NWCN E-bulletin 26 Sep 2018

 

1  The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Pressure Group Fund

2  Tampon Tax Community Fund for Women and Girls Opens

3  Empowering Young People programme

4  Making Community Connections northwest

5  Community powered change session

6  Riverine Forum Meeting

7  Collaboration for Change

8  Visual Voices of Norn Irony: Cartoons and the Conflict in Northern Ireland

9  Foyle Down Syndrome Trust seeks Board members

10 HEROES Project

11 Free training for volunteers and volunteer involving groups in the Moor area

12 Free Training For Community & Voluntary Sector Organisations

13 Upcoming Events in Foyle Jobs and Benefits Office

14 Tree of the Year 

 

 

 

1  The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Pressure Group Fund

 
The Pressure Group Fund has been established in recognition of the contribution groups and people in our society, who are working towards supporting social change, can make through direct civic action, lobbying and engagement, particularly to support those most marginalised who perhaps cannot directly support themselves.  It is one way in which the Foundation can be responsive to needs and issues facing communities.

Fund Criteria:

  • Applications are invited for projects that can demonstrate how they are trying to address social injustice and what the impact of their work will be. In particular how they will encourage civic action, working with groups and individuals who cannot represent themselves.
  • Examples of projects where we can offer some support include groups who wish to promote discussion and debate on key issues, educating local people on specific issues, enhancing democratic participation and diversity where it is not currently happening, articulating on issues that local politicians are not currently addressing.
  • Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate that they are representing minorities who cannot represent themselves.

Amount Available:
Grants available: Up to £500 of initial investment with the possibility of a further £500 being made available within the financial year, if appropriate.

The fund will be open to applications on a rolling call basis, promoted through the Foundation’s website 
www.communityfoundationni.org

 

If groups or a group of individuals are thinking about a project and need access to a small amount of funding support, as quickly as possible, to enable the project to progress, they can contact theGrants Team on 028 9024 5927 or email applications@communityfoundationni.org

 

For further information please contact the Grants team on 028 9024 5927.
https://www.communityfoundationni.org/pressure-group-fund

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2 Tampon Tax Community Fund for Women and Girls Opens

 

The Tampon Tax Community Fund will be delivered locally across the UK through a partnership between the UK Community Foundations and its local Community Foundation members.

The purpose of the Tampon Tax Fund is to allocate the funds generated from the VAT on sanitary products to local projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls across the UK.

The Fund aims to support women and girls who are most marginalized to overcome barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their potential. The programme will invest in a wide variety of projects that meet one or more of the following objectives:

  • Building skills and confidence, for example, supporting women and girls to learn new skills, giving them the ability to apply for new jobs and/or return to the workplace.
  • Improving health and well-being, for example, teaching women how to look after and improve their own mental or physical health and live in good health for longer.
  • Building social networks, for example, connecting women to others they can share similar experiences with, supporting them to feel less lonely, more valued, more able to pass on that support.

Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 will be available to support volunteer expenses, activity costs, and project staff/sessional staff costs.

 

Priority will be given to:

  • Women and girl organizations.
  • Grassroots organizations offering localized support.
  • Organizations working with beneficiaries with multiple disadvantages.
  • User led organizations that have a clear understanding of the needs they are supporting.
  • Sustainable projects that provide long-term solutions to the people they are helping.

Registered UK charities, constituted community groups, companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims, community interest companies, co-operatives, credit unions and social enterprises can all apply.

 

The Fund closes at midday on 26 October 2018.

https://www.communityfoundationni.org/tampon-tax-community-fund

 

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3    Empowering Young People programme

Do you want to learn more about BLF's Empowering Young People programme?

Why not come along to North West Community Network's information session on 23rd October, at 10:30am in the Holywell building, Bishop Street.

A funding officer from Big Lottery will be there to provide details for this programme

 

2-5 year projects by VCSE organisations that:

  • Give young people (aged 8-25) the ability to overcome the challenges they face, so that
  • More young people have the skills they need for the future
  • Young people have better relationships with their support networks and communities
  • Young people have improved health and well being
     

To register for this session please email info@nwcn.org or call 028 7127 9090

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4  Making Community Connections northwest

 

An event co produced by: Grow Wild, Amplify NI, Eden Project Communities and supported by North West Community Network

 

11 October 12-3:30pm
Hot Lunch served at 12:00pm

 

We work hard to make connections within our communities but couldn't we be better connected with other projects? Join us for an afternoon of community conversation designed for volunteers and community organisers.

 

Share your local insights and get the inside word on Grow Wild funding. Find out how to Amplify your community ideas and get connected with #TheBigLunch and people across Northern Ireland, bringing people together and making good things happen where they live.

For more information and to book your place please see 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making-community-connections-north-west-tickets-50403483175

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5  Community powered change session

 

Tuesday 2nd October - 12pm - 2pm

Holywell Trust

 

Do you want to make your community a better place to live? Are you interested in exploring new ways of working with the people who benefit from what you do? Join us for our Community Powered Change taster session!

 

In this informal workshop, we'll explore tools and methods for engagement and participation for community-led social change. 

Amplify NI helps people take action together to create fairer communities where everyone can thrive.

 

We believe everyone can make a difference, and are passionate about developing the ideas, projects and campaigns that are making positive change happen. Join us for a lunchtime discussion on our support and how you can get involved.

 

Lunch will be provided. Please contact Shannon with any dietary requirements:

shannon.downey@youngfoundation.org

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6  Riverine Forum Meeting

 

Invitation to attend a Riverine Forum Meeting on 1st October 2018 at 10.00a.m in Bready Cricket Club.

 

My name is Patricia Hegarty and I was the co-chair of the Riverine Forum with Mr Joe Boland and we assisted both the Donegal County Council and the Derry & Strabane District Council to consult the community sector regarding the development of the Riverine Project.

Additionally many representatives on a cross community and cross border basis assisted this partnership to deliver quality cross border cross community projects and a lot of time was invested by the sector to contribute to the reconciliation process.

 

Background

The Riverine project’s main objective is to create a sanctuary of safe shared space at the joining point of the three Rivers, flanking the site of the “Camel’s Hump” on the borderline between Strabane and Lifford.

The development of this shared space, will promote and increase tolerance and respect between communities, provide opportunities for greater community cohesion and inter-community contact and ensure greater levels of cross-border cooperation.

 

The Riverine Project consists of the following;

  • A new bridge connection spanning River Foyle, forming a strong, symbolic & iconic statement of connection, bringing together all the communities who will use the project. 
  • Creates a new cross border pedestrian and cycle bridge as an integral part of a new community asset and regional park.
  • Indoor Space for use on a shared basis for activities including music, drama, culture, recreation and multi-media activities. 
  • Safe water access to encourage re-connection and use of the River environment for angling and canoeing.
  • Family Space: incorporating unique play experience, designed to support children focused events & related programming. 
  • Outdoor flexible multi-functional space to accommodate a range of outdoor programmed & non-programmed activities both small & large scale. The space will have a maximum capacity of c.3,000 persons & has been designed & orientated to be dual facing for small or large events.   
  • A network of cross border pathways and park infrastructure to create conversational space, facilitate informal recreation/physical activity and provide cultural and heritage adventure trails co-designed with the local community to increase understanding and respect for different cultural backgrounds.
  • Wetland and park space to encourage participants to enjoy & learn key environmental assets of the area.

Application History and Update
To date four unsuccessful applications have been submitted and more recently a fifth application was made and is now being accessed for eligibility to proceed to next stage.

To facilitate an accurate update I have invited members of the Riverine Project Core Team to attend this meeting at 11.00a.m and there will be an opportunity to ask questions regarding this application and any changes made since application four was rejected for funding!

 

At previous Riverine Forum meetings it was agreed by the sector that we constitute the Forum as a community organisation on both sides of the border and apply for charitable status.

I have determined that support will be available to facilitate this cross community cross border networking and delivery of projects regardless of whether funding is secured for the overall Riverine Project because as we know only too well projects of this scale and cost are incredibly difficult to acquire funding to construct.

 

I would anticipate the meeting will conclude at 11.45a.m at the latest.

 

Patricia Hegarty
Co-Chair
07927976762 / 00447927976762

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 7  Collaboration for Change

 

Sat 6th Oct 2018

The Guildhall, Derry, Whitaker Suite

9.30am - 4.30pm

 

Please keep Sat 6th Oct 2018 free for an event in Derry's Guildhall which marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the Civil Right's Movement by bringing together radical environmental, economic, cultural and social initiatives to share and learn and possibly create something new together.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/collaboration-for-change-a-task-for-our-time-tickets-48298931404#tickets 

This is an invitation for everyone involved in creating radical progressive alternatives and also for interested individuals. 

The event will be a place where those who say it can’t be done take back seat to those who are doing it. (Laura Flanders)

 

Collaboration for Change is a gathering of citizen-led movements called to mark the anniversaries in 2018 of the Civil Rights Movement in Derry and the signing of the Universal Rights Declaration. We will explore the contributions already being made to building a just and resilient society in Northern Ireland and how we can develop that work by collaboration between the various economic, social, cultural and environmental alternatives. The organisers recognise that our own work can only be enhanced by learning and sharing and we are committed to creating spaces for this to happen.

 

American activist, speaker, economist and environmentalist Michael Albert will be there to offer his support and expertise. https://zcomm.org/author/malbert/

 

The 6th October Gathering is the first of three planned events shaping a collaborative movement which puts people and planet first.

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8  Visual Voices of Norn Irony: Cartoons and the Conflict in Northern Ireland

 

What function does humour play in Northern Ireland’s conflict and divisions?
Does it reinforce prejudice and stereotype or expose the underlying realities?

These questions set the backdrop to an exhibition of cartoons, most of which were created over the period of the conflict here in Northern Ireland.

In times of trouble, humour plays its part. It can provide a coping mechanism and can form a natural response to difficult and traumatic events. Laughter, therefore, has often been seen as a healing balm to the grim reality of life during the Troubles. Cartoons provided a vehicle for that humour.

The cartoons provide food for thought. Some are from established cartoonists such as Rowel Friers, Martyn Turner and Ian Knox. Others are from Republican and Loyalist sources as well as the British army. Whether people are old enough to remember the Troubles, or young enough to have only come across it second hand or as an historical fact, this exhibition will stimulate viewers' thoughts on what was involved and how things were dealt with at the time. Northern Ireland may have moved beyond 'the Troubles' - but not that far.

The exhibition was compiled by Rob Fairmichael and commissioned by Community Dialogue who received funding from the National Lottery (Awards for All). It is intended to be both stimulating and promote critical reflective thinking on where we have come from and where we are going.
 
A series of questions accompany the exhibition and these are intended as an aid for reflection and dialogue.
 
The exhibition will be launched at the Playhouse in Derry on October 5th at 1pm and will run over the following week, during which there will be a series of discussions and workshops.
 
Community Dialogue is an organisation that uses to dialogue to transform understanding and build trust amongst people who hold opposing political, social and religious views.
 
For more information please contact Jim O’Neill
jim@communitydialogue.org or Liam Campbell  liam@derryplayhouse.co.uk

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  Foyle Down Syndrome Trust seeks Board members

 

Foyle Down Syndrome Trust is a local charity supporting and empowering children and young people with Down syndrome to lead full, independent and meaningful lives. 

We are currently seeking individuals to join our Board of Directors to provide regular and practical advice and guidance on financial, strategic, developmental and operational matters.  We are keen to appoint Directors in areas of Finance, Human Resources, Education and Health.   

If you would like to find out more about our work and join as a Director, please contact our office on 028 71 343991 or alternatively email us on
info@fdst.org.uk.  

We look forward to hearing from you.

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10 HEROES Project

 

Become a Champion!
Strengthen your Future!
 
Do you want to develop your confidence, meet new people and build new experiences?
 
HEROES Project is FREE!
Aged 16-18 or 19-24

  • Activities and sports
  • Creative workshops
  • Training and Qualifications
  • Trips and Residentials 

For more information contact: Robert.watson@ymca-ireland.net / 07395831617

 

Please find Expression of Interest form on the homepage of www.nwcn.org

under Useful Downloads.

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11  Free training for volunteers and volunteer involving groups in the Moor area

 

QNUK level 2 Award in Safeguarding & Protecting Children & Young People (RQF)

Thursday 4th October 2018 @ NWVC, 10.00 - 4.00pm

 

QNUK level 2 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace (RQF)

Wednesday 24th October 2018 @ NWVC, 10.00 - 4.00pm

 

QNUK level 2 Award in Safeguarding Adults in Health & Social Care (RQF)

Thursday 8th November 2018 @ NWVC, 10.00 - 4.00pm

 

All the courses are accredited and assessed by multiple choice paper.  Learners must be 18 or over.

We are limiting places to 2 per organisation per course.  Places are not secured until completed booking forms are received.  Please contact the volunteer centre for booking form and relevant course information (course specifications available on our website www.volunteeringnorthwest.co.uk)

All courses are being delivered at the volunteer centre in our 2nd floor training room (no lift) so please let us know if anyone has access issues and we can source alternative venue.

Any queries, please give me or Marirose or Julie a call on 028 71 271 017 or email Julie@volunteeringnorthwest.co.uk

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12  Free Training For Community & Voluntary Sector Organisations

  • Mental Health First Aid - Mon 22nd and Mon 29th Oct 2018 - Enniskillen
  • Motivational Interviewing (Level 1) - Thurs 18th & Fri 19th Oct 2018 - Omagh
  • Mental Health First Aid - Wed 7th and Wed 14th Nov 2018 - Omagh
  • Anger Management - Thurs 15th & Fri 16th November 2018 - Greysteel
  • Self-Harm & The Family - Thurs 29th Nov and Thurs 6th Dec 2018 - Strabane

Complete a booking form online: www.clearproject.co.uk

clear@dhcni.com 

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13    Upcoming Events in Foyle Jobs and Benefits Office

 

On Thursday 27th September Veronica from Enterprise North West will be in Foyle JBO from 10am-12pm promoting their upcoming programme “Exploring Enterprise”.

If you know anyone over 16 who is unemployed looking for help and advice in gaining employment or becoming self-employed this 5 day programme is a great opportunity so please encourage anyone who may be interested to call in and talk to Veronica.

 

Derry Youth and Community Workshop Ltd  will be returning to the office on Wednesday 3rd October from 10:30-12:30pm to promote their new SEEDS programme aimed at those under 25 looking to get into employment or education, again anyone interested should be encouraged to call in and chat to their representatives.

 

On Wednesday 10th October Grafton recruitment will be in the office promoting their current vacancies from 10am-12pm. We will keep you posted with more details on this closer to the date.

Representatives from EURES who provide support for cross border workers, jobseekers and employers will also be in the office on this date 

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14   Tree of the Year 

 

The Bishop’s Tree, Lumen Christi College, Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry Sweet chestnut, nominated by Robert Murtland on behalf of Foyle Civic Trust.

‘The Bishop’s Tree’ – an imposing sweet chestnut that dates all the way back to the 18th century – stands proudly on the grounds of Lumen Christi College (formerly St Columb’s College).  A whole six metres in girth, the famous Bishop’s Tree is named after Frederick Augustus Harvey (Bishop of Derry from 1768 to 1803).  He was a locally renowned civic and religious leader who was dedicated to improving the standard of infrastructure, agriculture and hence the wellbeing of the local people within the Derry/Londonderry area.

Many of St Columb’s former pupils went on to be famous.  They include renowned leaders and writers such as John Hume, Seamus Heaney and Brian Friel. 

This hardy sweet chestnut is the last survivor of the original avenue of trees planted by Bishop Harvey.  Its resilience is awe-inspiring.  Such strength, it would seem, has rubbed off on many of those inspiring individuals who, as pupils, would have passed under the tree’s shady foliage.

Please vote at 
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/tree-of-year-2018/northern-ireland/ - we need at least a 1000 to have a chance of winning!

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