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Mentees

Elevate provides a unique opportunity for community organisations to put their collective learning on health inequalities into practice in a supportive and encouraging environment. One of the elements of Elevate is the Community Mentoring & Grants programme.

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For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

An Tobar Wellness Centre and Social Farm CIC

An Tobar Wellness Centre and Social Farm is based in South Armagh and its aims are to inspire people to connect with each other and grow communities together. They offer nature-based activities to individuals and groups to improve health and wellbeing within the community.

An Tobar Wellness Centre and Social Farm CIC

An Tobar Wellness Centre and Social Farm is based in South Armagh and its aims are to inspire people to connect with each other and grow communities together. The Centre offers nature-based activities to individuals and groups to improve health and wellbeing within the community.

Annsborough Community Forum

Annsborough Community Forum is a rural community group in the Slieve Croob area with a hub for residents to meet and socialise and engage in different activities that suit their individual needs. The Forum includes all ages and religious backgrounds in their activities. The have an Over 50 club with both male and female attendees who have enjoyed arts and crafts, trips out and exercise classes. The Forum also runs arts and crafts classes for the younger generation from the area who also take part in their Hallowe’en and Christmas parties.

Ardoyne Association

Ardoyne Association in Belfast aims to facilitate the social and economic uplift of the people of Ardoyne through a variety of programmes and an Advice Centre. The Association works constantly to bring reconciliation and peace between the two communities through areas of common interest.

Ballykinlar & Tyrella Community Association

Ballykinlar & Tyrella Cross Community Association works together with other local groups and statutory agencies to deliver community activities and events such as summer schemes, youth clubs and health fayres.

Ballykinlar & Tyrella Community Association

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Ballynahinch Men’s Shed

Ballynahinch Men’s Shed was established from a need identified within the area for the creation of a support mechanism enabling men within the area to come together to socialise and learn new skills. The Men’s Shed offers a safe space for the men of Ballynahinch and rural outlying areas to participate in social activities and make friendships therefore reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Belfast & Lisburn Womens Aid

Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid provides a range of accommodation and support services to women and children who have experienced, or are at risk of domestic violence. Their core services are providing emergency safety and protection for women and their children through temporary refuge accommodation and outreach services to women and their children within the community. They also provide tailored and generic education and training programmes to educate and inform the public, media, public sector (police, courts, and social services), corporate sector, health sector, voluntary & community sector of the impact of domestic violence. The organisation raises awareness and understanding of the impact of domestic violence on children and young people in schools, in youth and community and other settings.

Brain Injury Foundation (BIF)

Brain Injury Foundation is a support group for brain injury survivors and their families and carers. It was launched by a group of survivors, carers and volunteers in August 2012 and has members from Newry and Mourne, Armagh, Banbridge and Dungannon. BIF supports people with all forms of brain injuries including strokes and differs from many charities in that it is service-user led. Many of the services offered by BIF are delivered in part or completely by brain injury survivors or carers.

Brain Injury Foundation (BIF)

Brain Injury Foundation is a support group for brain injury survivors and their families and carers. It was launched by a group of survivors, carers and volunteers in August 2012 and has members from Newry and Mourne, Armagh, Banbridge and Dungannon. BIF supports people with all forms of brain injuries including strokes and differs from many charities in that it is service user led. Many of the services offered by BIF are delivered in part or completely by brain injury survivors or carers.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Brookville Enterprises/Ballymena South Collective

Brookeville Enterprises Ltd was established in 2018 for the purpose of the promotion of both urban and rural regeneration and the redevelopment and revitalisation of the Mid Antrim area.

Cancer Focus NI

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s mission is to eliminate cancer where possible and reduce its impact on society. The organisation offers support and information to help you improve your health and support you and your family when you are affected by cancer. Their Care Services department serves over 3,000 patients from across Northern Ireland accessing a range of services including counselling, family support and art therapy.

Castlewellan & Annsborough Angling Club

The Castlewellan & Annsborough Angling Club was formed in 1973 and draws membership from the local Castlewellan Area, Annsborough area and further afield. The Club offers quality fly-fishing facilities to the general public and other fishing clubs and uses Ballylough Lough for training young members and pensioners.

Castlewellan Traders & Residents Association

Castlewellan Traders & Residents Association was founded in 2019 and started off with providing Christmas illuminations in the area for the benefit of the community. The Association works for the benefit of all groups including youth and elderly and provides community activities and events. The group works with statutory agencies to address problems and resolve issues in the community.

Causeway Rural & Urban Network (CRUN)

Coleraine Rural & Urban Network is an umbrella organisation with a membership from a variety of backgrounds. As well as supporting groups with governance, funding and good practice advice, they deliver mental health promotion programmes, community relations, social prescribing, community development and youth empowerment programmes targeting identified need from within the borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Charis Cancer Care

Charis Cancer Care exists to support people affected by cancer, their families and supporters at every stage of their journey, and any family member bereaved by cancer. They provide a range of holistic services with the aim of providing physical, psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms. The organisation has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

CLARE (Creative Local Action, Responses & Engagement) CIC

CLARE was established in 2013 as a direct result of engagement with older people and residents living in North Belfast about what kind of support they valued and the barriers they faced to wellbeing. The organisation’s vision is to work towards communities where all people feel valued, empowered and engaged and everyone can achieve their full potential. Their mission is to champion an alternative model of community-grown support which enables older people to shape their wellbeing.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Compass Advocacy Network (CAN)

Compass Advocacy Network Ltd aims to enhance lives and create change for people with learning disabilities by challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities to share best practice, collaborations and partnerships. The organisation is known for innovative practice offering holistic support opportunities to service users and members.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Cumann Bhaile an Mhóta

Cumann Bhaile an Mhota was formed in 2018 to share, develop, promote and use the Irish language, music and dancing in the local community around Downpatrick. They offer Irish Language classes, ceili dancing and music to participants from a variety of backgrounds and ages.

Downpatrick Community Collective

Downpatrick Community Collective was established in 2012 in response to increased Anti-social Behaviour levels. Community volunteers came together to form an umbrella community group to help to address inequalities and improve on poor services. The Collective runs various events including Culture Nights, Hallowe’en Bonfire Beacon Festival and an Artisan Market. They also co-ordinate and host training events.

Drumgath Ladies Group

Drumgath Ladies Group was set up as an opportunity for local women from this rural area to come together, enjoy social activities and reduce social isolation. They provide a wide and varied diary of events and activities through the year including healthy eating courses, tai chi, crafts and a gardening group.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Dungannon Multiple Sclerosis Society

Dungannon MS Society Support Group helps and supports people affected by Multiple Sclerosis, their carers and families who might otherwise feel excluded because of their disability, ongoing medical conditions and physical limitations. The group is led by its members and carers. They provide and arrange various therapeutic services, providing facilities with the object of advancing education and improving the conditions of life among the members.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Flourish

Established in 2014, Flourish provides tailored long-term support to survivors of human trafficking. Their aim is that all survivors have access to support services and the objectives of the charity are to support and empower individuals to be able to move on to lead safe, independent, resilient lives. Examples of support services offered include finding safe housing, sourcing employment, advocacy and general life skills.

Friends of Sliabh Fuait

Through participating in the Elevate programme, the group engaged with local residents, recognising the impact of poverty, transport, lack of investment to encourage a sense of civic pride in the local area.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Garvagh Development Trust

Garvagh Development Trust was established to open and sustain a community building in the centre of Garvagh creating a welcoming place for people of all ages to meet, create, play and learn and contribute to wider regeneration. Over recent years, GDT has offered supported employment through Triangle providing work for individuals with learning difficulties. GDT’s regular activities include hosting and running events, programmes and classes in the building, developing the Pantry as a successful social enterprise and managing Garvagh People’s Forest.

Glens Youth Group

The Glens Youth Club is focused on the education and development of young people aged seven and up. They provide a safe environment where the young people can learn, create and make connections.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Irvinestown Wanderers

Irvinestown Wanderers is an amateur football club which was founded in 1907. They have two senior teams and various youth teams and run coaching for children aged 5 to 16. The club runs charity events including an annual St Patrick’s Day run. People of all ages benefit from the sporting activities they run.

Kildress GAC

Kildress GAC’s strategic aim is to improve the quality of life for the people of Kildress, a Parish in rural Tyrone. They provide Gaelic games and associated cultural community and heritage activities that are safe, enjoyable, high quality and inclusive. The Club offers health and wellbeing programmes; music, singing and dance lessons; and talks, events and initiatives relating to local history, heritage and the environment.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Let’s Do Charity

Let’s Do is a Veteran’s support charity which was set up to facilitate wounded/disabled and injured armed forces and involve them in activities and trips. They organise accommodation and transport for residential trips and activities to ensure veterans can take part.

Loughinisland GAC

Loughinisland GAC was formed in 1906 to provide a local GAA sporting outlet for children and adults from age five. The club has one main pitch, a clubhouse and a health and wellbeing centre which offers several health programmes. The GAC has a deep well of around 90 volunteers who help to run the Centre.

Loughinisland GAC

Lower Mourne Vintage Club

Lower Mourne Vintage Club was set up by a number of local vintage enthusiasts. The Club’s members are all dedicated to raising much needed funds for local charities hosting an annual vintage exhibition in September and a tractor run in December.

Men’s Health Network (MAN)

Men’s Action Network was established in 1994 to support and promote the health and wellbeing of males in the North West of Ireland and to offer advice, counselling and support on a range of issues such as health education and promotion. The Network supports men’s health through their services and programmes which address the life issues men experience including domestic abuse, depression, isolation, family breakdown and addictions.

Mencap

Mencap was established in Northern Ireland in 1965 and, each year, they support thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they choose. They work in partnership with people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland to fight to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities.

Mencap

Mid Ulster Victim’s Empowerment (MUVE)

Mid Ulster Victims Empowerment is a membership organisation established in 2012. It is a self-help group whose aim is to “support the community of innocent victims of the Troubles in Mid Ulster providing practical and emotional support”. MUVE’s aim is to reduce loneliness and isolation and help improve both their physical and mental health and wellbeing. The group provides a range of activities, education and exercise to help members to lead more active and healthy lives.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Moving Forward Together

Antrim and Randalstown Schools: Moving Forward Together (MFT) is a unique, multi-sector, collaborative education partnership consisting of 20 Nursery, Special, Primary and Post-primary schools; Rathmore Educational Guidance Centre; and the education and peace building charity, Community Relations In Schools (CRIS). The partnership was established in 2014 as a collaborative, voluntary movement that utilises the energy and resources of its members, combined with financial support from statutory stakeholders and local foundations and funders (Enkalon, Community Relations Council, ANBC, Peace IV, PHA) to achieve its mission which is to promote good relations between children, young people and the wider community in the Antrim and Randalstown area.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Omagh Comhaltas

Comhaltas across the world are involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. They are a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches have been working for the cause of Irish music since 1951.

Pepper Johns

Pepper Johns was established in 2013 and came about from a need identified within the local Church to bring the community together outside of the Church. They have established a ladies’ group and a number of youth activities targeting the young people living in the surrounding area which is an area of high deprivation and a neighbourhood renewal area.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Short Brothers Football Club (Youth)

Short Brothers Football Club was formed in the 1930s. The Junior section of the club was set up 25 years ago to address the need for the youth in the community, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion or sex, to be involved in sport. The Club emphasises enjoyment and fun, praising and reinforcing effort and improvement and respects the rights, dignity and worth of all, treating everyone as an equal.

Sir Hans Sloan Education & Visitor Centre

The aims of the Sir Hans Sloane Education & Visitor Centre are to reflect the legacy of Sir Hans Sloane and act as a pivot and seed for the regeneration of the village of Killyleagh. This aim is for a healthy and engaged community and a village infrastructure on which a community survives and thrives. The Centre is committed to promote and enable enjoyment and appropriate positive use of all Killyleagh and the Strangford area have to offer for its citizens. The Centre provides access to kayaking, bicycle hire, hill and coastal walks and a Hans Sloane Memorial Garden.

Sir Hans Sloan Education & Visitor Centre

The Sir Hans Sloan Education & Visitor Centre is based in Killyleagh. Its core mission is to improve the prospects of the next generation of young people in Killyleagh and Shrigley and improve educational, employment, wellbeing and community outcomes for all people in the whole of the Ards and Down area, especially young people who face disadvantage. It aims to achieve this through informal learning opportunities which provide people with new experiences through running workshops and educating through displays, talks, and exhibitions in art, crafts and science.

South Armagh Rural Women’s Network (SARWN)

South Armagh Rural Women’s Network (SARWN) is an umbrella group established to articulate the voice of rural women and to help and support community-based women's groups and individual women to achieve their goals. The Network provides advice, information, guidance, training and educational opportunities in local venues. SARWN works in partnership with other voluntary women's groups from both sides of the border and seeks to disseminate information on local issues, policies, rural issues etc. SARWN also offers a befriending service.

South Armagh Rural Women’s Network (SARWN)

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

South Lough Neagh Regeneration

South Lough Neagh Regeneration is a cross community organisation which was established in 1991 by community representatives as a response to the social isolation and economic stagnation of the area. The organisation’s mission is to continue its commitment to attracting and encouraging investment in the future social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the community of Lough Neagh’s southern shores through its own activities and by liaising with public and private sectors.

St Colman’s GAC

St Colman’s GAC is a rural based Gaelic club based in Drumaness benefitting all sections of the community from age 5 through to senior citizens. While there is an active football and camogie framework to engage the youth and their parents, they also hold a number of events throughout the year to cater for the senior population.

St John’s Drumnaquoile GAC

St John’s Drumnaquoile GAC is a community based organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation. It was established in 1977 and is run entirely by volunteers. The GAC reaches out to all members of our society and strives to enable all its members to achieve their full potential. The group is dedicated to ensuring that the games and cultural activities enrich the lives of their members, families, schools and the rural community they serve.

Strangford Resident’s Association

Strangford Residents’ Association was set up to engage with the residents of the village and its environs to enhance and improve the village for their enjoyment and social welfare. The Association engages with statutory authorities and voluntary organisations and organizes social events and competitions. They organise meetings, lectures, classes and exhibitions and publish reports, periodical recordings, books or other documents and information.

Streetbeat Youth Project

Streetbeat Youth Project works with the motto ‘Helping Young People Fulfil Their Potential’. The group works with ages 10 – 25 years, primarily from the North Belfast area, and provides opportunities for young people to participate in personal and social development programmes in both group and one to one settings such as mentoring and counselling.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

The Churches Trust

The Churches Trust (CT) is an interdenominational organisation established by the leaders of Christian churches to respond to deprivation in the area. CT supports local people in crisis, respecting their dignity at all times, signposting them to services, community groups and other agencies to address circumstances leading to the crisis situations. CT’s work is characterised by two main facets:  on the one hand addressing deprivation and social injustice, working with people at the margins of society; and on the other hand empowering churches, schools and communities to stand together with a united voice in an area plagued with the legacy of division through the troubles in Northern Ireland, aiming to create a shared and better future for all.

The Churches Trust

The Cormac Trust

The Cormac Trust was set up in 2005 after the sudden death of Cormac McAnallen, to commemorate Cormac’s name while fighting agains the condition which caused his sudden death. The Cormac Trust raises awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Symdrome (SADS) by providing information in the media, social media, the Trust’s website and through posters and leaflets. They give talks to community groups, sports clubs and schools on SADS.

The Old Courthouse Kesh

The Old Courthouse Kesh Limited was set up in 2016 in order to progress the redevelopment of the derelict courthouse building at Main Street, Kesh. The site was identified in the Kesh Village Plan as the preferred location for a local services delivery hub. With support from various organisations, the capital build project commenced in 2018 and opened to the public in October 2019. The Courthouse aims to help all in their community by providing the best possible services in a loving and caring way. The services on offer are a drop-in coffee dock, food bank, debt advice service and health and wellbeing services.

The Old Courthouse Kesh

The Courthouse Kesh Limited was set up in 2016 in order to progress the redevelopment of the derelict courthouse building at Main Street, Kesh which was identified in the Kesh Village Plan as the preferred location for a local services delivery hub. With support from various organisations, the capital build project commenced in 2018 and opened to the public in October 2019. The Courthouse aims to help all in their community by providing the best possible services in a loving and caring way. The services on offer are a drop-in coffee dock, food bank, debt advice service and health and wellbeing services.

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.

Turas Na NDoine

Turas Na nDaoine (Journey of the People) has come a long way since it started in 2012 when a group of 20 ex-prisoners realised that they needed a new focus and decided to work for the benefit of their local community. Based in Lisnaskea, the group has continued to extend its reach across Fermanagh. Turas is made up of activists with a strong cultural and political identity whose work is embedded in the local community.

Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC)

Voice of Young People in Care was established in 1993 by a group of young people and supporting practitioners. The organisation’s mission is to promote the rights of children in care and care leavers to change lives and improve outcomes. VOYPIC provides help, support and advice to children and young people up to the age of 25. Through their strengths-based one to one support, group work and advocacy, they strive to reach out to children and young people and make a difference in their day to day lives.

Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC)

For information on the 2021-22 Elevate Mentee Groups, click here.