NWCN Ebulletin 11 November 2020

1 Rural Social Economy Investment Scheme

The Rural Social Economy Investment Scheme will provide grants between £25,000 and £50,000 to emerging and established rural social enterprises in Northern Ireland to enable them to increase their capacity, potential profitability and sustainability whilst supporting those who live in rural areas.


Scheme Information - Rural Social Economy Investment Scheme

 Pre-Application Workshops - a series of  webinars are scheduled to take place.  These webinars will provide information on applying to the scheme including an opportunity to review the application form and understand the application process.  More information on how to register is available online at: www.ruralaction.co/social-economy/(external link opens in a new window / tab)  These online workshops are scheduled to take place on:

Thursday 19 November 2020 7.00 p.m
Tuesday 24 November 2020 10.00 a.m
Tuesday 1 December 2020 7.00 p.m
Thursday 3 December 2020 1.00 p.m

The call will close at 5.00 p.m. on Friday 11 December 2020

Top

2 Sign Language COVID-19 Support Fund

£430,000 of funding will be available to support the survival, maintenance and sustainability of the sign language sector impacted by COVID-19 through the support of community based activities and the development of new avenues for participation and engagement through the pandemic. 

This fund will close at 5pm on Tuesday 1 December 2020.

To obtain an application form please email: 
Languages.Branch@communities-ni.gov.uk

Further information available here: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/sign-language-covid-19-support-fund 

 Top

 DfC funds for Irish Language & Community Organisations

Department for Communities (Via Conradh na Gaeilge): SPG+ Relief & Relaunch Fund 2020-2021 (Covid19) 
This £460,000 fund is aimed at Irish language community groups dealing with ongoing challenges and difficulties brought about as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially concerning financial implications of Covid-19 and staffing and programme income losses, since the beginning of April 2020. 
Full details in Irish here.

Department for Communities (Via Conradh na Gaeilge): Community Events Fund: Towards Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2021 
This fund is a stimulus fund to create increased, renewed and new opportunities for communities to use the Irish language in 2021. 
Full details in Irish here.

Department for Communities (Via Ciste Infheistíochta na Gaeilge):  Programme to support Irish language community facilities 
Ciste Infheistíochta na Gaeilge are delivering a £610,000 programme of support, aimed at helping organisations who are managing community capital facilities in the Irish language community sector. 
Full details in Irish here

Closing Date for all above funds: 2nd December
4 Ulster-Scots Covid-19 Resilience Fund

The Ulster-Scots Agency has launched a new Fund to help Ulster-Scots groups in Northern Ireland to deal with the financial and cultural impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic.  The Fund has been made possible by support from the Department for Communities, which has allocated £850,000 from funds allocated to the NI Executive by the UK Government. 

The Fund will support Small Grants (up to £3k), Language Grants (up to £10k) and Large Organisation Grants (up to £30k).  We are open for Small Grant applications NOW and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with awards made until the allocated budget (£660k) is exhausted.  The deadline for Language Grant and Large Organisation Grant applications is Wednesday 2nd December.  To find out more, click on the links below.
 
Small Grants Links

Ulster-Scots Covid-19 Resilience Fund Registration and Online Application Form.
 
Language Grants Links
Ulster-Scots Language Grant Guidance Notes
Ulster-Scots Language Grant Application Form

All further information can be found here: https://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/community-projects/apply-for-funding/

Top

5 Invite to session with The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest community funder in the UK. Each year we distribute millions of pounds of The National Lottery's good causes money to community groups and charitable projects around the country.

At the moment we are not hosting any public face to face events.  However, we are running some virtual sessions online.  

If you would like to contact our team to chat about your project idea or to find out more about our funding programmes, you can attend one of our upcoming sessions.

Virtual Support Session for Derry City and Strabane Council area 12th November from 2-3pm

This is open to any groups who might be interested in coming along to meet our team. 
The link for this session is 
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-national-lottery-community-fund-ni

6 Cultural Networks and the Value of Connecting

Thursday 26th November, 11am – 12.30pm

Booking Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nIRu3BdESdClS2jlpfz7oQ
 
The Creative Europe Desk Northern Ireland and the Creative Europe Desk Ireland present a webinar on cultural networks and the value of connecting.

Connecting with an international cultural network can open doors to new opportunities, co-creation, learning, information sharing, new ideas and much more. It can lead to partnerships and projects with like-minded organisations from across Europe and further afield and enable you to access international funding. There is a wide range of international cultural networks, many funded by Creative Europe, across different activities and practices, from informal alliances of culture professionals, to formalised membership bodies. The aim of this seminar is to present a few of these networks and to explore how they work and how they can contribute to the work of culture organisations and individuals.

At this juncture there are many challenges facing artists and cultural organisations; from the pressures of Covid-19 to navigating the changing relationship between the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe. We hope to explore how international connections can persist in this time and what benefits they can bring us.

We will be joined by the following speakers who will share their experiences of being involved in a network.

Niamh Flannigan , Theatre and Dance Northern Ireland | IETM network
Niamh Brown, Ormston House | AIM
David Boyd, Beat Carnival | Trans Europe Halles
Jenny Traynor, Dance Limerick | European Dance House Network
 

Book your place here

Top

 7 Experience of Bereavement and Grief during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Death, dying and bereavement have, unfortunately, been brought to the forefront of the public mind since the onset of COVID-19. We lack a full understanding of how the pandemic and measures like social distancing have impacted on the way people are dying in Northern Ireland and the support their loved ones need.
 
At the Patient and Client Council, in conjunction with Marie Curie, we want to meaningfully engage with those who have experienced grief and bereavement during the pandemic.
If you have experienced loss in the recent past, we are truly sorry for this and we recognise the additional pain the COVID-19 pandemic may have brought upon you and your loved ones. 

We wish to understand the grief experiences and support needs of people who have been bereaved either due to COVID-19 or another cause of death during the pandemic.  If you would be willing to share your experiences, and stay in a ‘constant conversation’ with us on this topic, please register on our website: 
https://patientclientcouncil.hscni.net/novel-coronavirus/experiences-of-bereavement-and-grief-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Should you require any further information, please get in touch with Sorcha Forbes, by emailing Sorcha.forbes@pcc-ni.net, or by calling 028 9536 2136.
 
This ‘constant conversation’ will involve the option of individual or group conversations via Zoom or by phone.  It is about understanding your experience, by whatever means best suits you as an individual.
 
As an initial stage of this engagement, we have an important survey to share with you on the grief experiences and support needs of people bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We would encourage you to considering complete this survey whether or not you wish to engage with us directly.
The UK-wide survey is a joint project from Cardiff University, the Economic and Social Research Council, Marie Curie and the University of Bristol.
 
If you would like to share your views and experiences, please click the following link to complete the survey: 
https://cardiff.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/the-grief-experiences-and-support-needs-of-people-bereaved-2.
 It should take around 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on how much you would like to share. The survey is due to close on 26th December.

 
It is hoped that your views will help to identify ways to improve end of life care during the pandemic and the support that is available for people who are bereaved. The evidence collated by this survey and our engagement with you will begin to fill that critical evidence gap and help shape the future design and delivery of support services for people bereaved in Northern Ireland. 

Top

8 Covid Conversations: Human Rights in a Pandemic

The Human Rights Consortium is delighted to partner with the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University and The Equality Coalition to bring you a series of webinars exploring the human rights implications of the pandemic. 

The eighth webinar will examine the issue of food banks and is called, 'Hungry for Change – the experiences of food banks in NI'. It will take place on Thursday 19 November at 10am and you can find more information and register 
here

Our ninth webinar, 'The Digital Divide', will take place on Thursday 19 November at 10am. More information and registration can be found 
here

We are also excited to announce a special crossover event with the Women's Policy Group as part of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival. This webinar will take place on International Human Rights Day (10 December) at 10am - details to follow. 


All webinars will take place via Zoom. To book your place please register via Eventbrite (here).

Top

9  Students seeking 15 week placement Opportunities 

At Ulster University we recognise that employers across all sectors are adjusting in response to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19.  Our students can make a valuable contribution to your business during these challenging times. We are proud of the impact our students have made in supporting all sectors of our economy during these times of uncertainty.   
 
We are sourcing work placement opportunities for students studying towards degrees across multiple disciplines. These students are required to complete a work placement in the area of their study to enable them to achieve the Diploma in Professional Practice.

  • All placements must be confirmed by 1st December
  • Placements can commence between October and at the latest January 2021
  • Students must complete minimum 15 weeks work placement – this can be with one employer or with multiple employers for shorter periods to make up the 15 weeks – therefore if a shorter placement period appeals to you we can still promote this opportunity
  • Placements can include a remote working environment such as a student’s home
  • Students can still undertake placements in the workplace, where health and safety measures are in place to protect employees, such as social distancing.
Benefits to your business
  • You could attract the best talent for your organisation with a specific set of skills or knowledge.
  • Raise your business profile among our students and graduates.
  • Gain the support and expertise of our Employability and Careers team.
Benefits to students
  • Students who undertake a placement are 94% more likely to gain higher academic outcomes or graduate employment within six months of graduating than those who don't.
  • Students who undertake a placement can gain additional academic credit through the Diploma in Professional Practice.
  • Placements contribute to increased success in the students' academic studies and their future careers.

If you are interested to discuss further, please email: placements@ulster.ac.uk and a member of the team will respond to you.

Top

10 Upcoming events with the Integrated Education Fund

Join the Integrated Education Fund for a conversation about education in your area!

Across Northern Ireland there is increasing demand for more integrated school places for pupils at both primary and post primary level. However not all parents know that they can bring about this change for their school community through a process called Transformation.

The Integrated Education Fund will be holding a series of 5 online conversations during November and December to unpack what integrated education is, how integrated schools vary from other schools and how you can support your school to become integrated.

There will be two events specifically for parents of primary pupils and two for parents of post primary pupils. There will also be an event specifically for parents of both primary and post primary pupils in East Belfast, due to increased interest and support in this area.

Conversations will take place via Zoom and we will post each participant an information pack which will include a tasty treat to enjoy during the conversation.

The conversations will take place as follows:
Post Primary | 17 November, 11:30am | 
Register Here
East Belfast | 19 November, 7:30pm | Register Here
Primary | 25 November, 11am | Register Here
Post Primary | 1 December, 7pm | Register Here
Primary | 3 December, 8pm | Register Here

If you have any questions or for more information please email: Andrew@integratemyschool.com


Engaging with Parents & Communities | Practitioners Event
 
COVID 19 has presented us all with challenges as to how we work effectively and ensure our services are still delivered to those who need it.
 
Parents / Guardians and Communities are very quickly having to adapt to new ways of working whilst managing the ever changing educational needs of their children.
 
The IEF would like to invite you to a practitioners forum to discuss some of the challenges and positives of the past 7 months.
 
The forum will present an opportunity for practitioners to share learning and experience whilst focusing specifically on how do we engage with and support parents / guardians and communities as we continue to navigate the pandemic.
 
To register please click here: 
https://forms.gle/CTYwdq2W2NQSAUP1A
 
For more information email: 
Andrew@ief.org.uk

Top

11 FREE Work Well Live Well - Workplace Health Support Service 

Would your organisation benefit from a FREE Health & Wellbeing Support Service?

Due to a fantastic funded initiative (supported by the Public Health Agency) your organisation may be able to avail of a free Workplace Health & Wellbeing support.

The aim of the initiative is to mentor and support businesses through a structured four stage process to improve the health, safety and well-being of their employees within the workplace setting.

This is currently year 4 and the programme has been a resounding success with over 700 business in Northern Ireland having availed with huge benefits to employee health being realised. Businesses range from large multinationals to small micro businesses.

Registration is now open for new workplaces, for a limited time only and best of all it is completely funded by the Public Health Agency.

An overview of what is provided:
•An opportunity to complete an evidence-based and employee wide health & wellbeing survey to identify areas of priority;
•A comprehensive and informative report outlining the health of employees;
•Health Champions training for a nominated individuals who will implement and lead the workplace strategy internally;
•Provision of resources such as action plan templates, guides, questionnaires and literature;
•Assistance with the development and implementation of a 3-year action plan;
•Delivery of 2 health & wellbeing sessions/initiatives your staff; &
•Assistance with the evaluation of all health & wellbeing initiatives implemented
•FREE Mental Health First Aid Training
•Networking Opportunities
•Presentation of certificate on completion of year 1

Complete a 
Registration of Interest Form and your area provider will be in touch. Alternatively, please contact your area provider via email: Western Trust area: Sabrina Moore Health@Work NI sabrina@dhcni.com

Work Well Live Well flyer

 Top

12 On-line Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA)

Facilitated by AWARE

People generally don’t know how to recognise mental health problems or know what help is available.
This programme will provide you with the skills to provide initial support for someone with a mental health problem.

Normally a two-day workshop, the programme will be delivered on-line, over 
4 x 3-hour sessions using Zoom 

These sessions are open to staff & volunteers of community & voluntary sector organisations operating within the Western Trust Area

We currently have 2 online training programmes available:

Programme No. 1 Course Dates
Date:    Wed 2nd, Thurs 3rd, Wed 16th & Thurs 17th Dec 
Time:   10am to 1pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
 
Please note that all 4 sessions must be attended in order to complete the programme
and qualify for Certificate

Programme No. 2 Course Dates
Date:  Wed 13th, Thurs 14th, Wed 20th & Thurs 21st Jan 10am-1.00pm
Time:   10am to 1pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
 
Please note that all 4 sessions must be attended in order to complete the programme
and qualify for Certificate

We will forward the link prior to the Training date


MHFA Flyer / Booking Form

 Top

13 LRA Launches 2021 Certificate in Line Management Practice
 
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) is inviting applications for its 2021 ‘Certificate in Line Management Practice, which is free and open to 30 participants across Northern Ireland.
 
The eight-week course will be delivered entirely online, with modules including Managing Attendance, Managing Performance and Discipline and Grievance.  The programme will also incorporate guidance on dealing with the challenges for line managers caused by Covid-19.  Participants will be required to commit two hours per week for the webinars and discussion and to apply their learning through a case study assessment.
 
People can find out more information and register for the LRA Certificate in Line Management Practice at 
www.lra.org.uk/events by 11 December 2020.  The programme will commence on 18 January 2021.
 
The Labour Relations Agency also offers advisory and dispute resolution services which are free of charge, impartial and confidential.  They are available to anyone in Northern Ireland with a workplace issue or query.  Visit 
www.lra.org.uk or call 03300 552 220 for more information.
 Top
14 eBook: Getting started with social prescribing & enhancing your existing programmes

Social prescribing is not a new concept. It’s been around for years, with many people describing it as the community development approach to health and wellbeing. 

Interest in social prescribing has rapidly expanded over the past decade with the implementation of a variety of models currently being supported by the use of a number of digital platforms, aimed to scale and measure social prescribing in communities most in need.

We've developed an eBook demonstrating how digital is enhancing social prescribing programmes in Health, Housing, Local Government, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), Education, and Prison Care.

Download your FREE copy of our eBook today!
Getting started with social prescribing and enhancing your existing programmes: 
Click 
here to download.

 Top
15 Latest Offers from Salto Youth

Please see attached document for the latest from Salto Youth to include:

  • Speak UP! Storytelling for Youth Leaders from Germany and Ukraine
  • CUE: Chance to update to Expert: Full-Stack Online Training Course for Youth Trainers and Facilitators
  •  Leadership as a Vehicle to Youth Participation 
  • TOSCA: steps into Quality #3- an online workshop on European Solidarity Corps volunteering projects in changing times
  • RESOLVE: Network Youth Conference 2020
16 Festival of discovery at The Eden Project

Festival of Discovery November 20-21
Join in here: 
https://thefestivalofdiscovery.com/

Go on for a journey like no other. Explore what a better future might look like for us all. Wander round our virtual Eden Project festival grounds from the comfort of your own home and sign up for whichever sessions you like – it’s all free with new acts being added every week!
 
We'll be joined by the likes of Eddie IzzardMr MotivatorJo Brand, organisations such as Human Library  and skilled chefsartists and crafters to deliver learning and share ideas.

Some of the sessions you can access Free thanks to National Lottery funding are:

HOT TOPICS IN THE TROPICS

LGBT Inclusion in Community Life
Jo Brand: Five Things I’ve Discovered
Eddie Izzard: Make Humanity Great Again

MED MOTIVATION STATION
How to achieve the impossible – Prof Greg Whyte OBEIn conversation with Mark Beaumont
Distance cyclist and Guinness World Record holder, Mark Beaumont will be chatting to us about his adventures and sharing his tips for staying resilient in the face of challenge.
Mr Motivator in da House! enjoy a free fun workout for all ages

OPEN MIC

Human Library
The Man Behind Mr Motivator
Amit Patel:my story former A&E Dr Amit lost his sight 5 years ago he now campaigns for inclusion and accessibility, supporting sight charities and encourages community connection.
Esther Mujawayo hate to hope

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Lets go foraging free food
Gardeners questions

CREATIVE CORE
Lantern making- Light up the night
Crossing the threshold from the doorstep to the page
Borrow don’t buy – power of sharing
 
 Top
17 Job Opportunity @ Speakers for Schools - Head of NI

Head of Northern Ireland:
  • Championing Northern Ireland by creating an ecosystem of employers, schools and young people to provide equal opportunities for all.
  • Based remotely, with frequent travel to stakeholders across your region.
  • £35,000 to £42,000 salary with exciting benefits.
Full details available here
 Top
18 Upcoming at FWIN

Free LIVE Yoga Every Wednesday @ 11AM this Month on FWIN Facebook!

Join Megan for a relaxing restorative yoga flow session every Wednesday this November.
Watch live at 11AM or view again any time!


Click on FWIN Facebook To Take Part!

Register for BINGO! on Wednesday 8th December @ 8PM

On Wednesday 8th December at 8PM we are holding our very first 'Bingo Bubble' Zoom with fantastic prizes and good craic from your host Catherine Cooke!

If you are interested in taking part, please send your email address to 
info@fwin.org.uk and in the subject line write BINGO

All prizes will be posted out in time for Christmas!
19  Eden Place Arts Centre launches online workshops

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Eden Place Arts Centre is still closed so to keep us connected safely we are launching a series of online workshops. The workshops will be held over a period of 4 weeks. Each workshop will be 2 hours long and will take place via 'Zoom'.

This series will focus on a variety of painting techniques. There will also be a Christmas crafts course.

The workshops will start on week commencing Monday 23rd November and will run for 4 consecutive weeks.

Registration opens via our website: 
www.edenplaceartscentre.com on Friday 13th November via upcoming classes page.

The cost will be £10 and will include all 4 workshops.
20  Seen-Unseen at Void

Void is delighted to once again welcome back Clare Mc Laughlin who will bring her art project Seen-Unseen to the zoom platform. Seen-Unseen deals with the non–visual exploration of art and allows the blind or vision impaired person to experience artwork through their other senses. Taking place on the 30th of November, participants will visit Alan Phelan’s exhibition echoes are always more muted through an online tour. Clare will lead a thought provoking, memory stimulating, interactive and sensory session which will explore the exhibition through a tactile workshop.

Seen-Unseen at Void Gallery is funded by DCSDC and will take place during Disability Week NI 2020 which takes place between 30th November – 4th December.

www.derryvoid.com 21  Not the Knitting Police | Arts & Culture News from the North West

In this latest issue find news and information on:
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Culture News
  • Training News
  • What's On
https://mailchi.mp/derrystrabane/not-the-knitting-police-arts-culture-news-from-the-north-west-2499762?e=f056f31131
 
 

 

Social Updates

Change Text Size

Current Size: 100%