Last year saw communities across the country come together like never before, and Bank of Ireland played a small part by supporting local projects that promote financial, physical and mental wellbeing.

As part of Leinster’s affiliate charity initiative, throughout January we will bring you details from each county about local causes that received support from the 2020 Begin Together Community fund.

In Louth, the Red Door Project, which is based in Drogheda, offers assistance and rehabilitation services to individuals and families in the community who experience drug and/or alcohol addictions.

The Project wants to introduce a ‘Reduce the Use Programme’ for those who attend their drop-in centre and for people referred from other community organisations.

This is a 10-week programme, facilitated by two professional counsellors, and will give participants the opportunity to address their social and addiction behaviours in a safe and trusting environment. Follow-up sessions and a care plan will also be made available, to sustain the impact of the programme.

Outcomers is a support organisation providing a confidential drop-in space, information, integration and advocacy for LGBTQ+ adults in the Drogheda area.

The Begin Together funding will support a series of bi-monthly information evenings for the local LGBTQ+ community to support their mental and physical wellbeing. Topics will include ‘Wellbeing and Resilience’, ‘Transgender Information and Support’, ‘LGBTQ+ Family Information Sessions’, ‘LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Information’, ‘Hate Crime’, and ‘Information LGBTQ+ Asylum’. This programme will provide valuable knowledge and support the community’s mental and physical wellbeing.

The final grantee based in Louth, and also serving parts of Meath, is Autism Support Louth and Meath. The group which provides a range of supports such as a helpline, information and advocacy services, and training, has identified that many children with autism experience difficulties participating in physical activity

The Begin Together funding will support a ‘Fitness Friends’ project which will enable participants with autism to take part in a variety of different activities each week, supporting both their physical and mental wellbeing.

Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Community Fund will reopen for applications in the spring and works alongside Begin Together Arts Fund, and Begin Together Fund for Colleagues, as part of a multi-year commitment to support communities and local charities.

Find out more about the ways Bank of Ireland supports communities at www.bankofireland.com/Begintogether.