Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has welcomed money for mental health services.
The additional £8.7m provided through the Community Foundation will go to 30 projects across the north.
The party’s spokesperson for mental health said:
“The support provided to community groups and organisations through the mental health support fund has the potential to make a real difference to lives and communities.
“The negative impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt and experienced by so many people. I am deeply concerned that many people are struggling to access mental health services and struggling with mental ill health when support is out there.
“I believe this additional funding will provide a welcome boost to many communities to provide much-needed counselling, peer support and trauma support services.
“Long-term investment is needed in supporting sustainable community services and statutory services, especially in expanding access to vital services.”