Elevate programme having a positive impact in communities
Community and voluntary organisations are being encouraged by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to apply for a programme that can help tackle health inequalities in their local communities.
The Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme, coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), is now open for applications following another successful year.
During the 2025/26 initiative, 21 organisations benefitted from the PHA funding which saw communities throughout Northern Ireland engaged in activities that ranged from working with trafficked migrants in Belfast and a mental health programme for women and girls in Antrim, to activities in Newtownbutler in Fermanagh addressing rural isolation and work to improve the wellbeing of people living in interface areas in Derry/ Londonderry.
Siobhan Donald, Assistant Director of Strategic Public Health (Living Well) at the PHA, said: “Elevate has seen a wide range of organisations participating, which in turn has had, and will continue to have, a positive impact in communities.
“It has two core elements to it, so equally as important as the financial grants is the valuable mentoring programme from experienced community organisations through our partners CDHN that forms part of it. It gives those within the community and voluntary sector the training and tools to enhance their engagement and delivery skills to help address health inequalities.”
More than 860 people participated in the activities arranged across the 21 groups during 2025/26 and the impact it has had on those people has been significant.
One of those who participated was 80-year-old Charlie Brogan who, as part of the Dunloy Stronger Together group, took part in activities for older men to help reduce the impact of social isolation. The former showband musician said it was the fun and relaxation that kept him coming back to the group.
“If we hadn’t this to do, to tell you the God’s honest truth, we’d be sitting at home looking out the window,” Charlie said. “The majority of the fellas there are all over 80 years of age and there’s not much for us to do. I look forward to coming to it every Tuesday and the fellas in there are great craic.”
Through activities like indoor curling, boccia and darts, the men of Dunloy came together to stay active and enjoy each other’s company.
Joanne Vance, Director of CDHN, said: "Thanks to CDHN's Elevate Team and the Public Health Agency for promoting our common values, community development, participation and inclusion through our partnership initiative.
“We have seen a diverse range of groups showing how they care about people, sharing what they have achieved and proving that positive collaboration for community health and wellbeing is not only possible, it’s powerful."
Applications for 2026/27 Elevate projects are now open with a deadline of 4pm on Friday 22 May to apply for funding of up to £5,000. Organisations eligible to apply include community groups; charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises; and community interest companies. Further details can be found at www.elevateni.org/mentoring-grants-programme
Siobhan concluded: “Community and voluntary organisations are acutely aware of the issues that affect people on the ground and Elevate provides an opportunity to take local action in addressing health inequalities, which is central to the work of the Public Health Agency.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- Elevate is led by the Community Development and Health Network who have been commissioned by Public Health Agency to deliver a regional capacity-building programme.
- The Department of Health’s ‘Health Inequalities Report (2026)’ presents a comprehensive analysis of health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland. The report can be found at www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-inequalities-annual-report-2026
- The Elevate programme demonstrates how community-led action and a joined-up, “Health in All Policies” approach are essential to addressing these trends.