Grand Choice’ heads to Lisburn North this Winter
November 28, 2022
Local residents or groups in the Lisburn North area of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council can apply for up to £1,000 via the ‘Grand Choice’ participatory budgeting initiative from 28 November 2022.
The key difference between Grand Choice and other council managed funding opportunities is that the successful projects are chosen by the community. The votes of those living in Lisburn North will decide which projects will be funded.
Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, said: “Once again the council is proud to be supporting this scheme. There is £15,000 available for projects across the council’s district electoral area of Lisburn North. This includes the Derriaghy, Harmony Hill, Hilden, Lambeg, Magheralave and Wallace Park areas.
“As with previous rounds of Grand Choice, successful projects can win up to £1,000 and will be chosen by their local community. Voting will be in person at a Community Decision Event on Saturday 18 February 2023 in a venue to be confirmed within the Lisburn North area from 11.00am to 3.00pm. We encourage residents in the Lisburn North area to use their voting power to select the projects they feel best suit their communities.”
Eligible projects should relate to one or more of the following themes:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Take notice of yourself and the world around you
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
All projects must be completed between February 2023 and May 2023.
Councillor John Gallen, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, said: “To date Grand Choice has been a great success in the Killultagh, Castlereagh East and Castlereagh South, Downshire West and Lisburn South areas. A similar project is also currently open within the Downshire East area. It offers the perfect opportunity for residents, constituted groups and schools to bring a project or event to their local community. If you and a few friends have an idea to support your local community then I would encourage you to consider applying.
“You can apply for up to £1,000 for things such as online or in-person activities, events, tutors, workshops, performers or specialist facilitator. Should you have a specific community issue that needs addressed then you could request funding for marketing campaigns or equipment for projects. If your group is not constituted you must obtain sponsor support from a local constituted group.
“All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria and are achievable within the specified timeframe. Following assessment applicants be will contacted regarding participation at the community showcase event in February. Our communities have the power to decide where the Grand Choice funding goes.
“Three online workshops have been scheduled to help you decide if your project would be eligible for ‘Grand Choice’ funds. Please join us and talk to the team who will be happy to answer your questions,” concluded Councillor Gallen.
The scheduled community zoom workshops are scheduled for:
- Tuesday 6 December 2022 at 3.00pm
- Wednesday 7 December 2022 at 7.00pm
- Thursday 8 December 2022 at 3.00pm
To register to attend one of the workshop sessions please email: pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
This scheme is supported by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Sport NI, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, PSNI, NIFRS and Choice Housing.
To apply online or to download an application form please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/grandchoiceln before Sunday 22 January 2023.