Cullybackey Community Partnership secures £59k boost to expand wellbeing programmes

Cullybackey Community Partnership (CCP) has been awarded £59,000 from The Gallaher Trust. Pictured are CCP Trustees, Elizabeth Boyd, Ruth Orr and Community Development Officer, Samantha Peden, alongside James Perry MBE, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust.  

A Cullybackey-based community organisation is set to significantly expand its reach after securing £59,000 in three-year funding from The Gallaher Trust, enabling hundreds more local residents to benefit from wellbeing, skills and anti-isolation programmes.

Cullybackey Community Partnership (CCP) will use the funding to extend its Community Development Officer role and scale up its activities across the village, resulting in an anticipated 83 per cent increase in programmes delivered and an 85 per cent rise in annual participants.

The investment is expected to increase the number of activities and projects from 12 to 22 per year, while participant numbers are projected to grow from 205 to 380 annually. The number of people reporting positive wellbeing outcomes from taking part is also forecast to rise sharply, from 134 to 247 per year.

Founded in 2014, CCP delivers a wide range of initiatives designed to address local need, including community events, educational projects, workshops and services aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation. Its work includes the operation of a Men’s Shed and targeted programmes to improve skills, confidence and connection within the community.

The organisation’s contribution was nationally recognised in 2023 when it received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest honour bestowed on volunteer groups in the UK.

Jonathon Fulton, Chair of Cullybackey Community Partnership, said the funding would have a lasting impact on the village.

“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,” he said.

James Perry MBE, a Trustee at The Gallaher Trust is pictured alongside Samatha Peden, CCP Community Development Officer, Trustees and some of the regular attendees. 

He added:

“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.”

In addition to its community programmes, CCP owns and manages the Maine Business Centre, which comprises eight offices, two retail units and three workshops. Income generated through rentals is reinvested directly into the organisation’s charitable activities, creating a sustainable funding model that supports long-term community development.

The funding forms part of The Gallaher Trust’s wider commitment to strengthening communities across the Ballymena area.

Since its establishment, the independent charity has committed £3.1 million to delivery partner projects, helping to create 445 jobs, upskill more than 1,600 individuals and support almost 2,000 disadvantaged adults.

James Perry MBE, Trustee at The Gallaher Trust, said CCP’s track record made it a strong candidate for further investment.

“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,” he said.

He added:

“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.”

For more information about The Gallaher Trust and the projects it supports, visit www.thegallahertrust.org.