Funding secured for 1st Whitehead Scouts

1st Whitehead Scout Group, founded in 1913 and proudly celebrating 113 years at the heart of the local community, is celebrating a significant milestone after being awarded funding through the Northern Ireland Infrastructure Community Fund.

The successful application marks a major step forward for the Group, whose Scout Hall has served generations of young people but is now in poor repair and urgently in need of major works. The funding will allow essential improvements to be carried out, including a new roof, external cladding, fascia, soffits and guttering, much of which was damaged or lost during recent storms. The project will also provide two new external doors, helping to future‑proof the building and improve safety and accessibility.

This investment represents far more than bricks and mortar. Thanks to fantastic support from the local community and local businesses, the Group successfully raised the required match funding through recent fundraising efforts. That community backing demonstrates just how valued the Scout Group and its hall are within the area.

The impact of the project will be immense. A warm, weather‑tight and welcoming hall will allow 1st Whitehead to expand its provision, welcome more young people, and continue delivering high‑quality Scouting for years to come! Beyond Scouting, the improved hall will strengthen its role as a shared community space, supporting local activities, groups and events.

Speaking on the success, the Group expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the journey so far – from volunteers and families to donors, businesses and funders – all of whom have played a role in ensuring that a Scout Group with over a century of history can look confidently to the future.

After 113 years of service, 1st Whitehead is not just preserving its past, but investing in the next generation and the wider community it proudly serves.

Story submitted by Andrea McClean.