Civic Dollars partners with DHC (NI) to win Innovate UK project
Mayor Ruairí McHugh launches the Civic Dollars prediabetes progamme alongside programme Manager Sabrina Moore, DHC Chief Executive Edel O'Doherty and Civic Dollars Founder Stephen McPeake
Derry & Strabane , Northern Ireland, 1st September 2025
People with prediabetes can now earn Civic Dollars for getting outside as innovative ‘community currency’ launches in Derry City and Strabane Council area
About the Project
Civic Dollars, a mobile app that rewards people for spending time in parks and public spaces, is now live in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area after Developing Healthy Communities secured £247k from Innovate UK using the Contracts for Innovation mechanism for a programme that supports pre-diabetic individuals to improve their health and wellbeing through small, achievable steps.
Anyone living with prediabetes who meets the programme criteria can start earning rewards by downloading the Civic Dollars app (available on android and iPhone) and joining the ‘DHCNI – pre-diabetic programme’ group.
Users earn Civic Dollars for every 30 minutes spent in designated earn zones, which can then be exchanged for rewards from local businesses or donated to local charities.
Boosting Health and Econony
Launching the initiative, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Ruairi McHugh says: “This innovative programme gives our residents an exciting new way to improve their health and wellbeing, while also boosting local businesses and community groups. By rewarding people for spending time in our parks and green spaces, Civic Dollars will help us create a healthier, more connected and environmentally aware community.”
DHC Chief Executive Edel O’Doherty adds: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Civic Dollars and to have received Innovate UK funding to bring this exciting initiative to Derry and Strabane. Civic Dollars is a fun, motivating way for people—particularly those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes to take control of their health and wellbeing.”
Stephen McPeake, CEO & Founder of Civic Dollars, said:
"We’re proud to launch this new programme in Derry and Strabane, working alongside Developing Healthy Communities and Innovate UK, to help people living with prediabetes take positive steps for their health and wellbeing. Civic Dollars is about making it easier, and more rewarding, to spend time in green spaces, connect with community, and build healthier habits. This project builds on the success we’ve seen in Ireland, Denmark and the USA, showing how our community currency can be adapted to local needs while delivering measurable impact on public health, wellbeing, and local economies. We’re excited to see the difference it will make here in the North West.”
Stephen McPeake CEO - Civic Dollars - stephen@civicdollars.com https://civicdollars.com
Sabrina Moore - Programme Manager - sabrina@dhcni.com https://www.dhcni.com/projects/civic-dollars