Michelle ThompsonThe founder of a Belfast charity supporting children with additional needs credits “people power” for bringing their vision of new premises closer to reality.
Sólás plans to begin construction in 2025, aided by community efforts and a recent funding boost from Westminster that bridged a financial gap.
A £500,000 donation from a businessman, inspired by the charity’s story on BBC NI’s Sunday Politics, further strengthened their position.
Combined with an £800,000 government grant announced Monday, these contributions have placed Sólás on track to fund its £2.5 million building project.
Emily Gallagher’s 16-year-old son, OisÃn, has been a part of Sólás since the age of four.
A year ago, Sólás faced a setback when its allocated £800,000 funding from Belfast City Council for a new facility was reduced to £308,000, casting doubt on the project’s future.
Families who rely on Sólás emphasize its irreplaceable role in their lives. Emily Gallagher, whose 16-year-old autistic and non-verbal son OisÃn has attended Sólás since he was four, highlighted their dependence on the charity.
“Without Sólás, we’d be on our own—just school and then isolation,” Emily shared. “We can’t access parks like typical families, so charities like this are vital. There’s nowhere else for us to go.”
Operating from mobile units on Ormeau Road in south Belfast, Sólás supports up to 300 children with early learning, after-school programs, and youth clubs. Citywide, its services extend to 1,500 children and young adults.
Joan Henderson states that the new building will offer a safe and inclusive space for the community.
Sólás takes pride in being a community-driven charity, and founder and managing director Joan Henderson credits the people of south Belfast for propelling it closer to securing its much-needed new home.
Describing the community response as “phenomenal,” Ms. Henderson shared, “We never imagined we would achieve such significant progress in such a short time.”
Support poured in through various fundraising efforts, including tea mornings, sponsored hikes, exhibitions, and events organized by local football and GAA clubs, as well as businesses. Several generous bequests also contributed to the cause.
The new state-of-the-art facility, set to replace the temporary mobile cabins on Ormeau Road, will provide a safe and inclusive space for children and young people with disabilities.
With funds raised and a boost from the government, Ms. Henderson announced the project is moving “full steam ahead,” expressing her team’s delight over the funding approval.
“We are over the moon and deeply grateful to the local community. Their support is incredibly heartening,” she said.
Crucial opportunities
The additional £800,000 in UK government funding comes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government as part of a broader initiative to strengthen local communities.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized, “We are fulfilling our plan for change by preserving these essential community assets, offering vital opportunities for working people and their families.”
She continued, “These projects highlight the unique qualities of communities across the UK, bringing people together, providing crucial support, and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.”
This funding is part of a wider effort, with 10 projects in Northern Ireland receiving support, including:
- Accidental Theatre, £566,000
- Canal Boxing Academy Sports Hub Ltd, £282,445
- Friends of Loughmacrory, £250,000
- Market Development Belfast Ltd, £300,000
- Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, £539,587
- Rathfriland ABC Community Hub, £94,400
- R-Space Gallery, £240,000
- Silverbridge Harps Community Resource Centre Ltd, £300,000
- Upper Springfield Development Trust Ltd, £277,715
Emily Martinez
