£9,200 Gallaher Trust boost helps Ballymena adults build vital digital skills with Inspire Wellbeing
Local people will develop their IT skills due to a series of computer classes currently being delivered by Inspire Wellbeing, following a £9,200 funding injection from The Gallaher Trust. Danielle Sheridan, Inspire Wellbeing, is pictured alongside James Perry MBE, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust.
Tuesday 06 October 2026
Almost 50 people in the Ballymena area are being given the opportunity to build essential digital skills through a new training programme backed by £9,200 from The Gallaher Trust.
The funding has enabled Inspire Wellbeing to establish a dedicated IT suite at its Woodvale Community Wellbeing Service, where participants are learning practical skills designed to improve independence, confidence and future opportunities.
A total of 48 people are expected to benefit from the project, with 33 participants already completing the course and receiving certification.
Eight new computers for Woodvale
The funding has provided eight computers as part of the refurbishment of the Woodvale Community Hub, with a series of eight classes running until December.
Inspire Wellbeing supports people living with mental ill health, intellectual disability, autism and addictions, and says digital confidence can make a significant difference to everyday life.
Danielle Sheridan, from Inspire Wellbeing, said:
“In today’s digitally focussed society, having strong IT skills is no longer a nice to have, it’s essential. For many of the people we support, gaining confidence online can be life-changing, whether that’s applying for jobs, staying safe online or simply keeping in touch with friends and family.
“Thanks to the Trust’s generous support, we have been able to create a state-of-the-art IT suite as part of the refurbishment project at Woodvale Community Hub, delivering structured training sessions that build practical skills, confidence and self-belief.
“We’re already seeing a huge difference in our participants and we’re looking forward to the remainder of this project where we’ll hopefully make an even greater impact on those living in the Ballymena area.”
Building confidence for everyday life
The project reflects the growing importance of being able to use digital services confidently, with participants developing skills that can help with employment, online safety and staying connected with others.
The Gallaher Trust focuses its support on projects creating jobs, developing skills and assisting disadvantaged adults. Since it was established in 2017, it has committed £3.1 million to delivery partner programmes.
According to the Trust, those projects have helped create 505 new jobs, upskill more than 1,800 adults and provide support to over 2,600 disadvantaged adults.
Skills that can transform lives
James Perry MBE, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust, said access to training can have an impact both on individuals and the wider local economy.
“Having access to skills training really can transform someone’s life,” James commented.
“Digital literacy in particular, is critical in today’s economy and we’re proud to support a project that is equipping local people with the capabilities they need in the future.
“Seeing the positive results that this programme has achieved already is very encouraging and we’ve no doubt that it will continue to influence real change for disadvantaged adults in the area.”
With 33 people already certified and further classes continuing until December, the programme will now work towards reaching the remaining participants and giving all 48 the chance to leave with stronger digital skills and greater confidence using technology.
Further information about The Gallaher Trust and the projects it supports is available at www.thegallahertrust.org.
