KINSALE’S Sailing into Wellness is just one of many proven social innovation projects that will benefit from the Government’s €2.5m funding announcement.

The New Solutions Scaling Up Scheme provides funding to proven social innovation projects that are ready to grow and achieve greater impact.

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said the grants will fund important projects such as Kinsale’s Sailing into Wellness, which provides educational and therapeutic sailing programmes in Ireland to support and empower people in need.

‘I had the privilege recently of crewing the A.K. Ilen around Kinsale harbour with Sailing into Wellness as part of Water Heritage day. They do incredible work, teaching practical, hands-on sailing knowledge with a heave-ho sense of camaraderie,’ said Minister O’Sullivan.

‘I was struck by the passion of the team and the transformative effect this programme has on participants. Sailing into Wellness is a powerful example of how creativity and compassion can come together to make lasting change.’

Sailing into Wellness will use its €295,734.56 grant to establish permanent hubs in areas currently served by its mobile unit, as well as to strengthen its existing operations through initiatives such as a new Trainer pathway.

The charity currently operates in Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Kerry, Galway and Sligo.

The New Solutions Fund, co-funded by the European Social Fund + 2021–2027, supports initiatives that tackle poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage through innovative community approaches.