Petition for Sustained Core Funding

The Uplift Project
Donegal

In the heart of Donegal, there is a programme that stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for women striving to rebuild their lives following domestic and sexual violence, mental health challenges, addiction recovery, and profound social isolation.

As individuals who have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of this work, we know the urgent need to ensure its continuity and long-term sustainability.

Statistics show that one in four women in Ireland will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and many will not seek help due to lack of accessible services or fear of stigma. Across Donegal, women are also facing:

• Social isolation and chronic loneliness
• Depression and anxiety
• Addiction-related challenges
• Barriers to education, employment, and community participation

These issues are deeply interconnected and affect not only individual women, but families, children, and entire communities.

 
A Model That Works
The Uplift Project delivers a unique, community-based approach combining:

• Physical activity
• Creative arts and wellbeing programmes
• Employment and leadership skills development
• Personal growth opportunities
• Emotional and peer support
• 1:1 and group-based supports

Through tailored, team-focused participation, women rebuild confidence, restore self-worth, strengthen peer networks, and develop vital life skills.

For many participants, it has represented not just a path to recovery — but a lifeline to a better future.

Since its early beginnings, over 100 women have accessed this programme, reporting measurable improvements in wellbeing, reduced isolation, renewed hope, and stronger community connection.

This work is preventative, restorative, and transformative.

 
A Devastating Gap

Shockingly, despite its undeniable success and urgent necessity, funding has remained fragile.

The loss of structured supports in the past has had a devastating impact on women who relied on them. Without safe, consistent, women-centred spaces, many experienced renewed isolation, setbacks in recovery journeys, and increased vulnerability.

Until now, the programme has survived through scattered, short-term funding secured collaboratively across various agencies. While this demonstrated strong goodwill, it also created operational instability and significant challenges.

Without secure core funding, the risk of service reduction — or even termination — is very real.

The need is not theoretical. It is urgent and immediate.

 
A Stronger Future

In 2026, The Uplift Project was formally established as an independent entity to stabilise this work and expand its reach across the entire county of Donegal.

Core funding would enable the organisation to:

• Maintain trained staff and specialist supports
• Ensure long-term programme continuity
• Respond flexibly to emerging community needs
• Build sustainable partnerships across sectors
• Deliver measurable, lasting impact

Investing in this programme is investing in the safety, resilience, and leadership potential of women and families in Donegal.

• Investing in women strengthens families.
• Strengthening families strengthens communities.
• Strengthening communities strengthens Donegal.

Our Call to Action

We, the undersigned, call on local councils, government officials, policymakers, funders, and concerned citizens to:

• Allocate dedicated core funding to The Uplift Project
• Recognise women-centred community support as essential social infrastructure
• Protect and expand these life-changing services
• Join us in protecting this invaluable resource.

Your voice matters.
Your signature matters.
Your support can make the difference between instability and sustainability.

Please sign and share this petition to ensure The Uplift Project can continue this life-changing work across Donegal and beyond.