🦆Great progress this week on the PEACEPLUS-funded ACCLIMATISE project led by AFBI! BTO staff deployed passive acoustic monitors on Sheep Island, the Skerries & Isle of Muck to track movements of tagged seabirds. Stay tuned for insights into our marine environment! #AFBIScience

🎉 An incredible start to #SportConnects! 150 children from across @lisburnccc together to celebrate the launch of this exciting new @SEUPB PEACEPLUS funded programme we are delivering along @Sportchanges @peaceplayersni Press Release here: lnkd.in/ekGAaFGb

Finance Minister @JohnODowdSF chaired the North-South Ministerial Council Special EU Programmes (@SEUPB) Sectoral meeting in Belfast today. Minister O’Dowd highlighted the positive impact that the PEACE PLUS programme is having in promoting and embedding peace and reconciliation across the island and heard about the plans for a future programme.

We were pleased to join the launch of the BRAVE Project (Building Resilience and Advancing Violence-free Environments) last week, an important PEACEPLUS initiative focused on supporting safer communities. Led by the Training for Women Network, in partnership with The Bloody Sunday Trust and Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, BRAVE will bring women together from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to build leadership skills, strengthen networks, and support positive change. Funded through PEACEPLUS Investment Area 1.2 Empowering Communities, the project highlights the importance of community-led approaches in addressing complex challenges. Our Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “This important initiative recognises the vital role women play in shaping resilient communities and advancing long-term peace and reconciliation. By supporting leadership, strengthening cross-community connections, and addressing the root causes of violence and coercion, BRAVE reflects the core objectives of PEACEPLUS. By investing in people and communities toward a positive future, it will make a meaningful difference across Northern Ireland and the border region.” Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/brave-p…

More than €6.28 million in PEACEPLUS funding has been awarded to the GROWTH project – a new cross-border initiative supporting rural regeneration, social inclusion and community wellbeing in Greysteel and Creeslough. Led by Greysteel Community Enterprises Ltd in partnership with Creeslough Community Association and Developing Health Communities, the project will invest in shared spaces, community programmes and long-term recovery. GROWTH will: ➡️ Deliver a 50,000 sq ft Air Dome at the Vale Centre in Greysteel. ➡️ Redevelop a Community Shed in Creeslough. ➡️ Engage over 3,200 participants in health, wellbeing, and capacity-building activities. ➡️ Strengthen cross-border collaboration and community resilience. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “GROWTH reflects the core PEACEPLUS values of partnership, inclusivity and long-term resilience, bringing people together across borders to build stronger, more sustainable futures. By investing in shared spaces, community-led initiatives and wellbeing-focused programmes, this project will help create lasting positive change and reinforce the vital role that collaboration plays in shaping vibrant and inclusive rural communities.” Read more: seupb.eu/latest/news/eur628m… @daera_ni @DeptRCDG

We are now accepting applications to PEACEPLUS Investment Area 6.1 Strategic Planning and Engagement, a total value of €6 million in funding. This investment area supports activity that will reduce the legal and administrative barriers to cross-border co-operation through joint development and management of strategies; co-operation capacity building; and identification of solutions. This is the fourth and final call in this investment area. Applications must be received no later than 5pm on August 28, 2026. Find more info and how to apply here: seupb.eu/peaceplus/current-f…

Have you applied for a Change Maker fund?⌛ 📢 €40 million has been made available for cross-community and cross-border initiatives through the #PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme. Applications for the first general funding round are open until 30 June 2026. Grants of up to €100,000 per project are available to support people‑to‑people projects that strengthen cross‑community and cross‑border collaboration. More 👉 shorturl.at/ydbTN To see projects funded to date, visit: shorturl.at/LxyAt

Confirmed: €39,948 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Studio 1 Craft Centre CIC – CRAFT: Creative Routes & Activities Forging Togetherness Purpose: A community arts project bringing together individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those experiencing mental health challenges. Through structured craft workshops and shared events, the project fosters creativity, inclusion and meaningful cross-community connections in #Strabane. Apply before 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

📸 Capture the impact of PEACE, PEACEPLUS & INTERREG funding in your community! Enter the EU Funds Photo Competition and showcase real stories of connection, collaboration & positive change. 🌍 👉 eufunds.ie/photo-competition… #PEACE #PEACEPLUS #INTERREG #EUFunds #PhotoCompetition

Confirmed: €11,101 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Northern Ireland Walking Football Federation – Connecting Communities through Walking Football Purpose: A cross‑community sports initiative for older adults, offering walking football tournaments and wellbeing workshops across #NorthernIreland. The project promotes physical health, reduces social isolation and strengthens connections through accessible, shared sporting experiences. You can apply up to 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €12,277 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: YMCA Larne – Rest Stop to Reset Purpose: A cross‑community youth engagement programme delivering a range of inclusive summer activities, including sport and group outings in #Larne. The project focuses on building confidence, breaking down barriers and encouraging understanding among young people from different backgrounds through shared experiences. Apply before 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €13,988 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Convoy Community and Environmental Committee – Convoy and Strabane SI Purpose: A cross‑border wellbeing initiative connecting older adults aged 60 and over from East #Donegal and #Strabane. Through regular social gatherings, chair‑based exercise sessions and guest talks covering topics such as digital skills, health and personal finance, the project aims to reduce isolation and build stronger relationships across communities. Applications close 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Confirmed: €39,251 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: Oxford Stars FC – Cross Community Football Camps and Training Purpose: A large‑scale, sports‑led initiative engaging up to 300 young people and their families across #Derry #Londonderry and #Strabane. Through camps and year‑round activity, the project promotes inclusion, encourages participation and supports long‑term relationship building in communities affected by division and unrest. Apply before 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

Five community led projects awarded €116k through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme We are delighted to announce that five projects from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland have received a combined €116,565 to support projects focused on inclusion and community engagement. Spanning wellbeing, youth engagement, sport and the arts, these projects will support a wide range of participants, including older people, young people and those facing social or economic barriers. SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “I would like to congratulate these organisations receiving support through the latest round of awards under the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme. With a strong emphasis on cross-community and cross-border collaboration, the programme enables organisations to develop tailored activities that contribute to peacebuilding and stronger community cohesion. “These latest awards demonstrate the positive impact that locally driven projects can have, creating opportunities for individuals to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships within and across communities.” 👉 Find out more: seupb.eu/latest/news/communi… @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni

📢 PEACEPLUS Skills Development Funding Call Now Open We’re pleased to announce that applications are now open for the second call under PEACEPLUS Investment Area 2.3 – Skills Development. This call has an indicative budget allocation of €4.9 million and will support projects that: • Address evidenced skills gaps across the Programme Area • Improve access to inclusive, high-quality education, training and lifelong learning • Support upskilling and reskilling aligned to key growth sectors • Strengthen cross-community and cross-border collaboration • Enhance employability, productivity and labour mobility We encourage applications from organisations working in training, employability, industry engagement, and inclusive pathways to employment — particularly those involved in cross-border partnerships, Tourism & Hospitality (AI adoption), and supporting individuals who are NEET. The deadline for applications is 17 July 2026 at 5:00pm ➡️ Find out more and apply: peaceplussupport.seupb.eu/op…

Confirmed: €76,074 PEACEPLUS Change Maker funding awarded Recipient: North West Regional College – The Thrive Hub Purpose: A cross border wellbeing initiative offering peer led supports, workshops and collaborative activities for students and communities in #Derry #Londonderry, #Strabane and #Letterkenny, strengthening resilience and connection. @pobal @cooperationirl @east_border @ruralaction_ni Apply before 30 June: seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-ma…