Local organisations secure Council funding to provide inclusive summer activities
Monday 29 June 2026
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has awarded £12,000 through its first-ever ‘Inclusive Summer Opportunities Grant Funding Scheme’ to two local organisations — Waves Ballymena and Mae Murray Foundation.
The funding will support the delivery of inclusive summer scheme activities for children and young people with special educational needs from community locations in Ballymena and Larne.
Councillor Matthew Armstrong, Chairman of the Inclusion & Equality Sub-Committee said: “We are delighted to have fully awarded this grant to two organisations that will deliver fun, accessible and free summer activities in a safe and supportive environment. These programmes are scheduled to complement existing schemes, maximising valuable respite opportunities for parents and carers and giving them confidence that their children are safe, supported and enjoying meaningful experiences.”
Based at Ballykeel Community Centre, Waves will provide a range of structured, engaging fun activities led by trained staff and volunteers. The programme will promote social interaction, confidence building, physical activity, creativity, and personal development while ensuring all participants can take part regardless of their additional needs.
Councillor Maeve Donnelly, Vice-Chair of the Inclusion & Equality Sub-Committee added: “The opportunities provided through these projects will create meaningful experiences for children and young people across the Borough. The Mae Murray Foundation has developed an inclusive summer programme for children and young people with disabilities and complex needs across the Larne area, running throughout July and August 2026.”
The Foundation’s All-Ability Teen Hub project will offer a range of activities across multiple sessions at its fully adapted hub in Larne, designed to meet a variety of accessibility and personal care needs. The programme will also include two larger summer celebration events at Market Yard, Larne.
Mid and East Antrim thanks Waves Ballymena and the Mae Murray Foundation for their commitment to supporting young people with a range of additional needs. Through these programmes participants will have opportunities to attend sessions independently from parents and carers, build friendships, develop confidence and enjoy inclusive experiences within their local communities.