County Antrim-based housebuilder Hagan Homes, one of Northern Ireland's leading residential contractors, has committed £150,000 to support a volunteering programme delivered by Belfast charity Start360.

This investment is focused on supporting individuals with experience of the criminal justice system by helping them gain structure, purpose, and routes into work and education.

The funding will sustain and expand Start360's Volunteer Service, which offers tailored training, mentoring, and real-world work experience to participants. The programme aims to reduce reoffending and improve employability by providing practical support and structured pathways into more stable lives.

The new pledge follows a successful £75,000 pilot project previously backed by Hagan Homes. The company has now doubled its investment to ensure the continuation of the Volunteer Service, recognising the measurable outcomes achieved so far.

Jim Burke, Managing Director, Hagan Homes, discusses the partnership: "At Hagan Homes, we believe in building communities, not just homes. When we understood the real-life impact this service could have; people gaining confidence, breaking destructive cycles, and even securing employment, we knew we had to support it. This partnership aligns with our values of compassion, empowerment and lasting change."

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Start360 has supported vulnerable individuals across Northern Ireland for over 30 years. Its Volunteer Service plays a key role in the charity's wider work, helping over 20,000 people each year in areas including health, justice, and employability.

Participants in the programme receive safeguarding training, mentoring, qualifications, and work experience across both community and custodial settings.

The Volunteer Service has already yielded impressive results:

• 90% of volunteers said the service improved their employability;

• 100% felt fully supported throughout;

• 91% saw improvements in mental health and substance use;

• 81% reported the service was a key factor in not reoffending;

• 100% success rate at job interviews.

With a focus on purpose, routine, and responsibility, the service has helped over 50 individuals move forward in life. Of those, there is a 5% recidivism rate, and each volunteer who has gone on to gain employment or access further education has been successful at securing their primary goals. 

Hagan Homes' continued support is helping scale the reach of the programme, aligning with the company's long-term commitment to responsible development and community impact.

Danny McQuillan, Chief Executive, Start360, added: "Thanks to Hagan Homes, we’ve created something truly unique. Our volunteers - many of whom have lived through the same challenges as those we support - are making a real impact. This partnership is more than funding; it’s about belief in second chances."