Justice Minister Naomi Long visited Nexus to hear about the organisation's Rise Up project, which received funding through the Small Grant Scheme.

The scheme was launched in 2024 by the ministers of justice and health under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy to support community and voluntary organisations working with victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Over two years, the scheme has supported 26 projects with more than £550,000 invested.

Long said that voluntary and community organisations play a vital role in supporting victims and helping address the impact of abuse on individuals, families and communities. She added that the investment enables organisations with specialist knowledge and strong community links to develop projects that respond to identified needs.

The Rise Up project delivered specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by sexual abuse. Joanne Barnes, chief executive of Nexus, said the scheme enabled the sector to trial new approaches to working with people impacted by abuse. The project provided safe, trauma-informed support to help build resilience, strengthen coping skills and begin recovery.

Long said domestic and sexual abuse cannot be addressed by government alone, and that partnership with the voluntary sector has directed resources to projects making a meaningful difference.