Offered by Big Lottery Fund, the organisation responsible for distributing half the money raised by the United Kingdom National Lottery to "good causes", this programme aims to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland by funding preventative projects that promote well-being. Safe and Well will encourage communities to work together to tackle health and safety issues.

Through these grants, Big Lottery Fund seeks to achieve both of the following programme outcomes: community ownership of better and safer rural and urban rural environments; and improved physical and mental health for all people. Projects must also meet one or both of their underlying principles: addressing disadvantage and promoting tolerance and social inclusion; and contributing to the reduction of poverty.

In addition, projects must meet all of the seven priorities of the Safe and Well programme:

1. Build community capacity
2. Increase opportunity for volunteering and engagement with and between communities
3. Build community and voluntary and statutory partnerships
4. Improve community facilities, access and services
5. Increase community involvement in protecting, restoring and sustaining the urban and rural environment
6. Help individuals and communities to develop skills to make healthier lifestyle choices
7. Promote mental health and emotional well being at individual and community level

The Safe and Well programme will make grants to partnerships within the voluntary and community sector or between the statutory, voluntary and community sectors in Northern Ireland over a five-year period.

Click here for more information about the award and the application procedure.

Click here to download application guidance notes as a PDF document.

Click here to download the application form as a PDF document.