Funding launched to give children with disabilities a more inclusive summer in Mid and East Antrim

Children and young people with complex disabilities across Mid and East Antrim could benefit from new summer activities and support programmes after the council launched a dedicated funding scheme aimed at creating more inclusive opportunities during the school holidays.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has unveiled its first-ever Inclusive Summer Opportunities Grant Funding Scheme, with £12,000 available to help local organisations deliver free and accessible activities throughout July and August.

The scheme is designed to support children and young people with a range of disabilities by funding projects that encourage social interaction, improve confidence, support learning, and promote both physical and mental wellbeing during the summer break.

For many families caring for children with complex needs, suitable summer programmes can be difficult to access, limited in availability, or financially out of reach. The council says the new funding aims to help remove some of those barriers while creating more inclusive experiences within local communities.

Funding split across Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne

Up to £4,000 will be available in each of the Borough’s three main areas — Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne — including surrounding communities.

Funding will support constituted organisations running projects between 1 July and 31 August 2026. However, the council has confirmed that one-off events will not qualify, with the scheme instead focused on programmes delivering multiple activity sessions over the summer period.

Eligible activities could include:

• Inclusive sports and recreation activities

• Creative and arts-based programmes

• Inclusive day activities and local recreational trips

• Community events bringing people together

• Educational and developmental activities

The council said it is seeking applications from experienced and reputable organisations already supporting children and young people with complex disability needs across Mid and East Antrim.

Council says scheme aims to create memorable experiences

Councillor Matthew Armstrong, Chairman of the Inclusion & Equality Sub-Committee, said the funding reflects the council’s commitment to widening opportunities for all young people across the Borough.

He said:

“As a council we like to offer dedicated funding opportunities where possible. Typically, these are for community development, sports clubs and businesses.

“We are proud of the inclusive work across the Borough and want to offer support to ensure everyone has fun this summer. Together with local groups we can make it a memorable time for those children and young people with complex disability needs.”

The new grant programme comes amid growing recognition of the challenges many families face in finding suitable activities for children with additional needs during school holiday periods, particularly programmes that are both accessible and affordable.

Local organisations applying for support will be expected to demonstrate how their projects can strengthen inclusive opportunities in their communities and provide meaningful experiences for participants.

Organisations encouraged to apply online

Councillor Maeve Donnelly, Vice-Chair of the Inclusion & Equality Sub-Committee, encouraged eligible groups and charities to apply for the scheme before funding is allocated.

She said:

“We would encourage all interested organisations and charities, which meet the criteria to apply online for this funding scheme. Applicants will be required to provide information on their great work and how they could enhance their local inclusive programme this summer.

“Feedback from the parents and carers of participating children and young people will help us evaluate the success and impact of the scheme.”

To qualify for funding, organisations must:

• Be formally constituted

• Operate on a not-for-profit basis

• Have a current committee structure

• Be based within Mid and East Antrim Borough

• Have proven experience supporting children and young people with complex disability needs

Guidance notes and online application forms are available via the council website at:

Funding

The funding programme is expected to support a range of local summer initiatives over the coming months, with the council aiming to ensure more children and young people can take part in activities that may otherwise have been unavailable to them.