It’s Good News Friday and this week we’re shining a spotlight on Chamber members, ARC Fitness who have secured transformative funding to support their expansion!

ARC Fitness is a non-profit organisation which takes a unique approach to addressing substance use, enabling individuals and their supporters to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

The North West-based group harnesses a combination of physical activity, professional support, education and community approaches.

Securing new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Dormant Accounts, ARC will be able to continue in this very important work as well as scale-up!

£93,000 has been secured over the next 2 years to support ARC to recruit a dedicated Business Development Manager and boost staff and online development!

Kate Beggs, The National Lottery Community Fund’s Northern Ireland Director, said: “We are pleased to award a grant of £93,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund NI to ARC Fitness, to develop the organisation and build their profile as a leader in addiction recovery support, so they can improve their financial sustainability.

“Money from Dormant Accounts is helping to secure the future of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Northern Ireland. It is building their capacity, resilience and sustainability, so that they can continue to deliver vital services to local communities.”

Finally, in more good news, it was fantastic to see Enterprise North West taking home the Social Enterprise of the Year Highly Commended Award in Friday’s Social Enterprise NI Awards.

In front of 600 social entrepreneurs, Enterprise North West won the award in recognition of the hard work they do to help local businesses and social enterprises across the North West region.

A big well done to both ARC and Enterprise North West!