West Belfast Groups Share In Big Lottery Fund Grants

Young people and older men and women in west Belfast are getting involved with community work and improvements thanks to grants from Big Lottery Fund.

Colin Glen Trust and Creann go Beatha Men’s Shed are among four west Belfast groups sharing in grants totalling £39,887 from the Awards for All programme. It is part of a Big Lottery Fund grants windfall of £769,369 to 91 groups across Northern Ireland (see separate attachment for full list of awards).

Colin Glen Trust in west Belfast promotes the development of Colin Glen Forest Park and provides environmental, educational, recreational and community activities. They are using the £9,960 grant for a feasibility study to develop a 3km multi use trail system for mountain biking and walking and trail-head facilities like a play area for young children, a visitor hub, cafe, car parking and toilets.

The mountain bike skills trail will be an introductory level trail to encourage people to try out the sport. It will encourage people in the area to get active and engage in their community resources. Colin Glen trust is involving young people from the area in the design of the trails, to give them a sense of ownership and engagement with their community.

“We want to harness local enthusiasm for the trails project and channel it into development, management and maintenance, and away from any negative issues in the area,” said Rory Martin, Activity Manager at Colin Glen trust.