Lyons announces £2.5m boost for homelessness prevention services in Northern Ireland

Minister Lyons meets the NI Men's team competing in the Homeless World Cup in Oslo next week.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has unveiled a £2.5 million funding package to strengthen homelessness prevention services across Northern Ireland.

The funding, which will be channelled through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), aims to expand support for vulnerable people and tackle the root causes of homelessness.

The announcement was made during Minister Lyons’ visit to the final training session of Northern Ireland’s national teams ahead of the Homeless World Cup, which takes place in Oslo at the end of August.

Commending the efforts of Street NI, the charity leading the teams, the Minister praised its work in transforming lives through football and wraparound support.

“My ambition is the prevention of homelessness and charities like Street NI are key to this goal,” said Minister Lyons.

“The stories I have heard today have been truly inspiring and highlight the continued need to support those in crisis, while working on innovative ways to prevent homelessness.

“Street NI has provided the players with the opportunity to represent their country in an international tournament, as well as an intensive wraparound support service, helping them transform their lives.

“This additional funding will continue to encourage new thinking in our approach to homelessness and further support NIHE’s partners in delivering critical services for people who are homeless.

“I congratulate everyone on being selected and I wish them every success in Oslo and for their futures.”

Homeless World Cup inspiration

Minister Lyons announces £2.5 million in funding for homeless services following a visit to the final training session for the NI Women's team competing in the Homeless World Cup in Oslo next week.

Each year, the Homeless World Cup Foundation hosts a week-long international football tournament, uniting around 500 players from 48 nations who have all experienced homelessness or social marginalisation.

Northern Ireland will be represented this year by both a men’s and women’s team, competing in a purpose-built arena in central Oslo.

Justin McMinn, CEO and co-founder of Street Soccer Northern Ireland, described the opportunity as life-changing:

“This is a dream come true for all the players, a chance to represent your country in a sport that you love. Over the last 12 years we have witnessed the impact this event has on the players, with many of them breaking out of homelessness and unemployment on their return. They will come back full of confidence and motivation to make positive changes in their lives.”

‘A massive difference in my life’

Among those highlighting the impact of Street NI’s work is Louise McConnell, who captained Northern Ireland’s women’s team at last year’s Homeless World Cup in South Korea and now returns as a mentor.

“Playing in the Homeless World Cup in South Korea last year was one of the best experiences of my life and it was a proud moment for me to captain the side,” she said.

“This year I get to go back as a coach mentor to help other people on their journeys and pass on my knowledge and experience. Street NI has made a massive difference in my life and now I want to help the charity make a difference to others.”

As well as football programmes, Street NI provides support in areas such as housing, employment, education, addiction recovery and mental health.

The £2.5m funding package will now bolster NIHE’s work with organisations like Street NI, helping to prevent homelessness while supporting individuals to rebuild their lives.