Local Organisations Secure Council Funding for Inclusive Summer Activities

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has awarded £12,000 to Waves Ballymena and the Mae Murray Foundation. The funding will support free, inclusive summer activities for children and young people with special educational needs in Ballymena and Larne.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has awarded £12,000 through its first-ever Inclusive Summer Opportunities Grant Funding Scheme.

The funding has been awarded to two local organisations, Waves Ballymena and the Mae Murray Foundation. It will help provide inclusive summer activities for children and young people with special educational needs.

The activities will take place from community locations in Ballymena and Larne during summer 2026.

Inclusive Summer Opportunities Grant Funding Scheme

The Inclusive Summer Opportunities Grant Funding Scheme has been created to support accessible activities for children and young people with additional needs.

The scheme aims to provide fun, safe, and supportive summer sessions. It also helps create valuable respite opportunities for parents and carers.

Councillor Matthew Armstrong, Chairman of the Inclusion & Equality Sub-Committee, said the Council was pleased to award the funding in full.

He said the programmes will deliver free and accessible summer activities in a safe environment. He also said they will complement existing schemes and give families confidence that children are safe, supported, and enjoying meaningful experiences.

Waves Ballymena to Deliver Activities at Ballykeel Community Centre

Waves Ballymena will use its funding to provide structured summer activities at Ballykeel Community Centre.

The programme will be led by trained staff and volunteers. Activities will be designed to encourage:

• Social interaction
• Confidence building
• Physical activity
• Creativity
• Personal development
• Independent participation

The sessions will support children and young people with a range of additional needs. They will also ensure participants can take part in a welcoming and inclusive setting.

Mae Murray Foundation to Support Young People in Larne

The Mae Murray Foundation has also received funding through the scheme.

The organisation will deliver an inclusive summer programme for children and young people with disabilities and complex needs in the Larne area. The programme will run throughout July and August 2026.

Councillor Maeve Donnelly, Vice-Chair of the Inclusion & Equality Sub-Committee, said the projects will create meaningful experiences for children and young people across the Borough.

All-Ability Teen Hub Project in Larne

The Mae Murray Foundation’s All-Ability Teen Hub project will offer a range of accessible activities across several sessions.

These sessions will take place at the Foundation’s fully adapted hub in Larne. The space is designed to support different accessibility and personal care needs.

The programme will also include two larger summer celebration events at Market Yard, Larne.

Building Confidence, Friendships and Independence

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has thanked Waves Ballymena and the Mae Murray Foundation for their commitment to supporting young people with additional needs.

Through these inclusive summer activities, participants will have the chance to attend sessions independently from parents and carers.

They will also be able to build friendships, grow in confidence, and enjoy positive experiences in their local communities.

The Council said the funding will help create more inclusive opportunities across the Borough and support families during the summer months.

More Information

Families can find out more about inclusive services and local community support through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the organisations involved.

Parents, carers, and families interested in inclusive summer activities are encouraged to contact Waves Ballymena or the Mae Murray Foundation for more information about available sessions.