Lisburn and Castlereagh’s Grand Choice PB launched
Grand Choice is a new participatory budgeting initiative which means that local people get to decide how public funds are used to address needs in Downshire East, Northern Ireland. Community Planning partners have pooled their resources to fund up to £15,000 worth community projects.
Local people with a valid email address within the Downshire East electoral area can apply for up to £1,000 for a project they think will benefit their area of Downshire East – and local residents who decide which projects should go ahead!
Projects should take place between November 2025 and April 2026 and must be within the Downshire East Electoral Area. This includes Hillhall, Drumbo, Ravarnet, Ballymacbrennan and Dromara. Ideas must be submitted by 21 September 2025. The shortlisted projects will exhibit their proposal at a Community Decision Event on Saturday 18 October 2025 in Drumlough Presbyterian Church, 5 Rafferty’s Hill, Drumlough, Hillsborough.
Each project must demonstrate how it relates to one or more of the Take 5 Ways To Wellbeing themes:
- Connect – with the people around you and keep in touch with each other
- Be Active – to help us feel good both physically and mentally
- Take Notice – to ensure the community is safe
- Keep Learning – new things that give us a sense of achievement, enjoyment and increased confidence
- Give – doing something that gives back to our community and help each other]
- Policing and Community Safety
Find out more about this programme on the Grand Choice 2025/26 website