Sense Northern Ireland has been awarded a significant grant of £479,305 from The National Lottery Community Fund to deliver vital support to children with complex needs and their families throughout Northern Ireland.

The four-year project will provide tailored support designed to build confidence in families and deepen their understanding of their child’s needs. It will feature a range of engaging and inclusive activities, including ‘stay and play’ sessions, family ‘fun days’, and one-to-one support for children and their caregivers.

These services aim to reduce isolation, strengthen family bonds, and build meaningful peer support networks among families navigating similar challenges.

The funding is part of a wider announcement by The National Lottery Community Fund, which is awarding 186 grants totalling £6.2 million to projects across Northern Ireland that are dedicated to strengthening communities and improving lives.

Martin Walls, Head of Operations at Sense Northern Ireland, said:

“This funding will make a transformative difference for families of children with complex needs.

“Many families tell us they feel isolated and unsure of how best to support their child. Through this project, we will bring families together to share experiences, build confidence, and create a strong foundation of support and understanding.

“We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and to all those who play the National Lottery for making this possible.”

Sense, which has operated in Northern Ireland for nearly 40 years, is set to open a new community space in September, offering specialist services for people with complex needs and their families.

Sense Hub Belfast on Annadale Avenue will offer a range of commissioned and charitably funded services to support disabled people. This will include an adult day centre, arts and sports activities and play sessions.

There are approximately 52,000 people with complex needs living in Northern Ireland, with one in five based in Belfast. Sense Hub Belfast will support over a thousand people by 2026.

For more information visit Sense.org.uk

About Sense:

Sense is a national disability charity that supports disabled people with complex needs, including those who are deafblind, to communicate and experience the world. Now in its 70th year, Sense supports children, young people and adults in their home and in the community, in their education and transition to adulthood and through its holidays, arts, sports and wellbeing programmes. In addition to practical support to families, Sense also offers information advice, short breaks and family events, and campaigns for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. For more information please visit www.sense.org.uk

For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact the Sense media team on mediaenquiries@sense.org.uk or call 0203 833 0611

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