Uniting Opportunities programme opened

Date published: 11 September 2017

Uniting Opportunities supports the wider Uniting Communities Programme by delivering projects which will promote good relations and reconciliation through sport, physical and creative activity by addressing the barriers to community participation that some young people face.

The Department recognises that the life experiences of young people varies widely and there are those who face multiple barriers when it comes to engaging with their local community. To help support those most in need, the Uniting Opportunities programme will target young people, aged between 11 and 24 years, who identify with the following groups:

• Young and Homeless
• Young People with poor mental health and/or addictions
• Young refugees and asylum seekers
• Young offenders (and young people most at risk of offending)
• Young people in care
• Young people with a disability

Stage one of the process is now open for applications. The information provided will enable DfC to assess applicants’ suitability to deliver projects to the target groups above and compile a list of project delivery partners that will be held for a period of up to 24 months. DfC will then issue a call for project proposals, subject to identified need. It is envisaged that the first of these this will take place during October 2017.

DfC will be holding a number of workshops during this week to discuss the programme in more detail with interested organisations. Further information on these and the stage one application form are available.

Applications for the Programme close at 4pm on Friday 22 September 2017.