Coalisland Credit Union School Wellbeing Fund

Community 6 min read

04 Mar 2026

Born from direct conversations with local schools, the Coalisland Credit Union School Wellbeing Fund reflects their commitment to listening first and responding to what our community genuinely needs, not only financially, but emotionally and socially.
 

It became clear to Coalisland Credit Union from visits to schools through the art competition, quiz and money awareness, that beneath the surface, despite their best-efforts schools were struggling to support the mental and physical wellbeing of their pupils. Through conversations with school staff we identified rising anxiety, stretched resources and limited access to wellbeing supports as common challenges. They also learned how relatively small, practical interventions could make a meaningful difference.
 

In response, the credit union moved beyond one-off donations and established a dedicated School Wellbeing Fund, co-developed with schools to ensure the support delivered was relevant, targeted and sustainable.
 

Through the fund, one school brought in external specialists to help pupils develop coping strategies for anxiety. Another used the funding to train staff working with children experiencing emotional and behavioural challenges, equipping them with tools that were also shared with parents. In some schools, even basic play equipment such as skipping ropes and footballs had been out of reach. During a follow-up visit, hearing laughter echo across the playground as children enjoyed the items we helped provide, reaffirmed that the fund was not only the right decision, but one of the most impactful.
 

Coalisland Credit Union also supported the largest primary school in their area, with over 600 pupils, contributing to its “Winter Toast for All” initiative. This initiative ensures that no child starts the school day hungry during the winter months. In a community that includes areas of social deprivation, this simple yet dignified intervention has a profound effect on pupils’ health, focus and overall wellbeing. It is a clear example of how we do more than respond to need, we invest in wellbeing in ways that are practical, compassionate and locally grounded.

 

To date, the School Wellbeing Fund has supported eight schools, reaching over 2,000 children. The fund will continue to run for the foreseeable. Supporting wellbeing at this early stage helps build a stronger and more resilient community for the future. One school principal described the support from the fund as “transformational”, another principal stated “Together, we can continue to provide enriching opportunities for our children to thrive and grow.”