratify the successful bids. Ideas had to be safe, legal, viable and aligned with the PEACEPLUS themes of Thriving Peaceful Communities, Community Regeneration and Celebrating Cultural Diversity.

Projects included football coaching, the development of a community garden, quilting classes, a darts academy, a men's health programme and a wide range of activities for children, families and older residents and it’s great to see that several activities will continue beyond the funded period.

A spokesperson for St Columb’s Park House said: “Dare 2 Dream showed what can be achieved when communities are trusted to set priorities and turn their own ideas into action. Residents did not simply take part—they designed the process, made funding decisions and delivered projects that mattered locally. The confidence, skills and relationships developed through the programme provide a strong foundation for future community action.”

A member of the Resident Action Group said: “The project brought people together around positive ideas for both communities. Residents could see that their vote counted and that local suggestions could become real activities. It created new connections, encouraged people into the community centres and gave young people a genuine voice.”

Participants reported reduced isolation, a stronger sense of belonging and greater connection to their community. For some first-time centre users went on to volunteer within their communities or join community association committees.

The programme also supported the development of a joint strategic plan for the area, focusing on children and young people, families and older people. Its priorities include health, education, employment, shared spaces, community programming and stronger community connections.

Although the funded project is now closing, its work will continue through ongoing activities, stronger partnerships, a pipeline of resident ideas and the relationships built between Currynierin, Tullyally and neighbouring communities. The learning from Dare 2 Dream will help inform future funding applications and community-led programmes across the area.