Creggan Enterprises Ltd. and HURT receive share of £492,654 IFI funding roll-out

Creggan Enterprises Ltd. will receive £38,672 and Have Your Tomorrows (HURT), £84,043.

The Derry allocations are a share of a £492,654 roll-out for six groups across the north.

Richie McRory from Creggan Enterprises said: “We’re at the centre of the community in Creggan and are working with a number of partners to help deliver support including food, effective PPE screens masks and hand sanitiser for frontline staff and community workers on the ground.

“At this time many of the issues faced by our participants are exacerbated by the pandemic. Unemployment has increased, isolation has caused a deterioration in mental health and food poverty has worsened. We are delivering Lifehack Live online sessions to help increase connectivity and initiate conversations around issues that our young people are facing.

“We have been working for the community for over 40 years here and this is only possible by the continued support of the International Fund for Ireland through its Personal Youth Development Project and Peace Impact Project. We hope that we can continue this effective working partnership for many years to come.”

Dessie Kyle from HURT says: “Community engagement is now more important than ever as a high percentage of our young people are already vulnerable.

"We have ensured that participants have been able to access online training. The inability to move freely throughout the community or to access other services is leading to heightened anxiety.

"The engagement of the online programmes is vital to keep the young people safe and feedback is extremely favourable. Thanks to support from the IFI we will be able to continue to help young people with their individual journeys on the PYDP programme.”

IFI Chairperson, Paddy Harte said: “The IFI’s ongoing commitment to peace and reconciliation work comes at a time when many communities are feeling more vulnerable than ever, due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

“The journey towards a peaceful society takes many forms and this funding is essential to help boost community spirit and leadership at an extremely challenging time.

“We have an opportunity to unite and come together now at a time of immense societal need. Once we emerge from the current challenges, there are a number of key areas that must be addressed for lasting peace."

Mr. Harte said the IFI is committed to delivering sensitive interventions in communities where other organisations cannot and have reassured all projects of their support throughout this period.

“The Fund is more relevant than ever. We are progressing towards the next phase of important work including the fallout from Brexit, particularly in border areas, where there will need to be significant support mechanisms in place for communities.

“These are uncertain and worrying times but I am greatly encouraged by the strength of community spirit and leadership demonstrated at the moment," he said.