Culleybackey Community Programme Receives £59,000 Boost from The Gallaher Trust
A major funding injection of £59,000 from the Gallaher Trust is set to significantly expand the impact of the Culleybackey Community Programme (CCP), a long-standing organisation dedicated to improving wellbeing, skills, and community connections in the village of Culleybackey.
The award announced in February 2026, will enable the partnership to “broaden its services and reach hundreds more residents over the next three year” says the director, Samantha Pedton.
CCP plays a vital role in tackling isolation, addressing skill gaps, and fostering a stronger community through a diverse range of programmes. These include educational workshops, wellbeing initiatives, events, and the popular Mens Shed, all which support residents of all ages and backgrounds
. Established in 2014, the organisation has also earned recognition for its dedication, receiving the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service in 2023.
The £59,000 funding package will be used to extend CCP’s Community Development Officer role and scale up activities across the area.
Over the coming three years, the organisation Samantha Pedton expects an 83% increase in annual programmes, rising from 12 to 22, with participant numbers expected to grow from 205 to 380—a rise of 85%.
The number of residents reporting measurable benefits from these programmes is also projected to increase by 83%, reflecting the deepening community impact.
The Gallaher Trust, which has committed more than £3.1 million to community-focused projects since its launch, continues to prioritise investment in wellbeing, employment, and skills development across Ballymena and surrounding districts. CCP’s latest funding marks a significant step in ensuring Cullybackey stays a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive place to live.
- Kayleigh-Rose McDonald
