The celebration event for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s first Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme was held at Theatre at The Mill, on Wednesday 8 February. Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ along with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross presented each of the 19 participants with a certificate and £1000 bursary for successfully completing the programme.
This scheme started in September 2022 and was delivered every Wednesday night over a 12-week period, ending mid-December. The participants got involved in a wide range of activities, including: cookery, coding, archery, photography, animal welfare, drama, money management and environment and climate change. The scheme also covered areas of personal development including drugs and alcohol awareness, mental health and good relations.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said “I would like to congratulate all the participants for completing the scheme. Attendance at each session was excellent, highlighting the strong commitment from the group. I hope that the bursary will give the young people an opportunity to pursue a new hobby or interest and that they can use it to help with their school work or future career.”
Some of the bursaries awarded will be used to purchase equipment such as laptops, sports equipment and musical instruments. Other participants have chosen to use the funds to undertake training including coding, photography, swimming and music lessons.
Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Duke of Edinburgh Working Group, Councillor Leah Smyth also commented, “We are delighted with the response to the scheme and the participants have really enjoyed it. The aim of this programme was to help young people who had a career aspiration or hobby they were interested in but were facing either financial or social barriers. We created this bespoke programme to try and break those barriers down and help them reach their full potential. Congratulations to the participants who had to display commitment and dedication to their goals in order to receive this bursary.”
The Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme will relaunch in April. For more information contact kerry.brady@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme
The Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ meeting participants of the scheme
Mayor of Antrim, Alderman Stephen Ross and The Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ presenting the certificate for the scheme
Mayor of Antrim, Alderman Stephen Ross and The Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ presenting the certificate for the scheme
Mayor of Antrim, Alderman Stephen Ross and The Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ presenting the certificate for the scheme
The Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors
The 19 participants got presented with a certificate and their bursary from the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim and the Mayor
Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ meeting Eoin Rintoul who completed the Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme