Connect and Include
Helping local community groups create more inclusive opportunities for young disabled people
Helping local community groups create more inclusive opportunities for young disabled people through strong partnerships, practical support and targeted investment.
Connect and Include is a partnership between Sported and the Peter Harrison Foundation, created to increase opportunities for young disabled people across Northern Ireland. Responding to declining physical activity levels and growing demand for inclusive provision, the programme will support more than 100 community groups across Tyrone, Foyle and Belfast.
Community organisations will receive disability inclusion training, networking opportunities and tailored support. By bringing groups and specialist partners together, the programme will make it easier to share knowledge, learn from experience and build lasting local connections. Groups will gain the skills and confidence to make their activities more accessible, strengthen their services and respond to the needs of disabled people in their communities.
Nine organisations will also receive significant grant funding to turn ideas into meaningful, lasting change. Investing directly in trusted local groups will help them build on existing strengths, develop sustainable inclusive opportunities and create a stronger foundation for participation in sport and physical activity.
By working with Disability Sport Northern Ireland and local organisations, Sported and the Peter Harrison Foundation can combine specialist expertise, funding and national reach with the knowledge and trusted relationships already rooted in each community. This partnership approach means support can be shaped around local priorities, resources can go further and community groups are better equipped to create inclusive opportunities that last. Together, the partners are helping clubs become more inclusive, communities become better connected and more young disabled people enjoy the benefits of being active.
Contact our Project Manager and EDI Lead to find out more:
