Photo Vicky Comerford
Funding will support a therapeutic nature-based programme that will benefit more than 100 young people across the county
Total investment nationwide through the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund to date now exceeds €529,000, directly benefiting almost 39,000 young people since 2020
Kilkenny, 7th October 2026 – Vhi and the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) today announced the recipients of the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund, with grants totalling €85,000 awarded to nine youth organisations and community groups across Ireland. Based in Kilkenny, Aiséirí is among this year’s recipients and will use the funding to deliver programmes designed to help young people build resilience, manage anxiety and access vital supports within their communities.
The funding will support Aiséirí’s “Ride the Wind”, an early intervention therapeutic programme for young people aged 15–21 years. The programme combines equine-assisted learning, group sailing and wellbeing workshops, providing a safe environment for participants to build self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience and positive coping strategies.
The latest awards bring Vhi’s total investment through the Fund to €529,000 since its launch in 2020. Over the past six years, the Fund has supported 63 organisations and projects nationwide, positively impacting almost 39,000 young people through targeted programmes focused on early intervention, prevention, resilience-building and emotional wellbeing.
This year’s grant recipients span Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway, Limerick and Donegal, supporting young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those experiencing addiction, disability, housing insecurity, social disadvantage and anxiety, as well as young refugees and those seeking international protection.
Other organisations receiving funding include Mental Health Ireland (Galway, Kilkenny and Donegal), Southill Hub (Limerick), Galway Simon Community (Galway), Liquid Therapy (Donegal), The Crann Centre (Cork), Hygiene Hub (Dublin), Poppintree Youth Project (Dublin) and the Irish Refugee Council (Dublin).
The projects funded this year reflect the important role community organisations play in supporting young people across Ireland. Through trusted relationships, innovative programmes and accessible supports, these organisations are helping young people build confidence, strengthen wellbeing and develop the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Therese Bourke, Head of Insurance Shared Services at Vhi, said: “At Vhi, we believe investing in young people’s health and wellbeing is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to healthier communities. Through the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund, we continue to see the positive impact that community-led initiatives can have in helping young people build confidence, develop resilience and access support when they need it most. We are proud to continue our partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation and support nine outstanding organisations whose work will make a real difference to the lives of young people across the country.”
Živa Newman, Interim CEO, Irish Youth Foundation, said: “The organisations receiving funding this year demonstrate the creativity, commitment and compassion that exists across the youth and community sector. From outdoor and nature-based programmes to creative arts, wellbeing education and social inclusion initiatives, these projects are responding to the diverse needs of young people in meaningful and impactful ways. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Vhi and support programmes that are helping young people develop the confidence, skills and connections they need to thrive.”
For more information about the Vhi Health & Wellbeing Fund visit https://iyf.ie/grants/.
