A total of £20,500 was distributed to community groups in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area during 2025 through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants programme. Volunteers across the area contributed 812 hours of work as part of the funded projects.

The scheme, delivered with ABC Borough Council, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and nine other local councils, awards grants of between £500 and £3,000. It supports initiatives that aim to increase civic pride, improve green spaces, revitalise underused areas, boost biodiversity and enhance community health and wellbeing.

Among the projects supported were efforts by Cranagh Gardening Club, Scarva Primary School, Glenanne Community Association and the South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association. Their work focused on transforming shared spaces, reducing litter and creating greener environments.

In Blackwatertown, the Community Development Association used its grant to improve village green spaces and the quay area. A group of 44 volunteers contributed 108 hours to tidying public spaces, planting seasonal flowers and enhancing existing planted areas. The project has allowed the association to maintain a regular presence in the village, with residents welcoming the improvements.

Orla McGrady, grants officer at Live Here Love Here, said the Small Grants scheme gives communities the chance to take meaningful environmental action and make a lasting difference. She noted that projects enhance shared spaces while bringing people together through volunteering and a shared sense of purpose.

Applications for the next round of grants are open until 30 June 2026. Eligible groups include community and voluntary organisations, schools, youth groups, sports clubs, churches and other not-for-profit bodies. Further details are available at the Live Here Love Here website.