Slieve Kirk

With the support of SSE Renewables through the Slieve Kirk Community Fund, community-led social enterprise Repair & Share is helping tackle climate change by remanufacturing leftover paint that would otherwise be sent to landfill.

Each year, large volumes of unused paint is discarded, causing environmental harm and wasting valuable resources. Repair & Share identified an opportunity to expand their circular economy efforts by salvaging this paint and giving it a second life.

The funding enabled them to invest in specialist tools and equipment needed to process and remanufacture donated paint safely. To ensure high quality, the project lead also received formal training in paint remanufacturing at the Rediscovery Centre – an Irish centres of excellence for circular economy.

The finished paint is made available to not-for-profit groups, offering a sustainable, low-cost alternative to buying new, and supports local projects in a more environmentally responsible way.

This project directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action and Northern Ireland’s Circular Economy Strategy, while also raising awareness among local residents and businesses about the value of rethinking waste as a resource.

"The SSE Community Fund has helped make this project possible, allowing us to buy essential equipment and train our staff to reduce waste, one tin of paint at a time, and promote the circular economy.”

Caroline McGuinness-Brooks, Repair & Share

Thanks to continuing funding from SSE Renewables Slieve Kirk Community Fund, Bovalley Community Association is delivering transformative support for children in Limavady through the KAST project (Kids Are Stronger Together), a unique initiative that is far more than childcare.

Designed for children aged 5 to 13, the KAST project provides interactive workshops, arts and crafts, and educational trips that build personal and social development skills in a fun, nurturing environment. With each activity, children learn to express themselves, build friendships, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

In Bovalley, an area identified as high risk, with limited access to traditional funding streams, the KAST project is making an outstanding impact. This year, the Association was honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service, recognising their commitment to enriching the Limavady area through inclusive community volunteering and a growing team of trained volunteers.

For many young people, this project offers a consistent, positive space where they can grow emotionally, socially, and creatively. It's also a vital mental wellbeing resource, particularly for those who benefit from learning beyond traditional classroom settings. KAST also promotes environmental awareness and climate action, helping children connect with and care for the world around them.

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education, KAST nurtures young people into confident, connected contributors to their community.

“It's more than learning, it's about creating a sense of belonging. KAST gives our young people the confidence, support, and skills they need to grow into themselves and their future. We incredibly proud to have received the King's Award, and deeply value the recognition from the Lord‑Lieutenant, who highlighted the vital role SSE Community Funding has played in our journey.”

Janice McClay, Project Coordinator, Bovalley Community Association

Bringing people together has always been at the heart of St Columba’s Church in Long Tower. With the support of SSE Renewables through the Slieve Kirk Community Fund, the Church’s heritage centre has created a medieval-inspired herb and ink garden – a living link between the past and present that celebrates heritage, sustainability, and community connection.

Volunteers and local community members joined forces to construct raised garden beds using natural material like willow and wooden stakes. These beds now grow a variety of herbs and flowers once used by monks to produce the natural pigment found in medieval manuscripts.

More than just a garden, this cultural tourism project brings our 6th century heritage to life. Through a series of hands-on workshops, participants have learned how to harvest herbs and flowers to create natural inks, rediscovering ancient techniques while forging  new connections.

The garden also serves as a peaceful sanctuary for visitors to the coffee shop and as a welcoming, intergenerational space for the local community. Older residents in particular have found renewed joy and purpose in tending the beds, sharing stories and knowledge about the traditional methods of ink-making, the significance of the herbs, and the medieval art of manuscript making. 

"Thanks to the support from the SSE Renewables community fund, the addition of the beautiful herb and ink area to our medieval inspired garden allows us to share history, nature and creativity. Bringing members of our local community together for a shared purpose.”

Darinagh Boyle, St Columba’s church, Long Tower