Council Funding Supports Pioneering Belfast Project to Build Safer Futures for Women and Girls

Belfast City Council has awarded £255,000 in grants to 27 community and voluntary organisations across the city, supporting projects designed to help end violence against women and girls. A flagship initiative supported by this funding is Women’s TEC’s Hard Hat Thinking series, an innovative programme introducing women to construction skills while providing vital guidance on recognising and reporting abuse.

A Hands-On Project with Real Impact

Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, visited participants involved in the Hard Hat Thinking series.

Women taking part in the project are gaining:

• Practical construction skills in non-traditional female sectors
• Confidence-building support
• Workshops on recognising signs of abuse
• Access to specialist services and reporting pathways

These combined elements help participants build safer futures for themselves and their communities.

Part of the NI Executive’s Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls

The Hard Hat Thinking project is funded through the Local Change Fund, established by Belfast City Council to support the Northern Ireland Executive’s seven-year Strategic Framework to end violence against women and girls. The framework is led by the Executive Office and delivered locally by councils across Northern Ireland.

https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/

Other Funded Projects Across Belfast

Alongside Women’s TEC, several innovative organisations have received support, including:

Games, Protection and Sport – TAMHI

A sports-based programme for men and women in north Belfast, delivered by Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues (TAMHI).
https://tamhi.org/

Wasted – Bruiser Theatre Company

A theatre production exploring consent with pupils aged 16+ in secondary schools.
https://www.bruisertheatrecompany.com/

Belfast City of Sanctuary

Culturally sensitive training, workshops, and community events for black and minority ethnic communities.
https://belfastcityofsanctuary.org/

HERe NI

Specialist training and mentoring to support LGBTQIA+ women and girls and reduce stigma around gender-based violence.
https://hereni.org/

All 27 funded projects will run between now and April 2026.

Leadership and Commitment from Belfast City Council

Speaking at Women’s TEC, the Lord Mayor said the projects represent essential work happening daily across Belfast to ensure women feel safe at home, in work, and in their communities.

She highlighted that the scheme received 95 applications requesting over £1.25 million, demonstrating a major need for investment. The Council has written to the Executive Office requesting additional funding, with initial support already indicated.

Women’s TEC Welcomes Support

Lynn Carvill, CEO of Women’s TEC, said the project funding gives the organisation a valuable opportunity to address domestic and sexual violence, an issue affecting many of their students.

She said the Hard Hat Thinking workshops provide a safe, supportive environment where students can build skills, confidence, and awareness.

Wider Council Work This Year

The Local Change Fund is one of several initiatives Belfast City Council has delivered to support the NI Executive Strategy. This includes:

• 65 community events attended by over 1,000 people
• Free training for community and voluntary groups
• Personal safety workshops in community centres
• Events designed with advice centres and women’s centres
• A sports conference focused on engaging men and boys

Council is also administering the Regional Change Fund, supporting eight organisations delivering £1.2 million in programming to help create long-term societal change.

Evaluation shows:

• 95% of participants reported increased knowledge of what violence against women and girls is
• 91% said they now feel more confident about how they can help at home or in the workplace

Further Information

For information on Belfast City Council’s community support programmes, visit:
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/

Or contact the relevant council department via the website’s directory.