Asda Foundation Helps Transform Local Community Space in Kilkeel with £10,800 grant
Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association Ltd received £10,800 from the Asda Foundation’s Local Community Spaces Fund to enhance its facilities and support local people.
The Asda Foundation has announced over £1 million of funding for 73 community projects across the UK through its Local Community Spaces Fund, with Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association Limited (KPBAL) among the successful organisations receiving support.
The group has been awarded £10,800 to support a range of essential repairs including repairs to a leak and damp-affected areas, replacement flooring, redecoration throughout the centre and the installation of a baby changing station.
The funding forms part of the Asda Foundation’s final year of investment through its five-year commitment to improving community spaces across the UK. Since 2022, the Foundation has invested more than £5 million in projects that help local organisations create, improve and maintain vital community facilities.
Community spaces continue to play a vital role in bringing people together. Research from the Asda Foundation’s Community Insight Tracker found that 79% of funded groups believe community spaces help reduce isolation, while 77% said they help build social connections and 76% said they provide safe spaces for people of all ages.
Karl Doyle, Chair of the Asda Foundation, said: “Strong communities need safe and strong spaces.
“Whether it’s somewhere people can access advice, take part in activities, develop new skills or simply spend time with others, community venues play a vital role in everyday life.
“We’re delighted to support 73 organisations this year through the Local Community Spaces Fund.
“These projects will help improve accessibility, protect important local facilities and create welcoming environments where people can come together, feel connected and access the support they need.”
Senior Youth Worker with KPBAL Megan McIlveen, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the Asda Foundation.
“The grant will enable us to restore key activity spaces, enhance accessibility for families and create a brighter, more welcoming environment for the many young people, volunteers and community groups who use the facility.
“This investment will make a real difference to everyone who uses our centre, and help us continue supporting our local community for years to come.”
Lisa Cunningham, Community and Customer Champion at Asda Kilkeel, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see KPBAL receive this funding through the Asda Foundation’s Local Community Spaces Fund.
“The organisation does fantastic work in our community and this investment will help ensure even more local people can benefit from their services and facilities.”
This grant was one of four awarded to community groups in Northern Ireland, along with Belfast projects Manor Street Cliftonville Community Group and Saints Youth Centre, as well as Laurencetown, Lenaderg & Tullylish Community Association.
The funding was awarded following a competitive application process, with 73 projects selected from 749 applications submitted by organisations across the UK.
For more information about the Asda Foundation, visit:
NI Groups receiving Asda Foundation Local Community Spaces Fund grants:
• Group receiving funding: Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association Limited
• Grant awarded: £10,800
• Project location: Kilkeel, Co Down
• Project summary: Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association Limited provides a wide range of opportunities for children and young people, including youth activities, mental health support, social programmes and volunteer development. The centre is a valued community resource that helps young people develop skills, confidence and positive relationships.
• Group receiving funding: Saints Youth Centre
• Grant awarded: £20,000
• Project location: Belfast
• Project summary: Saints Youth Centre provides a safe and welcoming space for children and young people to learn, develop skills and build positive relationships. The centre delivers youth programmes, community activities and support services, while also providing space for local schools, sports clubs and community groups.
• Group receiving funding: Manor Street Cliftonville Community Group
• Grant awarded: £19,800
• Project location: Belfast
• Project summary: Cliftonville Community Centre is a busy and welcoming community hub providing programmes, activities and support for people of all ages. The centre hosts a wide range of groups and services, including youth projects, family programmes, disability support services, women’s groups, community events and activities that encourage connection and wellbeing.
• Group receiving funding: Laurencetown, Lenaderg & Tullylish Community Association (Laurencetown Community Centre)
• Grant awarded: £20,000
• Project location: Laurencetown, Co Down
• Project summary: Laurencetown Community Centre has been at the heart of the local community for more than 27 years, providing a welcoming space for people of all ages to meet, learn and socialise. The centre hosts over 20 groups each week, including youth activities, senior citizens’ programmes, cookery classes, arts groups, fitness sessions and community events.
