Seven organisations were the latest recipients of a £4,000 grant from the Fermanagh Youth Leaders Forum.

FermanAware is a community initiative that aims to address pressing issues within the local community and the funds will go towards supporting projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of Fermanagh residents.

The ceremony was held at Fermanagh House.

The forum spearheaded the grant initiative with a team under the Fermanagh Trust's Investing in Community Leadership Programme during which, they identified key areas of community concern, planned the grant framework and allocated the funding to deserving projects.

Impartial Reporter: The young leaders identified key areas of community concern, planned the grant framework and

Mark Wallace, one of the young leaders in the team, said: "Being part of the Fermanagh Youth Leaders Forum and seeing the positive change we can make through the FermanAware grant award has been incredibly rewarding.

"We're thrilled to see these funding awards go to organisations dedicated to making our community cleaner, safer, and more inclusive."

The grants support diverse initiatives such as those tackling homelessness and water pollution.

The recipients include Erne Paddlers, Friends of Little Woods, Erne Scout County, Row the Erne, Action for Children - Sperrin & Lakeland Floating Support Service, Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, and Rossorry Grove Supported Accommodation.

Sonya Johnston, deputy director of Fermanagh Trust, said: "After a thorough process and much deliberation by the young people, we are delighted to award grants to projects who they believe will make the most meaningful difference under their chosen priorities.

"These talented young people will be our future leaders, it is important that we support them to fulfil their potential and help them contribute to improving the lives of others.

"Young people know the challenges facing themselves and their peers and that’s why, as a grant making charity ourselves, Fermanagh Trust are keen to equip them with the skills of grant making, engage with them and learn from them about their priorities and their vision for the future.”