We are delighted to announce that we have received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Halifax Foundation to continue our Human Library Project.
What is the Human Library?
A conversation at the Human Library is an interactive experience that engages people.
The Human Library creates a safe space for a conversation where topics are discussed openly between our human books and their readers.
You will hear lived experience from someone from a community you might not have met before, someone who is different from you.
A place to ask questions about difficult issues.
An opportunity to challenge stereotypes.
Here’s what previous participants had to say:
“Powerful – emotive”
"I thought all the human books were amazing. I really enjoyed listening to all their stories and I would really like to come back again."
“This was mind-blowing. My first experience and something I look forward to experiencing again. The speakers are all inspirational.”
For more information or to book a Human Library session contact Roisin McLaughlin – roisin@nwcn.org or 028 71 261941
We’re starting our Community Leaders’ Support Network very soon…. this will be a space for community leaders to share challenges, create opportunities to explore how we can overcome these together and to support each other.
Together with you, we will create a joined-up approach to highlight where change needs to happen and to provide opportunities to collaborate with your peers. 62% of the respondents to our last survey indicated their interest in being part of this network.
Watch this space for the date of the first meeting.
3 Mapping exercise to identify researcher and community engagement in Derry & Strabane
As a community or voluntary organisation in the Derry & Strabane area, if you are involved in any research or initiative with Ulster University – we need your help!
Ulster University, North West Community Network and Developing Healthy Communities have partnered to run a project to address systematic challenges community groups and researchers face when working together.
The project will see the University and community partners set up a joint community research and innovation collective. The collective is undertaking a mapping exercise to establish a comprehensive picture of university and researcher and community partnership initiatives, taking place between Ulster University and the Derry & Strabane community and voluntary sector.
Following the mapping exercise, the collective will hold a series of events to showcase existing work and develop opportunities to foster new collaborative projects. Watch this space!
If you are involved in any research or initiative with Ulster University (current or ended in the previous 12 months) we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this FORM as best you can
Empowering Local Communities is an Asda Foundation grant for local groups aimed at supporting a broad range of activities which contribute towards transforming communities and improving lives. Groups helping to integrate refugees arriving to the UK are welcome to apply under this grant.
The application window closes 3rd November 2023, but could close early if the budget cap is reached.
Read the guidance here and if your group and project meet the criteria, talk to your local Asda Community Champion about applying.
The Arts Council has designed this programme to enable organisations to purchase equipment and/or carry out minor works to their premises which will address any health and safety issues or has been an outstanding maintenance issue which has rendered the space not fit for purpose.
You do not have to be primarily an arts organisation
Application Deadline:Mon 25th Sept, 2023, 12:00PM
Further information and application available here
The Energy Saving Trust Foundation have opened applications for their Youth Climate Action Fund for organisations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North East England and North West England. Grants are for up to £40,000, over two years.
Applications are a two-stage process:
A short expression of interest form due by 16 October 2023.
A full application due by 27 October 2023.
The expression of interest forms will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You’re encouraged to submit your expressions of interest forms as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to complete a full application before the 27 October deadline.
Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) seek to identify up to 8 prospective partners from rurally based organisations to participate in a funding bid to establish Rural Smart Digital Hubs within the council area under PEACEPLUS Funding Investment Area 2.4.
A successful collaborative bid under PEACEPLUS Investment Area 2.4 will enable Derry City and Strabane District Counci to expand connectivity and digital capabilities in the rural areas within the Derg, Faughan and Sperrin District Electoral Areas (DEAs) our aim is to establish at least one Rural Smart Digital Hub within existing properties in each of the target DEAs.
The Programme will be open for applications as follows:
Opening date: Thursday 24 August 2023
Closing date: Thursday 19 October 2023 at 12 noon
Please register NOW for one of the mandatory pre-application workshops
Further details and important dates can be found here
8Celebrating the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK
Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering. Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from across the UK for many years.
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
If you know of a fantastic volunteer group and would like to find out more about nominating them for a KAVS, please go to kavs.dcms.gov.uk. Nominations for the 2024 awards will be accepted until 15 September 2023.
Individuals and organisations are being invited to have their say on the Communities in Transition (CIT) Project at a series of local discussion events.
CIT is one of 38 actions being delivered as part of the overall Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime project. It has been supporting ambitious initiatives designed to affect positive change across eight areas in Belfast, North Down, East Antrim, Lurgan and Derry/Londonderry since 2019.
As a key part of that consultation process, community representatives, community and voluntary organisations and residents in each CIT area are being invited to attend an informal discussion event to have their say: Derry/Londonderry (Brandywell and Creggan) – Tuesday 26 September, Holywell Trust, Bishop Street, 6pm
10Women’s Lived Experiences with Autism Conference
Destined are hosting a conference exploring the lived experiences of women with autism and learning disabilities in the Diamond Centre, Claudy on Wednesday 20th September 2023 from 10.00am to 12noon.
Speakers include women with autism and learning disabilities who will talk about their lived experiences with a disability, and parents and carers of families living with a disability in the home who will speak of their experiences and the challenges they encounter accessing appropriate services from the statutory agencies and within the community and voluntary sector.
Several of the speakers will highlight the services that are needed to be in place to address the full lifecycle phases of individuals with autism and/or a learning disability and their families.
The conference will explore the benefits of a cohesive strategic partnership approach to supporting individuals and their families and will set out a route map to identify the resources required to address current and future needs identified and to lobby for these resources.
There will be an opportunity for people in the audience to contribute through a question and answer session.
Recovery Walk NI is the largest outdoor recovery event in Northern Ireland supported by various organisations and community groups.
The Recovery Walk is an event to honour those we have lost to substance use, to celebrate those currently navigating recovery, and to remember why recovery is so important within our communities.
The walk is an excellent way to bring addiction, substance use, and recovery out of the shadows and to build new connections and support networks.
As well as the walk there will be support, information stalls, food and fun on the day.
The Route:
Leaving Ebrington Square @ 10.00am
Walk to NW Transport Hub
Travel by Road up Duke Street - Across Craigavon bridge - Carslile Road - Ferryquay Street - The Diamond - Shipquay Street.
Arrive Guildhall Square @ 11.00am
On completion at Guildhall Square there will be access to service and information stalls, a Mayoral address; food; music and a family atmosphere.
Brought to you in partnership with: ARC Fitness, Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum, Old Library Trust Creggan, The Northlands Centre, Developing Healthy Communities, HURT, The National Lottery Community Fund
12Active Travel Delivery Plan NI - Community engagement - Closing Date Extended
The expression of interest in our workshops has now been extended to 15th September. This would be of particular interest to groups in the Strabane area.
As part of the development of the Department for Infrastructure draft Active Travel Delivery Plan for Northern Ireland Sustrans have been sub-contracted to undertake targeted stakeholder engagement.
The stakeholder engagement will inform behaviour change strategies and feed into the draft plan from early stages of its development which will ultimately support a significant increase in spending on active travel infrastructure.
A series of workshops will be delivered targeting community groups across Northern Ireland. This engagement will take the form of online workshops to discuss/assess Active Travel needs in a particular local area.
We at Nexus are excited to announce our next workshop - 'Bystander Intervention: Becoming an Active Bystander'.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you witnessed something happening but hesitated to intervene? Have you ever wondered what might have happened if you had taken action? We've all been there, and it's time to empower ourselves to be active bystanders.
We are excited to invite you to a transformative and free online workshop that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become an active bystander and make a positive impact in various situations.
Date: Thursday 14th September Time: 10am-12pm Location: Online via Zoom Cost: Free
In today's rapidly evolving world, the landscape of volunteering is undergoing a transformation. Are you ready to seize the opportunity and engage a new wave of volunteers effectively?
Volunteer Now are delighted to partner with Martin J Cowling and Rob Jackson to bring you an exciting seminar for International Volunteer Manager’s Day in November!
This dynamic and engaging seminar is designed to equip your organisation with the insights and practical tools to attract, engage, and retain dedicated volunteers who will drive your mission forward. Your organisation will walk away with actionable tips and insights to attract and retain volunteers in the current volunteering landscape.
We'll also explore the development of methods for measuring the contribution volunteers make to an organisation and society, how those methods work, their pros and cons, why you should measure volunteering and how to use the data you produce.
Together, let's create a powerful force for positive change in our communities.
Date: Wednesday 8 November 2023
Time: 9.45am-3.30pm
Venue: Belfast City Hall
Cost: Early Bird Discount: £36 +VAT until 4pm Fri 8 Sept
Our thanks to the High Sheriff of Belfast, John Kyle for the invitation to hold this event at Belfast City Hall. We are thrilled that John has chosen Volunteer Now as one of his charities this year.
Introduction to Community Action course with Eden Project Communities
Jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking and fun, the Introduction to Community Action course is for anyone interested in making a difference in their community. Places are fully funded, but in high demand so get your application in now!
Our next course starts on Monday 6th November, and takes place over 5 weeks with one online evening session per week.
Part of our Community Camp programme, this short online course explores how to make positive change where you live, from the comfort of your own home!
Continuing to build upon the progress already achieved in pursuit of empowering change within our communities, Good Relations Week 2023 returns from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th September 2023.
This year’s event will embody the spirit of togetherness as we celebrate the remarkable peace-building and cultural diversity efforts to tackle sectarianism, racism, and inequality across the region.
Our mission is to deliver a positive message that ‘Together’ we can make a difference to break down barriers and build more inclusive communities.
Please click here for the full programme of events
North West Methodist Mission has been delivering services to the homeless in Derry/Londonderry for 80 years.
We provide temporary accommodation and support encouraging independent living and progression to permanent accommodation.
Job Vacancy – Team Leader
Ref: T/L NWMM/0923
Position: Permanent
Hours: On average 42 per week on a shift pattern/rota basis
Salary: To be discussed at interview
Location: Men’s Hostel Crawford Square
Essential Criteria:
At least one year’s paid or two year’s voluntary experience working in the homelessness field or related sector and a minimum of six months experience of leading a team
GCSE or equivalent English language & maths grade C or above
Competent in the use of IT applications i.e Microsoft Office and email
Knowledge of the issues associated with homelessness and the support needs of homeless people.
Desirable:
Two years paid experience in the homelessness field or relevant sector
Qualification in housing management, social work, mental health or other relevant qualification
For a full job profile and details on how to apply please email hr.talent@nwmm.co.uk Closing date for applications: Friday 29 September 2023 at 5pm
North West Methodist Mission is an Equal Opportunities Employer
What does a border mean to the people who live there? A checkpoint? A chance to care for neighbours regardless of their beliefs? A way of controlling and watching over people, like in colonial times? A matter of identity?
The Reel Borders Project is unique in its nature. This screening gathers seven exceptional participatory documentary films based on the real experiences of people living in the Irish and Moroccan-Spanish border regions, offering a different view of their everyday during difficult times.
21Echo Echo Festival Present: Tradition and Beyond
A short Festival Rooted in, and extending the Irish Tradition. 22nd - 24th September at Echo Echo's Studios & Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry
The Tradition and Beyond Festival focuses on artists who come from different backgrounds in the rich and varied streams of Traditional Irish Dance. They all continue to work from a deep commitment to it while finding ways that the tradition may develop, adapt and change as time moves on. We focus the festival on artists who are invited to be in residence at Echo Echo Studios and at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. We give these exceptional artists time and space to reflect and create, after which they will perform concerts of new work. We also present Áirc Damhsa in a concert of dance and music and a video screening of a youth dance project by Áirc Damhsa founder Edwina Guckian. The invited artists will also teach open workshops and there's a "round table" discussion to finish off. Come along to watch and join in. Great deals are available on festival passes - make a weekend of it!
Annual Joint Public Health Conference: The Health-Wealth Divide: Leaving No One Behind
Online from 10am on Wednesday, 29 November 2023
We particularly welcome abstract submissions from those working to improve the health of people living in areas of social and economic disadvantage or working directly with underprivileged or marginalised communities.
Examples of work may include, but are not limited to, academic research, community-based projects / practice, health service programmes, participatory health research, public patient involvement (PPI), policy analysis or review, and public health interventions or evaluations.
Abstract submissions will be considered for 10-minute oral presentations or 3-minute oral presentations.
Closing date for submissions: Friday, 15 September at 5pm.
Local people over the age of 50 are being invited to take part in a special project aimed at promoting health and wellbeing in the older community.
Entitled ‘Your Happy Place’, the calendar is an Age Friendly Initiative which aims to address emotional health in later years and encourages older people to take five simple steps - to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and to give - to improve their wellbeing.
In advance of Positive Ageing Month, Derry City and Strabane District Council are encouraging people from the council area aged 50+ to get involved in the calendar by participating in a competition by submitting a photograph or art piece of their Happy Place. The image should capture what or where makes them feel happy and images can take the form of a photograph or a painting (without people).
Anyone interested in taking part in the competition, can submit their entry by email to agefriendly@derrystrabane.com or alternatively post to Age Friendly Co-ordinator, Derry City and Strabane District Council, 98 Strand Road, Derry. BT48 7NN before 5pm on Monday 16th October.Please note that posted entries cannot be returned.
With the complete shutdown of NINIS coming over the next few months we want to make sure you are aware of the following:
NINIS is no longer being updated, so as well as containing old data, it may also contain inaccurate data where datasets have been revised and not uploaded to NINIS - this will also impact on some of the area profiles
Guidance on where you can find similar information once NINIS shuts down can be found using the NINIS redirect page
Check out the Spatial NI app, which has been developed by Land and Property Services (LPS) for NISRA, where you can enter a postcode or an address to find out which geographical area it belongs to
If you are still accessing NINIS it would be helpful if you could let us know by return email (info@nisra.gov.uk), what pages you are accessing and why. This will help us understand user’s needs and plan for the final closure of NINIS over the coming months.
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