Projects Aim to Benefit Over 1,200 Individuals Through Jobs, Skills and Support
THE Gallaher Trust, an independent charity based in Ballymena, has announced the commitment of £500,000 to support several local organisations and various projects, which are set to positively impact over one thousand local individuals through job creation, skills development and support for disadvantaged adults.
A total of nine new projects, including four new delivery partners - MEA Agewell Partnership, Cullybackey Community Partnership, Deafblind UK and Inspire Wellbeing - will receive funding from the Trust. Meanwhile, funding also continues for existing delivery partners, Habitat for Humanity with its new Retail Ready at ReStore project, the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Northern Regional College’s Manufacturing Academy and the Scholarship Schemes, delivered in conjunction with Northern Regional College, and Supporting Communities.
Over the next three years, these projects are expected to create nearly 100 new jobs, upskill over 300 individuals and support more than 1,200 disadvantaged adults.
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“Since our inception in 2017, The Gallaher Trust has focused on delivering lasting and measurable change for our local community through teaming up with our dedicated delivery partners,” explained Ian Paisley, Chairman of The Gallaher Trust.
“We’re delighted to announce new projects for 2025/2026 alongside the extension of funding for some of our current delivery partners. This next round of funding will go a long way to helping more individuals boost their skills, access employability support and receive much-needed assistance.
“Our delivery partners share our mission of building a stronger, more resilient and inclusive community and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can achieve over the next few years.”
To date, the Trust has committed £3.1 million to delivery partner projects, which have created 445 jobs, upskilled over 1,600 individuals and provided support to almost 2,000 disadvantaged adults. According to Ian, projects like these are essential for the economic and social development of Ballymena and its surrounding districts.
“By supporting projects that create jobs, develop skills and provide essential support to those who need it most, we’re making a big difference to the social and economic fabric of Ballymena and helping to ensure that the town, and those who live in it, have a rich future,” he continued.
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“The impact of these initiatives will go far beyond numbers. It’s an opportunity for us to build a stronger community for individuals and local employers alike, who will have access to a pool of highly skilled individuals at a time when many are concerned about skills gaps and recruiting and maintaining a talented workforce.
“On behalf of the Trust, we’re committed to fostering opportunity and helping both individuals and the wider business economy, to reach its fullest potential.”
To find out more about the work of The Gallaher Trust and the projects it supports, visit the website: www.thegallahertrust.org.
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