Community Effort Propels Sólás Towards New Facility

The founder of a Belfast-based charity supporting children with additional needs has stated that community effort, or “people power,” has significantly advanced their aspiration for a new facility. Sólás is anticipated to commence construction in 2025, following the resolution of a funding deficit through contributions from the local community and a recent financial boost from Westminster. Additionally, the charity secured a £500,000 donation from a prosperous businessman, who became aware of its financial challenges via BBC NI’s Sunday Politics programme. These fundraising efforts, combined with an £800,000 grant revealed by the government on Monday, indicate that Sólás is now progressing substantially towards constructing its new £2.5 million facility. A year prior, Sólás was informed that £800,000 in dedicated funding from Belfast City Council for its new building had been decreased to £308,000. This reduction in funds led the charity to doubt the feasibility of the project. Individuals who utilize the charity’s services express that they would be significantly disadvantaged without its support. Emily Gallagher, whose 16-year-old son Oisín, who is autistic and non-verbal, has been a participant at Sólás since the age of four, stated that families depend on the organization. Emily commented that without Sólás, her family “would be very much on our own, it would be school and then isolation.” She further explained, “We don’t go to the park the same as other typical parents with their typical kids and so these charities are so important.” She concluded, “There is nowhere else for us to go.” Operating from mobile structures on the Ormeau Road in south Belfast, Sólás delivers services to as many as 300 children. The organization conducts early learning classes, after-school groups, and youth clubs for families. Throughout the city, the charity extends its care to approximately 1,500 children and young adults. Sólás views itself as a charity deeply embedded within the community, and its founder and managing director, Joan Henderson, attributes the progress towards acquiring its essential new premises to the residents of south Belfast. Ms. Henderson characterized the community’s engagement as exceptional. She remarked, “I don’t think, even in our wildest dreams we expected to have made so much progress in such a short period of time.” Contributions were received from various fundraising activities, such as tea mornings, sponsored hikes, and exhibitions, which were arranged by local football clubs, GAA clubs, and businesses. Additionally, several bequests were made to the charity. Ms. Henderson stated that the forthcoming state-of-the-art facility, situated on the existing Ormeau Road site, will offer a secure and inclusive environment within the community for children and young individuals with disabilities. This structure is intended to supersede the temporary mobile cabins currently utilized by the charity. She affirmed that the funds accumulated, coupled with the government’s financial support, enable the project to proceed “full steam ahead.” She also conveyed the team’s “delighted” reaction to the funding approval. She further commented, “We are over the moon and are indebted to the local community – the support is very heartening.” The additional £800,000 in UK government funding originated from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The government indicated that this funding is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening local communities. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated, “We are delivering on our plan for change by saving these vital community assets to provide important opportunities for working people and their families.” She added, “These projects represent what is so special about communities across the UK – bringing people of all ages together, providing vital support and giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.” This initiative is among 10 projects in Northern Ireland that have received funding. The remaining projects include: