The Northern Ireland Office has extended its Connect Fund programme for two more years with an additional £1.5 million in grants for community and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland.

The fund has awarded £550,000 to 22 organisations in the second round. These projects connect groups in Northern Ireland with those in Great Britain to support community cohesion and arts access for older people and individuals with dementia.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Matthew Patrick visited Arts Care in Belfast to discuss one project. Arts Care will partner with Equal Arts in Newcastle, England, on reciprocal visits by staff, artists and participants. The initiative focuses on music and dance activities for older people in hospital, residential and community settings.

Arts Care CEO Barry Macaulay stated the funding enables close work with the English organisation to share expertise in creative health.

Belfast youth charity Springboard Opportunities received funding for a project to study community cohesion strategies from organisations in Manchester, London and Bradford. Executive Director Steph O’Rourke said the support strengthens partnerships and benefits young people across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The Connect Fund has now provided £1 million to 46 projects overall.

Round three opens for applications later this year with £500,000 available for the 2027/28 financial year. Round four offers £1 million in the 2028/29 financial year.