Dormant Accounts Fund NI will support the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability. We hope the programme will support organisations to adapt to future challenges and be more financially resilient.
Dormant accounts are UK bank and building society accounts that have been untouched for 15 or more years, and where banks and building societies are unable to trace the customer who owns the account.
For this first phase, we have developed a flexible and responsive grant programme that will support organisations to be able to adapt to future challenges and be more financially resilient. We'll also support larger investments that will enable collaboration and develop new and creative approaches to sustainability. These Northern Ireland-wide or sector-specific proposals could focus on specific themes such as volunteering, digital capacity or diversity and inclusion.
In the grant programme, we want to fund organisations that can identify the best way to improve their long-term capacity, sustainability or resilience to best deliver their mission.
We anticipate that we’ll award funding for between one and three years, in order to have the greatest impact for the organisations and the communities they serve.
Funding size: Up to £100,000 for individual organisations
The fund will open on 12 January 2021 and will be ongoing.
Full details available here
The Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) provides support for voluntary and community organisations working with minority ethnic people and groups. The aim of the Fund is to assist minority ethnic and local community organisations to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds.
The 2021/22 fund is now open for applications
Closing time for receipt of all applications is 2.00pm on 25 January 2021 - late applications will not be accepted.
Guidance notes for applicants, which explain the tiers and the criteria for funding in more detail, are available via the link below:
Funding seminar @ 11:00 today
There will be an online funding seminar via Webex to provide further information on the process for potential applicants: at 11.00am on the 6 January 2021.
Should there be a demand we will run another.
We recommend that you attend this seminar if you wish to apply - attendance is optional, but if you would like to attend please confirm by e-mail to: race.equality@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk in order to receive joining instructions.
4Funding on offer for social enterprise start-ups in Northern Ireland
Funding has become available in Northern Ireland to identify and support social entrepreneurs – people with innovative solutions with the potential to change society for the better.
Awards from £500 to £15,000 are on offer, alongside a package of one to one and peer support, from UnLtd, whose mission is to find, fund and support social entrepreneurs.
UnLtd particularly encourages applications from disabled people or those who identify as Black, Asian or from a minority ethnic background. They are also keen to support those with direct experience of the social issues they are looking to solve. UnLtd supports people to start or grow their business, whether to develop and test an idea or grow a social venture that’s already up and running.
The awards on offer include:
Try it awards to support social entrepreneurs to test their ideas
Do it awards to help you get started and create a clear social impact
Grow it awards to help social entrepreneurs already thriving to grow their impact and build a sustainable financial model
Northern Ireland’s social enterprises have been at the heart of community survival and recovery during the coronavirus crisis, helping to provide food and opportunities for connection in their communities. UnLtd has boosted their core funding programme to meet the needs of social entrepreneurs as the organisation believes social entrepreneurs are critical to solving social issues exacerbated by the pandemic.
5Nominations now open for Good Relations Award 2021
The Community Relations Council (CRC) is inviting nominations for the 2021 annual Good Relations Award.
After an exceptionally challenging year for everyone, there has never been a better time to recognise the achievements and impact people working in Good Relations have made in local communities.
Survey on the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland
This consultation was set up by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights. The Committee wants to hear your views and understand how you feel about the creation of a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland.
Community Dialogue, in conjunction with North West Community Network will be organising a dialogue session which will be aimed at driving participation in the Assembly survey. It will focus on outreach and engagement to get your views, listening to what you think and taking on board how you feel about the creation of a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland.
Issues to be addressed will include:
Does everyone in NI have the same rights?
Do people need more protection in certain areas?
Where do values relate to the issue of human rights?
What has been the impact of COVID on human rights?
The dialogue will take place on Thursday 7th January 2021 at 2pm
7Rescheduled - The Last Hurrah! Goodbye EU Conference
Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th February 2021 - On-line
Now that we know the deal it really is the last hurrah!
Implications for Intercultural Dialogue, Peace-Building and Reconciliation in the UK!
Join us and share your thoughts on the implications of The Brexit Deal for you, your practice, your service, service users and your organisation.
Keynote Speakers Professor Duncan Morrow, NI Commissioner for Children & Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, and Colin Parry OBE.
This two-day Community Relations Council-funded event will be facilitated by a team of International Facilitators from Germany, Spain and Northern Ireland.
Participants will avail of:
opportunities to be inspired and better informed through inputs from experts in the field, and to have space and time to share and reflect upon their international learning experiences and thus continue to add to the existing evidence base;
an opportunity to document in broad terms how participant's experiences (of ‘the international’) have informed and influenced their perception of and approach to intercultural dialogue, peace-building and reconciliation;
specific examples of how international experience has contributed to intercultural dialogue, peace-building and reconciliation between individuals, local communities and society as a whole, but also how it equips practitioners in a practical sense to ‘do their job;
opportunities to demonstrate how experience from participation in international programmes has contributed to or influenced practical efforts to nurture relationships between diverse communities;
due consideration for the potential differences that non-participation in European programmes will make in a post-Brexit era;
a virtual setting to ‘mark’ the end of an era in UK-European international relations by exploring ways in which we can maximise other international opportunities to promote relationships between diverse communities;
conclusions and recommendations for those involved in policy development and delivery as to how ‘the international’ can be utilised and maximised to support intercultural dialogue, peace-building and reconciliation in a UK-wide post-Brexit future.
On the 23rd December 1920, the Government of Ireland Act was signed off by King George V and the Partition of Ireland became a legal reality. Much violence took place. Out of the violence two confessional states emerged from centuries of colonial domination and rule, and from centuries of political and religious sectarianism.
The Act of 1920 not only partitioned Ireland, it partitioned the Province of Ulster, Irish Unionism and Irish Nationalism. All of this had consequences and has left legacies, still experienced and felt to the present.
As the centenary of Partition approaches in December 2020, this programme will critically examine the road to Partition, the content of the Government of Ireland Act, and how it left two minority communities; northern Nationalists and southern Unionists, each beached on the wrong side of the border. The programme will also look at the Boundary Commission, tasked to make appropriate changes to the boundary or border between the two states.
Presented by Seamus Farrell and Maureen Hetherington The Junction Community Relations and Peace Building.
9New Course with HURT! Level 3 Award in Education & Training
Starting Tuesday 12th January 2021
L3 Award in Education & Training (Derry)
Delivered via Zoom
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm for 8 weeks
This course is designed for those who would like to work towards a teaching or training qualification or to get onto higher qualifications in teaching. The course will train you how to use your training and teaching more effectively in groups or with individuals.
A dramatic monologue on abusive relationships among young people by Patricia Byrne, performed by Roma Harvey
Available for schools and youth centres to book online!
A SOLE PURPOSE PRODUCTION
Jenni's 16th birthday is coming up, and her new boyfriend Jamie will be there. He is so nice. He is interested in everything she does. He always wants to know where she is and what she is doing. He texts her all the time and follows her every move on Facebook. But things start to take a turn, and Jenni isn't so sure anymore.
The play follows the ups and downs of a young woman's relationship as it goes from being near perfect to becoming an impossible nightmare. The production explores the issue of abusive relationships among young people. It was developed in consultation with Foyle Women’s Aid, NSPCC and Youth Action NI. The performance is followed by a Q+A with representatives of organisations working to stop domestic violence against women and children.
Now available for schools and youth centres across Northern Ireland to book online!
“The Sole Purpose dramatisations are a powerful tool which enables us to address some very sensitive issues within the Preventative Curriculum. I wholeheartedly support the work of Sole Purpose.” Ms S Mallett, Principal, Thornhill College Derry
"This was a very moving piece of theatre. The aim is to disturb and that was achieved fully. None watching this play would ever again be victim to such abuse having witnessed a relay of classic symptoms.” Imelda Foley, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Sole Purpose Productions is a multi award winning theatre company that has toured work throughout Ireland, the UK, and the USA. It is core funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This project is supported by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland through the Tampon Tax Community Fund.
To book an online performance and Q&A for your school or youth centre please contact Patricia Byrne at solepurpose@mac.com or phone 028 7127 9918.
12Official Launch of the Mary Ann McCracken Foundation
The Official Launch of the Society’s Mary Ann McCracken Foundation will take place on Wednesday 20th January 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom.
The BAFTA award winning broadcaster and historian Professor David Olusoga will speak on the ‘Legacies of Slavery’ followed by a question and answer session.
The Mary Ann McCracken Foundation is chaired by Norma Sinte and was established by Belfast Charitable Society to celebrate Mary Ann’s life and to build on her legacy today. As a Belfast-born philanthropist, social reformer and activist Mary Ann McCracken made a huge contribution to life in Belfast, and beyond, including her role in the abolitionist movement.
The launch marks the start of a programme of work, which embodies the ethos of Mary Ann herself. The Foundation will encourage and facilitate projects and conversations, which get to the heart of the causes she championed, in the 21st century.
Registration for this event is via donation and further information including how to book is available on our website by clicking here. Please circulate this email to anyone you feel may be interested in the event.
HURT wish to recruit for the following position: Project Worker
Salary: NJC Salary Scale 6 £23,000 pro rata for 37.5 hrs equivalent to £18,400 for 30 hours.
Hours per week: 30
To support the implementation of all aspects of the HURT Sowing the Seeds of Hope project including the development of a range of evidence-based interventions.
This challenging role will require the successful engagement of people at risk from substance misuse some of whom may be needle users. This project worker will deliver and facilitate substance misuse information and awareness programmes to community groups throughout the Derry and Strabane Council area. The project is part of the People and Communities programme, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
14Job Opportunity with School Employer Connections
School Employer Connections Ltd. (SEC) is an established charity and business education partnership that has been based in Derry/Londonderry for over 20 years.
SEC wish to appoint a Manager for the organisation to commence in early 2021 and are now seeking applications from candidates with relevant qualifications, experience, knowledge, and network connections.
The closing date for applications for this challenging and exciting role is Wednesday 13th January 2021.
Applications in the form a C.V. should be sent to: The Chairman, School Employer Connections Ltd., Catalyst Inc., Bay Road, Derry/Londonderry BT48 7TG. Alternatively send your CV to chairman@seconnections.org
Following shortlisting, candidates will be invited for interview, these are planned to be held during week commencing 18 January2021.
15Positivity Online for January, February, March 2021
As we are now on ANOTHER Lock Down, it’s even more crucial to connect your staff and community members in a positive and optimistic way.
I delivered ‘21 Day of Positivity Tips videos’ on my Denise Devlin FB page and my Positive Parties FB page, from the 1st – 21st December and I got great feedback, both in comments, private messages and phone calls, saying how people found them very helpful.
And we are available for Positivity Zoom Sessions, they are upbeat, lively and fun, giving great tools and techniques on Positive Mental Attitude and Positive Mental Health during these challenging and crazy times.
Most people are ‘zoomed out’ after staff meetings and community meetings, yet we can guarantee you will leave one of our sessions feeling positive, energised and with new tools to use for your own Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing. Our feedback is always excellent. What we do, is make learning fun and it is so needed at this time.
Give me, Denise Devlin, a call, at PPHQ – 028 71517320 or Mobile – 07790793130 Email – denise@positiveparties.comwww.positiveparties.com
Denise, is a NLP Master Practitioner and the Founder of the unique and award winning, training and coaching company, Positive Parties ‘Training With A Difference’
We are delighted to announce that we will be delivering another online Mindfulness programme with the wonderful Frank Liddy from Inspire.
Frank has designed this programme himself, based upon his many years of Minfulness practice, which has helped to transform and enrich many lives.
The feedback from all our previous programmes has been overwhelmingly positive, and we have no doubt that you will enjoy every minute, with plenty of laughter throughout too.
The programme will comprise six 1-hour weekly sessions via Zoom, commencing Monday 11th January 2021 from 2-3pm and each Monday thereafter. Maximum participant no. is 20 people.
You must be available to attend via Zoom for all six sessions.
To register, please contact us via Facebook or 078 4645 3394
This project was funded by the Department for Communities as part of the Warm, Well and Connected Project, facilitated by the Healthy Living Centre Alliance and delivered by SPRING Social Prescribing.
Mood Matters Adult Workshop (2hrs)
This light and interactive mental health awareness training session is an opportunity for you to think about how to look after your own mental health. We will explore mental health stereotypes and look more closely at how to spot the early signs of mental health Illness: stress, depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar. This session will teach you coping skills for everyday life, how to avoid getting caught in a vicious circle, how to break unhelpful habits that we sometimes have when our mood is low, and where to get further help and support. This session will focus on you as an individual and will then allow you to apply these skills to supporting family, friends and other colleagues.
To register for a place visit Mood Matters Adult https://www.aware-ni.org/booking-mood-matters-adults/ Living Life to the Full (6 weeks @ 2hrs per week)
This 6 week course looks more closely at the ways in which mental health can be impacted by life events and unhelpful thinking styles which may also then affect our physical health and overall enjoyment of life. This programme looks at a different topic each week, and it is broken down as follows:
Week One: Why Do I Feel So Bad - This enjoyable, interactive session introduces the 5 areas approach and shows that what you think and do influences how you feel. Week Two: I Can’t Be Bothered Doing Anything - We’ve all said this to ourselves when we’re feeling down. This session encourages you to start doing things which can make you feel better. Week Three: Why Does Everything Always Go Wrong - This session teaches you to recognise and control your unhelpful thinking patterns. It encourages you to challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with more helpful ones. Week Four: I’m Not Good Enough - We’re not born with doubts like these! Things others have said creep into our heads and we begin to believe them. Re-build your self-confidence and learn to like yourself again. Week Five: How to Fix Almost Everything - Everything is achievable if broken down into small enough steps. This session introduces a 5 step plan to help you tackle problems and make positive changes in your life. The Things You Do That Mess You Up - This session helps you to identify things such as drinking, comfort eating or spending money which may make you feel better initially but which may lead to problems over time. Week Six: Are You Strong Enough To Keep Your Temper - This session helps you to recognise what winds you up and teaches you how to control your anger and improve your happiness and relationships. 10 Things You Can Do To Fell Happier Straight Away - This last session sums everything up and shows you some simple things that you can build into your everyday life to help you feel happier, fitter and more positive.
Please find attached the seventh edition of the Energy Strategy E-Bulletin, which aims to keep stakeholders informed about progress on the new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland.
22Prepare for EU Exit with The Consumer Council's advice
Changes for consumers are coming following the end of the transition period tomorrow (1 January 2021).
To help, we have created a dedicated EU Exit web page with consumer advice. The web page contains information on practical topics such as driving in Europe, travelling with pets to Great Britain, receiving deliveries when buying from retailers in GB, travelling abroad and much more.
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