Mainstay DRP funding boost

Mainstay DRP funding boost

14 December 2022

DOWNPATRICK charity Mainstay DRP has secured a share of Co-Ownership’s £20,000 Community Fund.

The £3,020 cash boost will support the charity’s ‘our wee garden’ project which will enable the group to deliver an eight-week programme for service users to learn about biodiversity and allow them to grow and sow their own fruit and vegetables.

The Community Fund exists to support projects which make a positive impact in the lives of individuals, local neighbourhoods, and communities across Northern Ireland with Mainstay DRP delighted with the cash boost it has secured.

The dynamic, multi-service organisation provides a range of services to over 150 adults with learning disabilities, supporting them to achieve independence across residential, supported living, short breaks, and day opportunity services in multiple locations across Downpatrick. 

Mainstay DRP chief executive, Paula Quigley, explained the funding will help the organisation to continue to provide support to our service users to help them achieve independence. 

Co-Ownership chief executive, Mark Graham, described the Community Fund as a really “important initiative”.

He continued: “We are proud that it continues to support projects that have a positive impact on communities across the province. This year, we are delighted to acknowledge and award Mainstay DRP and the positive contribution they make in Downpatrick and the surrounding areas.”

This year Co-Ownership’s £20,000 funding has been awarded to Mainstay DRP and a further three groups throughout Northern Ireland, including the The Trussell Trust, which supports the Fountain Foodbank in Downpatrick.

The Trust, which helps maintain its network of more than 40 food banks throughout Northern Ireland, which provides emergency support to people locked in poverty, whilst also campaigning for change.

 For more information on the Co-Ownership Community Fund and to find out if your organisation or group may be eligible to apply for funding next year visit: https://www.co-ownership.org/about/social-responsibility/community-fund/