Credit Union Support Saves Don’t Box Me In Service

Community 3 min read

12 Mar 2026

In late 2024, early 2025, Keady Credit Union in Co. Armagh, along with other local businesses was involved in securing the future for local organisation ‘Don’t Box Me In’ (DBMI) which provides young service users with access to the arts as a means of social interaction and therapy. The sizeable donation from Keady Credit Union was in response to an appeal by DBMI Chairperson Rosemary Murray for support as the ‘lifeline service’ for those aged eight to 25 faced closing its doors due to lack of funding.

Don’t Box Me In (DBMI) has been providing young service users with access to the arts as a means of social interaction and therapy since 2017.

They describe themselves as “more than just a youth group”, offering a place of sanctuary to young people aged eight to 25 who struggle to engage in mainstream activities due to challenges including disability, cultural differences, experiences within the care system, or involvement in antisocial behaviour.

In November 2024 Chairperson Rosemary Murray issued an emotional appeal for support as the “lifeline service” prepared to close their doors in the midst of a “severe funding crisis.”

Several of the group’s young participants spoke alongside Rosemary at the time of the appeal, expressing their love for the organisation and the many ways it has helped shape their lives. However, Rosemary is now delighted to announce that “the community came out and supported us” and together they have raised just under £10,000 to help safeguard the group’s future.

The group’s own commitment to self-funding initiatives has been a huge factor in the total raised. And, a “very generous” donation from Keady Credit Union and other local businesses helped push the total beyond anything they had imagined.

Rosemary said these funds will now enable DBMI to “continue to run for the foreseeable future”.