With more than 20 years of experience in managing various grants, the Fermanagh Trust is now handing over the reins to young people in order to develop leadership, build capacity among the young grant-makers and create opportunities for local groups to receive funding and engage in community action.

Fermanagh Youth Leadership Forum, in association with Fermanagh Trust, has developed a grant entitled Funds for Fermanagh, with the sole aims of alleviating poverty, homelessness, and improving young people’s wellbeing in Fermanagh.

The grant has been developed by a group of young leaders in Fermanagh, working for Fermanagh.

The grant is worth £4,000, and a large selection of applicants has been whittled down to only three recipients.

The group has been meeting since November to develop their leadership skills, negotiat the focus of the grant, establish the grant branding, curate the application process, shortlist and interview applicants, and finally allocate the grant between three beneficiaries.

Irvinestown’s 6th Fermanagh Scout group has been awarded £1,750 for a water-based activities programme that will greatly improve young people’s personal wellbeing.

Include Youth has been awarded £1,500 to improve the wellbeing of participants through a ten-week activity programme.

First Housing has been awarded £750 to provide support for those experiencing serious poverty.

Members of the Fermanagh Youth Leadership Forum group praised the process, reflecting on what their involvement had meant to them, as well as their delight at being able to support other young people across the community.

Simon Kidney said: “In the past six months, I have learned a lot that has helped me personally, but I am delighted that my efforts will also help others in the wider community.”

Chloe Hamilton said: “I have been delighted to be part of a group that will have such a big effect on individuals, as well as improving my research skills.”

Also praising the programme, Shay McGovern said: “Through this initiative I have vastly increased my network, but also have furthered my communication skills, leadership skills and helped my community during the process.”

The Fermanagh Young Leaders Forum is an integral part of the Community Leadership Programme, supported by Fermanagh Trust, Rural Community and Holywell Trust, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.