07/10/2026
Long Hails Vital Role Of Community Groups In Aiding Abuse Survivors
Justice Minister Naomi Long has underlined the crucial contribution of voluntary and community organisations in helping victims and tackling domestic and sexual abuse.
During a visit to Nexus, the Minister was briefed on the charity's Rise Up project, which received support through the Small Grant Scheme. The project is among a range of community-based initiatives aligned to the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy.
The Minister said: "Voluntary and community organisations play a vital role in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse and in helping us to address the devastating impact that abuse can have on individuals, families and communities.
"Over the past two years, the Small Grant Scheme has supported 26 projects, with more than £550,000 invested in initiatives which contribute directly to the objectives of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. That represents a significant investment in the voluntary and community sector and, importantly, enables organisations with specialist knowledge and strong links within their communities to develop projects which respond to identified needs.
"The breadth of projects supported demonstrates the value of working in partnership with the sector. Each of the 26 projects has provided another opportunity to reach people, raise awareness, strengthen support and help tackle domestic and sexual abuse.
"The visit has given me the opportunity to see how that investment translates into work on the ground through Nexus' Rise Up project. I want to acknowledge the commitment of Nexus and all of the organisations which have delivered projects through the scheme."
Joanne Barnes, Chief Executive of Nexus, said: "We were delighted to discuss with the Minister how the Small Grants Scheme has enabled the community and voluntary sector to trial new and innovative approaches to working with people impacted by abuse and abusive relationships.
"The Rise Up Project delivered specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by sexual abuse. Safe, trauma-informed support was provided to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and begin recovery."
In conclusion, the Minister said: "Domestic and sexual abuse cannot be addressed by government alone. Working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector has ensured that resources have been directed towards projects which have made a meaningful difference to victims, families and communities."
The Small Grant Scheme was launched in 2024 by the Ministers of Justice and Health to support the essential work of community and voluntary organisations assisting victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
During a visit to Nexus, the Minister was briefed on the charity's Rise Up project, which received support through the Small Grant Scheme. The project is among a range of community-based initiatives aligned to the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy.
The Minister said: "Voluntary and community organisations play a vital role in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse and in helping us to address the devastating impact that abuse can have on individuals, families and communities.
"Over the past two years, the Small Grant Scheme has supported 26 projects, with more than £550,000 invested in initiatives which contribute directly to the objectives of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. That represents a significant investment in the voluntary and community sector and, importantly, enables organisations with specialist knowledge and strong links within their communities to develop projects which respond to identified needs.
"The visit has given me the opportunity to see how that investment translates into work on the ground through Nexus' Rise Up project. I want to acknowledge the commitment of Nexus and all of the organisations which have delivered projects through the scheme."
Joanne Barnes, Chief Executive of Nexus, said: "We were delighted to discuss with the Minister how the Small Grants Scheme has enabled the community and voluntary sector to trial new and innovative approaches to working with people impacted by abuse and abusive relationships.
"The Rise Up Project delivered specialist therapeutic support to children and young people affected by sexual abuse. Safe, trauma-informed support was provided to help them build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and begin recovery."
In conclusion, the Minister said: "Domestic and sexual abuse cannot be addressed by government alone. Working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector has ensured that resources have been directed towards projects which have made a meaningful difference to victims, families and communities."
The Small Grant Scheme was launched in 2024 by the Ministers of Justice and Health to support the essential work of community and voluntary organisations assisting victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
Latest Northern Ireland News
07 October 2026
Court of Appeal Clears Way for Phase One of A5 Road Project
The Court of Appeal in Belfast has set aside a High Court judgment that had previously blocked the first phase of the proposed A5 Western Transport Corridor dual carriageway from moving forward. Delivering its judgment on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal brought by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
Court of Appeal Clears Way for Phase One of A5 Road Project
The Court of Appeal in Belfast has set aside a High Court judgment that had previously blocked the first phase of the proposed A5 Western Transport Corridor dual carriageway from moving forward. Delivering its judgment on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal brought by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
07 October 2026
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder After Coleraine Stabbing
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a reported stabbing in Coleraine on Tuesday 6 October. Police received a report at around 1.20pm that a man in his 30s had been injured during an altercation on Railway Road. He was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder After Coleraine Stabbing
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a reported stabbing in Coleraine on Tuesday 6 October. Police received a report at around 1.20pm that a man in his 30s had been injured during an altercation on Railway Road. He was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
07 October 2026
Commissioner Hails Extra £750,000 For Victims And Survivors Groups
The Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, has welcomed the decision to provide an additional £750,000 to groups supporting victims and survivors, noting that demand for help remains high and needs are continuing to change.
Commissioner Hails Extra £750,000 For Victims And Survivors Groups
The Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, has welcomed the decision to provide an additional £750,000 to groups supporting victims and survivors, noting that demand for help remains high and needs are continuing to change.
07 October 2026
Tennyson Warns Delays Put NI City Deals At Serious Risk
Delays and a lack of proper oversight are jeopardising the transformative aims of Northern Ireland's City Deals, Alliance Deputy Leader Eoin Tennyson MLA has warned.
Tennyson Warns Delays Put NI City Deals At Serious Risk
Delays and a lack of proper oversight are jeopardising the transformative aims of Northern Ireland's City Deals, Alliance Deputy Leader Eoin Tennyson MLA has warned.
07 October 2026
Kimmins Welcomes A5 Court Of Appeal Judgment
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has hailed the Court of Appeal judgment on the A5 Western Transport Corridor as a landmark for a long-awaited road safety project, promising swift next steps while urging against further legal delays and pledging engagement with affected landowners.
Kimmins Welcomes A5 Court Of Appeal Judgment
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has hailed the Court of Appeal judgment on the A5 Western Transport Corridor as a landmark for a long-awaited road safety project, promising swift next steps while urging against further legal delays and pledging engagement with affected landowners.
07 October 2026
Public Entitled To Answers As Education Permanent Secretary Skips Committee - Guy
Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA said the public are owed answers from the Education Minister and his department after Education Committee members were informed the Department's most senior official would not be present at tomorrow's meeting.
Public Entitled To Answers As Education Permanent Secretary Skips Committee - Guy
Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA said the public are owed answers from the Education Minister and his department after Education Committee members were informed the Department's most senior official would not be present at tomorrow's meeting.
07 October 2026
UUP Criticise Alliance Walk Out
UUP deputy leader Diana Armstrong has condemned the Alliance Party after its MLAs, including the Agriculture Minister, left the Assembly Chamber during a no-confidence debate.
UUP Criticise Alliance Walk Out
UUP deputy leader Diana Armstrong has condemned the Alliance Party after its MLAs, including the Agriculture Minister, left the Assembly Chamber during a no-confidence debate.
07 October 2026
Long Hails Vital Role Of Community Groups In Aiding Abuse Survivors
Justice Minister Naomi Long has underlined the crucial contribution of voluntary and community organisations in helping victims and tackling domestic and sexual abuse. During a visit to Nexus, the Minister was briefed on the charity's Rise Up project, which received support through the Small Grant Scheme.
Long Hails Vital Role Of Community Groups In Aiding Abuse Survivors
Justice Minister Naomi Long has underlined the crucial contribution of voluntary and community organisations in helping victims and tackling domestic and sexual abuse. During a visit to Nexus, the Minister was briefed on the charity's Rise Up project, which received support through the Small Grant Scheme.
07 October 2026
County Armagh Men Jailed Over EncroChat Offences
Two men from County Armagh have been jailed at Craigavon Crown Court for multiple drug-related offences linked to the criminal use of EncroChat.
County Armagh Men Jailed Over EncroChat Offences
Two men from County Armagh have been jailed at Craigavon Crown Court for multiple drug-related offences linked to the criminal use of EncroChat.
07 October 2026
Police Appeal After Shots Fired At Two Homes In Coleraine
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following two separate shootings in Coleraine in the early hours of Monday, 5 October. Detective Inspector Hanbidge said: "We received a report at around 12.10am that a number of shots had been fired at a house in the Lisnablagh Road area of the town.
Police Appeal After Shots Fired At Two Homes In Coleraine
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following two separate shootings in Coleraine in the early hours of Monday, 5 October. Detective Inspector Hanbidge said: "We received a report at around 12.10am that a number of shots had been fired at a house in the Lisnablagh Road area of the town.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry, rather chilly start across the south and east with some long sunny spells. However, showers across the north and west develop more widely this morning and become occasionally heavy this afternoon. Freshening northwesterly breeze. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Showers becoming confined to coasts this evening before dying out overnight. Long clear spells developing and, with winds falling light, a touch of frost is possible in well sheltered spots. Minimum temperature 2 °C.