Three projects in Derry are set to benefit from £120,000 of funding to develop bespoke arts projects that promote positive health and well-being.
The grants have been awarded in the second phase of the ARTiculate programme, a £600,000 project launched last year and supported by the Arts Council National Lottery Funds and the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Projects in Belfast, Newry, Enniskillen, Cookstown, Limavady, Dungannon and Derry are among those to have received funding.
Dove House in Derry will receive £10,000 for Feel Good @ The One Stop Shop, a project which will see a series of music sessions delivered at the One Stop Shop in Derry.
There will also be street art and dance sessions delivered out in the community as part of a four week programme.
An Gaelaras will receive £9,892 for All Access Trad, which will engage young people with learning disabilities in acquiring the skills to perform Irish Traditional and Ulster Scots music. 20 young people will take part in a total of 24 sessions, leading up to a final performance.
Meanwhile, Conservation Volunteers will receive £10,000 for Keeping Our HerARTage Alive, which will aim to engage young people at risk from suicide and self-harm. Using environmental art workshops, design and construction, this project will build confidence, personal skills and have a positive effect on physical and mental health and well-being.
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “We launched the ARTiculate programme a year ago with the aim of increasing access to the arts for young people. The links between arts and wellbeing are now very well established and we are delighted with the positive impact those first 15 projects have had in communities right across Northern Ireland.
“Through our National Lottery funding and working with the Public Health Agency, this second phase of funding will see that important work continue, opening up opportunities for young people to engage in the arts and the many benefits that brings, from promoting self-expression, to developing self-confidence and self-motivation.”
Mary Black, Assistant Director of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement with the PHA, said: “The Public Health Agency looks at innovative ways to improve people’s health and wellbeing. This programme with the Arts Council is a perfect example of using the arts to give a voice to young people and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
“The PHA recognises the positive impact that the arts can play in improving the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. Participants will benefit in a number of ways, such as making new friends and connections, developing new skills, gaining confidence in their abilities, and learning more about the help and support that is available on mental health.”
Above - Dove House are one of the organisations to have been awarded funding. Pictured are: Peter Lavery (Dove House) and Garry Curran (DJ and Music Producer) are pictured with project participants Tyrell Over and Calvin Johnston.
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