Community Groups Boosted to End Violence Against Women, Including North Belfast Initiatives

Great news for community efforts across Belfast! More than a quarter of a million pounds (£255,000) has recently been awarded to 27 dedicated community and voluntary schemes, all working to tackle the crucial issue of violence against women and girls in our city. This significant boost comes as part of the Local Change Fund, aligning with International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Among these pioneering initiatives is Women's TEC's 'Hard Hat Thinking' series. This unique programme combines practical hands-on learning in traditionally male-dominated sectors like construction with vital workshops. Participants gain confidence and learn how to recognise and report abuse, access specialist support, and build safer futures for themselves.

Residents in North Belfast will be pleased to know that local organisation Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues (TAMHI) is also receiving support for their innovative 'Games, Protection and Sport' programme, designed for both men and women in our area. Other projects benefitting include Bruiser Theatre Company's 'Wasted' play, exploring consent with secondary school pupils; Belfast City of Sanctuary's culturally sensitive training for black and minority ethnic communities; and HERe NI's work to break the silence around violence in the LGBTQIA+ community. All these successful projects are being delivered between now and April 2026.

Speaking about the grants, the Lord Mayor emphasised the vital work happening daily across Belfast to ensure every woman has the right to feel and be safe. She noted how these grants empower community groups to challenge harmful attitudes and promote respectful relationships. Such was the demand for this grant scheme – with 95 applications requesting over £1.25 million – that the local authorities have approached the Executive Office for additional funding, a request that has received initial positive feedback.

Lynn Carvill, CEO of Women's TEC, expressed her delight with the funding for the 'Hard Hat Thinking' workshops. She highlighted that domestic and sexual violence is a reality for too many of their students, and the funding provides a crucial opportunity to increase awareness and challenge this issue within the safe and supportive environment Women's TEC offers.

These grants are part of a broader commitment from the Council, who have delivered 65 events engaging over 1,000 people this year. These initiatives include free training for community groups, personal safety events, and a conference for sports clubs focused on engaging men and boys in the conversation. The impact is clear, with evaluations showing 95% of participants increased their knowledge of violence against women and girls, and 91% feeling more confident in supporting the cause in their own homes or workplaces.