For the last few months, communities from right across every corner of the borough have been putting forward ideas that they think will have a positive impact on their area – with over 100 applications in total coming through!
Three incredible events were then held at different venues across the borough where these groups came along to showcase their fantastic ideas, in the hope that members of the public would vote for them to receive funding to bring their ideas to life!
Overall, 3,500 votes were cast by you – residents of this borough – for your favourite projects. And an amazing 81 projects have received funding to the tune of over £75,000 to carry out their projects for the benefit of their communities!
This was all made possible through the ‘TAK£500+ Participatory Budget Fund’ – a project that has enabled local people to decide how public funds are used to address needs in their area. Communities were able to apply for up to £1000, with local residents deciding which projects should go ahead!
The variety of successful projects is quite simply amazing and includes sporting activities for all ages, community gardens, intergenerational initiatives, projects to protect our industrial heritage and so much more!
“This the second year of the Tak£500+ Project and the response this time was even bigger and better,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield.
“We were delighted to see so many residents getting involved – both with ideas for projects as well has coming out to cast their votes. The variety of ideas that were put forward and the reasons why were truly inspirational in how they will benefit communities. I can’t wait to see these projects coming to life over the next few months and seeing the impact they will have across the borough!”
All ideas were based around the ‘Take 5 Ways of Wellbeing’ – five simple steps to help maintain and improve your wellbeing on a daily basis.
For those that applied and didn’t receive funding on this occasion, the journey is far from over. The Participatory Budget Working Group will continue to support these groups to deliver their project in another way – and if this is not possible, to signpost them towards other funding streams and to assess additional support requirements.
This project is been taken forward by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Community Planning Partnership and has been funded by a range of partners including the Public Health Agency, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Sport NI, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Policing & Community Safety Partnership, Triangle Housing, Clanmil Housing and Ark Housing.
