Participatory Budgeting in Belfast gives residents a direct say in the decisions that affect them. It helps generate new ideas, strengthen community spirit and direct funding to where residents think it will make a difference.

With Participatory Budgeting, residents decide which projects get funded – it’s ‘your voice, your choice’.

The next participatory budgeting project in Belfast supports the Take 5 steps to wellbeing.

What is ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’?

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps we should all take to help improve our mental health and wellbeing. These are:

Connect
Keep learning
Be active
Take notice
Give

Together and even individually, they encourage us to think about our daily routines and embrace the 5 activities to support better health and wellbeing.

Even if these are behaviours you already follow, the Take 5 steps to wellbeing is about increasing the time we spend doing them. Find out more at Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing(External link)

How to get involved?

We want to encourage local groups to apply for a share of funding to deliver projects that they think will improve emotional health and wellbeing within the community.

If you, your family, friends, neighbours, school or organised group have got an idea that helps bring the Take 5 steps to wellbeing to life, submit a short application.

If people in your area agree that it’s a good idea, then you'll get funded.

Groups can apply for funding up to £2500, and if successful you will have around six months to deliver your project, from April – October 2025.

We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get involved so here are some key reminders:

You don't have to be a large organisation or community group.
You don’t need to have previous experience or have done anything like this before to make an application.
The application form is simple and straightforward. You will just need to prepare a short summary of your project idea so people can learn more about your project before casting their vote.
Groups will be invited to present their project in a local venue and showcase their idea to the community and ask for their support.

How do we help?

We'll check that the project can be delivered safely, feasibly and legally within budget and the stated timeframe.

However, it will be up to the community to decide which projects are funded. As a condition of your funding, you will be required to show what you did with the money at a showcase celebration event in November 2025. But don't worry, we'll be there to help throughout this process.

Getting started

If you have an idea or want to learn more, please click on the information links provided (you'll find these on the right-hand side of this page or by scrolling to bottom of the page).

How to apply?

Applications open at 9.00am on Monday 25 November 2024 and close at 4.00pm on Friday 10 January 2025. Applications can be submitted in one of three ways:

Online: Using the link below to submit an online form. This would be the preferred option.
Email: Download a form using the link below. Once completed, email to mlbt@bhdu.org(External link)
Post: Use the download option to print a copy of the application form. Hard copies can be posted or hand-delivered to:

Belfast Health Development Unit

Cecil Ward Building, 3rd Floor

4-10 Linenhall Street

Belfast BT2 8BP

Closing date

The closing date is 4.00pm on Friday 10 January 2025. Unfortunately applications received after that time cannot be considered. Please be aware that the online application form will become unavailable after this deadline.

To apply online, please visit Take 5 steps to wellbeing - your voice, your choice | Your say Belfast