Power NI has donated £30,000 to community groups since April 2018. The fund exists to make groups shine a little brighter – whether that is with equipment, a revamp of their space or resources for their service users.
If successful your project or group can receive up to £1,000 in funding to help reach its maximum potential – whether that is for equipment, kits or for a special project that will make a BIG impact!
Applications are now open and welcome from small or large communities, sporting, charity and all age groups who can propose a tangible project, activity or item which can be realised or executed once the funds have been received and within an 8-week timescale.
In order to qualify, please ready the full Brighter Communities Terms and Conditions. Applications will close on Monday 2nd November at 12 mid-day.
2Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Launches New Strategy for funding projects
Applications are now open for projects that improve the natural world, secure a fairer future, and strengthen the bonds in communities in the UK.
The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has today launched a new strategy, announcing that it will focus on the following three interdependent aims:
Improving our natural world.
Tackling injustice to deliver a fairer future.
Nurturing creative, confident communities
Read the new strategy here: https://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/about-esmee/strategy/strategic-plan-2020-2025/
The Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-makers in the UK and in 2019 awarded a total of £36 million in grants towards a wide range of charitable projects. The new strategy is underpinned by the need to tackle structural inequality, racism and thecauses and impacts of climate change. The Foundation will no longer fund projects outside of the new aims.
The Foundation will continue to award unrestricted core and project grants and has announced that under the new strategy it intends to provide larger and longer-term grants, as well as strategic support. This new approach will mean that the Foundation will be making fewer grants but will be giving more support to help grants achieve better, and more lasting, results.
The Core Funding Scheme provides support for organisations which are considered of strategic importance in promoting community relations work across Northern Ireland.
The scheme contributes towards salary and organisational running costs.
Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Applicants are required to outline the outcome in Together: Building a United Community to which the proposed project will contribute.
The Together: Building a United Community Strategy, published on 23 May 2013, reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
4 Fundraising in this new context: webinar recording and resources
On 30 September NICVA facilitated a 'Fundraising in this new context' webinar as part of the CFNI Accelerator Programme funded by the Department for Communities.
Lynn Kennedy, NICVA's Fundraising Advice Officer, Nadine Campbell, Chair of the Institute Of Fundraising NI and Head of Fundraising for Age NI, and Joanne McDowell from the Fundraising Regulator in NI all gave presentations followed by a question and answer session for participants.
Our local Action for Children projects within the City have moved to new premises and in doing so have some office equipment that we no longer need that is still in good working order or too expensive to just bin.
We have a Great Lakes Comms Cabinet and several office telephones.
We have developed a COVID-19 hub to provide information to the voluntary and community sector.
This includes advice and practical guidance on Employment and HR, Funding and Fundraising, Governance and Running Your Organisation, as well as updates about our Advocacy work in response to the Coronavirus situation.
Marking 20 years of learning and practice on women, peace and security
Wednesday 14 October, 2pm-4.15pm. Online via Zoom
Keynote speaker: Mrs Mary Robinson, Adjunct Professor of Climate Justice, Trinity College Dublin; Chair of The Elders; Former President of Ireland.
Speakers: Bronagh Hinds, DemocraShe, Sarah Douglas, UN Women Panellists: Eileen Weir, Shankill Women's Centre, Anne Carr, Community Dialogue/WINI
Emma Johnston, YouthAction, Karen Sweeney, Women's Support Network
Join us to celebrate women in peace building in Northern Ireland, and look to the future - how can women participate fully in peace building and decision making?
Women in Northern Ireland have a long history of peace building, but that role has not necessarily been recognised. In October 2000, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 was a landmark achievement, as it formally recognised for the first time the crucial role women play in sustainable peace building.
Join us for this virtual celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 and hear from women involved in peace building from the grassroots to the international level. The event will focus in particular on women's experiences of peace building in Northern Ireland, but will also look at UNSCR 1325 in the broader context of post conflict societies.
The aim of the event is to look back at learning over the last 20 years, and look forward to identify how UNSCR 1325 can be part of the response to major challenges women are facing now and over the next 20 years, and how work on women, peace and security can be revitalised in ways that engage women.
This event is organised in partnership with the Northern Ireland Assembly All Party Group on UNSCR 1325, Women, Peace and Security.
How to take part:Register here and join the discussion! Details of how to join will be sent to participants before the event.
16th October @ 11am
Dr Sarah Campbell, Newcastle University.
‘A rough and ready Joan of Arc’ - 'Bernadette Devlin and second-wave feminism in Northern Ireland (c 1968 -1975)
23rd October @ 11am
Dr Sophie Long, Independent Scholar
A look at post-Good Friday Agreement Loyalism in Northern Ireland.
30th October @ 11am
Dr Frank Ferguson, Ulster University
Voices Across the Foyle: Ulster Scots – An Introduction
9Westminster & Citizenship Webinar – Making your Voice HeardWebinar
Thursday 5/11/2020- 10.00am-11.15am
This FREE zoom webinar aims to give RCN members an understanding of the structures of the Westminster Parliamentary system, will discuss how the legislative process works and explore how organisations from NI can engage and influence Westminster on the issues that matter to them. The session will be led by Fiona Payne from the Parliament Outreach team and will cover:
The structure of the Westminster Parliament
The origin of legislation and the legislative process
The role of Select Committees
The NI Affairs Select Committee
Getting your voice heard – lobbying and engagement
The session will finish with a question and answer / discussion. To register your place, email teresa@ruralcommunitynetwork.org or call 028 8676 6670
Crossing Borders, Breaking Boundaries, a Peace IV funded project, has been working to capture and provide a platform for the voices of over 1,200 migrant workers in the border region and Northern Ireland in a post-conflict context.
Here are three exciting events where you will hear from workers themselves:
COVID & Lifting the Lid on Exploitation - 13th October, 10:30am-12:00pm
Over the past two years, migrant workers from agri-food have been speaking out about the poor conditions they work in and the barriers that prevent them from accessing their rights.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been asked to work on the frontline, putting food on our tables, whilst being pushed further into unsafe and exploitative conditions.
But the pandemic has provided them with an opportunity to bring their stories and demands for change into the public sphere.
Join us to hear more, with speakers from the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Community Intercultural Programme, Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Ulster University, alongside the voices of workers of their direct experience.
Accessing Labour Justice – A Cross-Border Analysis - Tuesday 20th October, 10:30am-12:00pm
This event will explore the challenges and barriers that migrant workers face when trying to access labour justice through the respective tribunal and mediation systems in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Hear from a panel of experts including testimony from a migrant worker with direct experience of the system.
We warmly welcome Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner of the NI Human Rights Commission, as Chair, alongside panellists including:
North West Migrant Forum (NWMF) has launched a programme of events to commemorate the history, achievements and contributions of black people in Northern Ireland.
The programme will be running up until 31st October 2020 and includes a conversation on “Blackness comes in different Shades and Cultures”, two Black History trivia quiz nights; a ‘Dialogue and Debate’ night focused on the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and race and justice; a Black History Human Library, as well as a ‘Black is Beautiful ‘two day event celebrating black culture, heritage, fashion, hair, food, arts, craft, music and dance.
For more details, including how to get involved, please see here.
12 AWARE NI FREE Online 6 week Living Life to the Full Course in the Northwest
AWARE NI still have a few places left on the online via zoom Living Life to the Full courses in the Derry area starting on 3rd Nov @ 7pm (Ref 96 ) and 5th Nov @ 7pm (Ref 97).
Course Overview
The Living Life to the Full programme will be delivered via zoom over 6 sessions lasting approx. 2hrs each. This is a programme that can make a big difference to your life. It can help you manage your feelings when you are stressed, worried or depressed and learn simple practical skills to help you cope with life’s challenges. It 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.
The TTC programme will start on Monday 19th October at 7pm and the MTL programme will commence on Tuesday 27th October at 7pm.
The programme is supported by the Public Health Agency through the Clear Project. These are 8 week, in-depth introductory courses to Mindfulness, each session lasting 2 hours and including a half day retreat. The course, led by Mindfulness Teacher Veronica Ellis, usually costs over £250 per person.
The course is designed to empower and develop a strong and resilient personal mediation practice.
All sessions will be carried out via Zoom, including a virtual retreat. During the course participants will receive access to a library of guided mediations to support ongoing practice as well as a course manual.
Participants will be expected, if possible, to attend all sessions and devote some time to the development of a personal mindfulness practice in between sessions.
The half day virtual retreat will include mediation at the beginning and the end of the day, as well as other activities such as mindful movement. Although there will be a set day for the retreat, if participants can’t make that date, they can do it in their own time.
Places are limited and are on a first come first served basis for both courses, so if you know of anyone who may be interested in reserving a place, please let me know before Monday 12th October at 10am, when we will close for applications.
Of note, we have planned a short introductory, orientation session for those who have secured a place on the course. This will be via Zoom on Thursday 15th October at 7.30 pmfor the TTC community and Thursday 22nd October at 7pm for the MTL group.
14Western Connections Drug and Alcohol Awareness Sessions
We can deliver 1-2 hour awareness sessions on various drugs and alcohol related topics. If you then want to move to more in-depth information, we can signpost you. All of our sessions include details of local support services and how to access them.
We can come to you or deliver sessions online via Zoom. Please note if we come to your organisation you must be able to ensure safe social distancing and follow Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Supporting Communities is running five online events during Get Online Week. Book yourself in for any of these sessions by contacting our Digital Inclusion Officer, Martin Quinn on 077 4356 2027 / martin@supportingcommunities.org
• One-to-one individual support sessions - 45 min slots all day on Monday, 19th October
• Online Safety/Scam Awareness - 11am on Tuesday, 20th October
• Intro to Zoom - 11am on Wednesday, 21st October
• Online Safety/Scam Awareness - 11am on Thursday, 22nd October
• Downloading Apps to your smartphone or tablet - 11am on Friday, 23rd October
16Belfast Interface Project Programme of Activities for Tullyally/Currynierin
Due to changes in local restrictions, all of our activities will now move on-line during the month of October. There will be no cost and will be available to all residents in the Currynierin and Tullyally areas. Times and age groups will remain the same.
Jo-Jingles classes will commence w/b 12th October and will run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9.30 and 10.30.
Skills School NI activities will commence w/b 12th October and will run Monday and Thursday afternoons between 3.30 and 4.30 (5-7 years) & 4.45 and 5.45 (8-11 years)
Residents should still register for the programme in order to access links for activities and you can do this by calling Fergal on 075 8523 2560 or mailing him at fergal@belfastinterfaceproject.org
All programme activities have been made possible with funding from The Executive Office as part of Belfast Interface Project’s Promoting Good Relations Programme and will run up to the end of March 2021.
The Consumer Council, on behalf of the ScamwiseNI Partnership, has produced a range of helpful resources that outline some of the most common scams and what consumers can do to protect themselves.
The resources and information can be accessed on our website:
These resources include:
Animated videos (viewed around 20,000 times across all of our social channels)
Informational leaflets, including top tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam (downloaded over 1,000 times in total)
In addition, we also have a variety of activities for people of all ages to learn more about the most common types of scams and how to avoid them. We also have new activities launching at the end of October for Halloween.
Our activities have been downloaded over 1,000 times and over 500 quizzes have been completed.
20Job Opportunity with First Housing Aid & Support Services
First Housing Aid & Support Services (Registered Charity No: NIC105748)
Invite applicants for the positions of: CASUAL CLEANER, (Ref: CC/R1/01) As and when required
First Housing Accommodation Projects, Derry/Londonderry
Salary: £9.77 per hour (£8.72 + £1.05 holiday pay per hour)
To provide an effective cleaning service within the Accommodation Projects.
Minimum Criteria
Previous paid cleaning work experience is essential.
Experience of working within a supported accommodation setting is desirable.
Holders of COSHH certificate is desirable.
Interested candidates should e-mail for an application pack, quoting the appropriate job reference number to: karlaokane@first-housing.com
Application Forms can also be downloaded from www.first-housing.com Please Note: All recruitment correspondence for this position will be done through e-mail. Please provide a suitable e-mail addressfor correspondence and e-mail completed applications tokarlaokane@first-housing.com
If you do not have an e-mail address, please contact Karla on 07921056728
It should be noted that the criteria for this post may be enhanced to facilitate short listing.
Closing date for completed applications is: Friday, 30th October 2020 at 12 noon.
First Housing operates a child protection and vulnerable adults policy, Access NI checks will be carried out before an appointment can be confirmed.
21Public Appointment Opportunities with The Arts Council NI
The Department for Communities has launched a competition for a Chair, Vice-Chair and Members to the Board of the Arts Council NI. The Arts Council is the lead development agency for the arts in Northern Ireland. It has a key role to play in developing and improving the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts, and increasing public access to, and participation in, the arts.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with the relevant skills and experience to make a significant contribution to its leadership and oversight.
Applications are welcome from across the community, voluntary, business or public sectors particularly from women, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic groups and young people. A Guaranteed Interview Scheme is in place for those applicants with a disability.
22Public Appointment Opportunities with NI Museums Council
The Department for Communities has launched a competition for a Chair and two Directors of the NI Museums Council (NIMC) Board.
NIMC covers a range of local museums such as the Armagh County Museum and the Linen Hall Library in Belfast and encourages a dynamic, inclusive and sustainable museum sector. Through initiatives such as the ‘Reimagine, Remake, Replay’ and ‘Dementia Friendly Museums’ projects, as well as its various grant programmes, the Council seeks to widen its outreach and enable new audiences to enjoy and engage with museums.
Applications are welcome from across the community, voluntary, business or public sectors particularly from women, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic groups and young people. A Guaranteed Interview Scheme is in place for those applicants with a disability.
Get your neon gear and glow sticks at the ready and join Autism NI by lighting up the night in a virtual 5K Glow Walk on Saturday 7th November 2020!
Take part in your local park or community area and let's all come together to glow bright for our autism families in Northern Ireland.
We are asking families to raise a minimum sponsorship of £50 each to help fund our vital autism services that families can access across Northern Ireland.
To register and receive your FREE glow pack, please contact events@autismni.org or call 028 9040 1729.
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