NWCN E-bulletin 24 January 2018

1  Upcoming with NWCN

Money Management Training: Supporting Communities with Welfare Reform

Tuesday 30th January 2018, 10am- 4pm
Holywell - DiverseCity Community Partnership

Citizens Advice is offering a free 1-day course on Money Management to groups throughout Northern Ireland, funded by the Department for Communities (DfC).

We want to ensure that money management training is provided to staff, volunteers and members in organisations, networks and community groups.

Those who attend this training can then share their money management knowledge and skills to those financially impacted by welfare reform.

The training will cover:

• All areas of money management (budgeting/saving/credit/banking/debt)
• Impact of Welfare reform
• Digital inclusion - online budgeting tools, comparison sites
• Signposting/referral

To book contact: nichola.macdougall@citizensadvice.co.uk /  028 9023 1120

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2 Urban Villages Community Led Process 18/19 

Please see attached project identification template for completion by those interested in submitting Community Led Project proposals within the Derry-Londonderry Urban Village. We are pleased to be able to increase the overall budget for community projects to £250k, however, most of the increase will be absorbed by the increasing budget requirements of the multi-annual projects. 

As discussed at the Derry-Londonderry Reference Group meeting on 16 January 2018, there will be a small amount of funding available and therefore we are proposing a targeted call for projects in 18/19 to address gaps in certain areas of the programme.

For the Derry-L’derry Urban Village Area we would particularly welcome project proposals which will target Health and Wellbeing.          

Supporting guidance has been attached to assist in the completion of project proposal templates, but we would request that you contact Maureen Fox or Barry Langan if you are intending to submit a proposal.

All project proposals should be completed and returned on the attached template to UVCommunityProjects@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk by noon on Friday 16^th February 2018. Please note that only the information contained in the template will be considered and no additional information should be provided. This is in line with the returning instructions within the attached guidance notes.

Maureen Fox, Local Co-Ordinator can be contacted on 077 0204 4016, maureen.fox@urbanvillagesni.org or Barry Langan, Local Support Officer can be contacted on 074 6941 7863, barry.langan@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

*All quoted attachments available on www.nwcn.org under 'Useful Downloads'*

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3   Rural Business Investment Scheme (Call 4)

NORTHERN IRELAND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014-2020
Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership is responsible for delivering LEADER funding throughout the Derry City and Strabane District Council area under the 2014 – 2020 NI Rural Development Programme. 
 
The Rural Business Investment Scheme is opening for its fourth call. New or existing rurally based micro/ small businesses and social economy enterprises involved in non-agricultural /non agri-food related activities may be eligible to apply.  Job creation and export potential are key objectives of this scheme which will primarily fund capital investments. Marketing funding is also available.  Projects must be investment ready before applying. 
 
The Partnership is keen to encourage applications from areas that have submitted low numbers to date, in particular, from the Sperrin District Electoral Area.   Please note that this may be the last call under this scheme subject to the availability of funding. 
 
To be eligible to make an application, all businesses MUST ATTEND one of the following mandatory pre application workshops AND complete an Expression of Interest form at the workshop.  Previous applicants should re-attend one of these workshops.

PLEASE NOTE: Individual(s) attending the workshop must be either the business owner or a director. 

To book a place at one of the workshops and receive a copy of the Expression of Interest form please email rural.development@derrystrabane.com or phone Derry City and Strabane District Council on 02871 253253 x 6917.  Further information also available at www.derrystrabane.com/rural

Attendance at a workshop or submission of an Expression of Interest does not constitute an offer of funding. The application process will be competitive and not every application will be funded.

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4 PEACE IV Shared space/Youth re-bid tender opportunities

PEACE IV submitted an application for additional funding from SEUPB in 2017.  We anticipate hearing back in 2018.  If successful, a number of further tenders will be advertised.  We hope that local communities will be interested in the opportunities these present.  Opportunities will fall under two themes:

1. ‘Shared Space’ cross-community programmes in 4 geographical areas (Castlederg and surrounding rural area, Newtownstewart and surrounding rural area, Strabane and surrounding rural area, and Shepherds Glen/Bonds Street/Triangle in Derry~Londonderry)   
 

2. Cross-community children and youth programmes (Likely to be 2 tenders – one focused on age 8-11 and the other on age 11-14.  Each tender will be split into 3 geographical areas – Derry~Londonderry, Faughan DEA, Sperrin and Derg DEA including Strabane town.)
We are running 4 open invite/public information sessions to inform communities about these and provide basic generic training on tendering.

Session 1:  Newtownstewart: 3pm – 4pm on Tuesday 23^rd January 2018
Rural NW Community Support Office.
Session 2:  Strabane: Glenelly Room, DCSD Council Offices, Strabane.
11.30am – 12.30pm, Tuesday 27^th February 2018
Session 3:  Castlederg.  Date and time TBC but anticipated end February.
Session 4:  Derry~Londonderry, Shared Future Centre (Top floor)
2.30pm – 3.30pm Monday 5^th February 2018

Advance registration is helpful but not essential: peace@derrystrabane.com 

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5 Measuring Your Social Impact Workshop 

25 February 18, 9:30am - 12:30pm

Training will include:

• Introduction to social impact
• background and how social impact has gained momentum
• Understanding importance of measuring
• how it can be measured
• Understanding outcomes - best practice and case studies
• How to engage with stakeholders
• Developing your Theory of Change
• Exploring tools available and data capture
• Communicating your impact

Venue: Social Enterprise Hub Derry

The Old Fire Station, 1A Hawkin St, Derry, BT48 6RD

Cost: FREE

RSVP: Amanda@socialenterpriseni.org / 028 9046 1810

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6 CO3 Leadership Conference & Awards 2018

Special Offer Early Bird Rate Ends Soon!

Thursday 1 March | La Mon Hotel, Castlereagh, Belfast | Early Bird Rate Available

Be a part of one of the most exciting, engaging and inspirational Third Sector events of the year at the CO3 Leadership

Conference & Awards which will take place on Thursday 1 March at the La Mon Hotel, Castlereagh, Belfast. (view the programme online here).

During the course of the day we will have over 20 conference contributors with keynote addresses from internationally bestselling author and leadership expert Dr Sam Collins, five-time TED.com speaker Julian Treasure and Muslim Aid CEO, Jehangir Malik.

With 200+ delegates at the 2018 Leadership Conference it will be an unrivalled opportunity to network with a range of leaders from across the Third, Public and Private Sector.

The theme of the Conference is Untapping Potential.  The title is appropriate given that the Third Sector has proved its effectiveness, through a range of outcomes in health and social care, housing, criminal justice and in many more areas. Yet our value and worth is not fully recognised and appreciated.  The Sector faces many issues however, there is significant potential also. 

We hope that you will consider attending on 1 March 2018 for what is sure to be a fantastic conference filled with learning and networking, followed by a celebration of the sector at the glittering Leadership Awards.

CO3 have extended their Early Bird Member Rate to Non CO3 Members so make sure to book before the offer ends on 31 January!

If you have not done so already, please register now via the booking form below and we can invoice your organisation. Please forward your booking form to rachel@co3.bz or Tel: 028 90 245 356.

Tickets and more info available here: https://www.co3.bz/buy-tickets  

EXHIBITION STAND: CO3 have offers for Members to have an exhibition stand – if you are interested in booking a stand please contact tracey@co3.bz to learn more about our packages.

CONTACT: If you have further bookings to make please contact Rachel@co3.bz or Tel: 028 90 245 356.

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 7 Charities Working Across Borders Conference
 
6 February 2018 - 9:30am to 1:30pm

In association with Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants, NICVA and The Wheel are pleased to invite you to our conference “Charities Working Across Borders” on Tuesday 6 February at the Armagh City Hotel.

We will examine the similarities and challenges for organisations working both North and South including charity, company and financial regulations.

We are delighted to welcome Frances McCandless, CEO of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and John Farrelly, CEO of the Charities Regulatory Authority to speak at the event. You will also hear from Rosemary Peters Gallagher from Moore Stephens on the issue of financial regulation North and South and from Inspire CEO, Professor Peter McBride, on their experience working on an all-island basis.

This event will be of interest to organisations currently operating or considering a move to working on a North/South basis.  

Register here: http://www.nicva.org/event/charities-working-across-borders-conference

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8 Free training available for volunteers

• QNUK Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work

Venue: North West Volunteer Centre

Date:  Tuesday 20th February 2018

Time:  10.00 - 4.00pm

Cost: Free for volunteers & volunteer involving organisations in Derry City & Strabane area

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider
2. Be able to assess an incident
3. Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty
4. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty who is choking
5. Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with external bleeding
6. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty who is in shock
7. Know how to provide first aid to a casualty with minor injuries

This qualification is assessed by a multiple choice paper and practical observations.

• QNUK Level 2 Safeguarding & Protecting Children & Young People

Venue: North West Volunteer Centre

Date:  Thursday 8th March 2018

Time:  10.00 - 4.00pm

Cost: Free for volunteers & volunteer involving organisations in Derry City & Strabane area

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand how to safeguard and protect children, young people and practitioners in the workplace.
2. Know how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child or young person has been abused.

This qualification is assessed by a multiple choice paper.
To request a booking form, please contact the volunteer centre on 028 71 271 017 or email julie@volunteeringnorthwest.co.uk

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9  Enterprise Programme with The Prince's Trust

80,000 people have started a business with Prince’s Trust support…could you be next?

Plumbers, joiners, mechanics, make-up artists, hairdressers, photographers, musicians, artists, personal trainers and many more!

Who is the Enterprise Programme for?

Young people aged 18 to 30 who are unemployed or working less than

16 hours a week.

What does the Enterprise programme offer?

Free 4 day Enterprise Course covering Business start-up, skills training and Business planning support;

Test marketing grants of up to £250 (to help you test your business idea);

Potential start-up loan funding up to £5,000;*

Small business grants in special circumstances

Up to 2 years support from a volunteer business mentor

*conditions apply

Information Session:

• Tues 27^th Feb or Tue 6^th March @ 11am

Enterprise Course

•  Mon 12^th- Thurs 15^th March, 10am-4pm each day

Location: Labour Relations Agency, Guildhall St, Derry, BT48 6BB

We reimburse travel costs to and from the Information Session and Enterprise Course

To register your interest, Text “Call me” to 07983 385 418.  Call for free on 0800 842 842

Email: outreachNI@princes-trust.org.uk    

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10 Latest Offers from Salto Youth & Momentum World

Salto Youth:

COMETS – Understanding and facilitating individual and group learning processes
2 - 8 May 2018 | Vienna, Austria
Training for Trainers on ‘Understanding and facilitating individual and group learning processes’ based on the ETS competence model for trainers working at international level.
Organizer: INTERKULTURELLES ZENTRUM (National Agency)
This activity is for participants from: Russian Federation, Eastern Partnership countries, Erasmus+: Youth in Action Programme countries, Western Balkan countries
Application deadline (24h CET): 1 February 2018

See details

Euro-Med Youth Forum “Sustainable Participation and Active Citizenship”
18 - 22 April 2018 | Larnaca, Cyprus
This Forum is an initiative of the Erasmus+ National Agency of Cyprus and its Partner Institutions in an effort to strengthen cooperation in the EuroMed area.
Organizer: Youth Board of Cyprus (National Agency)
This activity is for participants from: Erasmus+: Youth in Action Programme countries, Southern Mediterranean countries
Application deadline (24h CET): 26 February 2018

See details

 
Coaching in the training design - Trainer Skills Workshop (TSW)
22 - 25 May 2018 | Tallinn, Estonia
This is a skills-oriented workshop for trainers with a long-term experience in the youth field, who have been in touch with coaching/mentoring practices and want to explore these approaches further when it comes to designing training activities.
Organizer: Archimedes Foundation Youth Agency (Estonian National Agency) (National Agency)
This activity is for participants from: Erasmus+: Youth in Action Programme countries, Partner Countries Neighbouring the EU
Application deadline (24h CET): 1 March 2018

See details

Momentum World:
Do you work with young people who are looking for the next step to boost their employability? We have the following life-changing experiences on offer.  All you need to do is put them in touch with us at office@momentumworld.org and we will do the rest...

SLOVAKIA - "Daphne" - Immediate Start!
2 placements available in Bratislava for young people aged 18 to 30 from the UK starting as soon as possible until 15th July 2018.  Work in the head office of a nature conservation organisation which works in the community running environmental education workshops, learn methods of working with children and participate in the creation and implementation of educational programmes in English for kindergarten, primary and secondary schools.

PORTUGAL - "Youth Going Glocal" - 6th February to 6th July 2018 
2 placements available in Cascais (European Youth Capital 2018), near Lisbon, for young people aged 18 to 30 from the UK - organising events, writing online articles and making videos.  Support events such as conferences, sports activities, workshops with local youngsters.  Participate in school sessions and meetings with local youth organisations.

PORTUGAL - "Build It Up" - Dates below
2 placements available in Palmela, near Lisbon for young people aged 18 to 30 from the UK - 1 from 21st February to 16th April and 1 from 2nd May to 27th June 2018. Support the renovation of the Youth House - activities will include masonry, carpentry, painting, gardening and cleaning. Help with running cultural, sports and musical activities and workshops with children and young people.

SPAIN - "Visionars On Board" - Dates below
2 placements available in Lugo, North Western Spain for young people aged 18 to 30 from the UK - 1 from 7th March to 17th April and 1 from 23rd April to 4th June.  The project is aimed primarily at local youth, but the goal is to involve the entire community.  The main activity is the construction of a disc golf course in a public space.  Each group will construct a course and help with the promotion of the new sport to the local community, organising public events.

GREECE - "Balkan Inspirations" - March 2018 to January 2019
4 placements available in Thessaloniki for young people aged 18 to 30 from the UK from March 2018 to January 2019 working on articles for website, radio podcasts, Web TV and E-magazine.  Tasks include organisation and development of programmes about youth social issues and cultural activities, managing website and social networks, organising special events and workshops.

AND FOR THOSE WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE:-
ROMANIA - "Intervention For Youth" Training Course - 18th to 26th March 2018
Taking place in Timisoara this is a course for youth workers which aims to increase the level of involvement of young people from disadvantaged communities of large cities, to improve their key competences and skills and promote participation in the community and labour market.  The focus is on involving young people who have not had the opportunity to participate in mobility projects, for which the experience is all the more valuable.  Participants will learn to design and promote educational, cultural and recreational activities to animate groups and communities. They will learn how to assess the interests of a certain community and how to respond to their needs.
Following the training course, the participants will select a group of 4 young people to join a youth exchange in June 2018. The main focus of the youth exchange is empowering young people as social change agents. It aims to encourage young people to become active and responsible and citizens.

UNITED KINGDOM - "Time For Tea" - 10th to 14th April 2018
We are looking for youth workers and teachers from the UK who want to inspire and empower young people to take part in an activity culminating in a showcase event in April 2018. Join participants from 18 different countries and learn how to use a great international education programme and get resources and support for you to run your own project. 

For further details or to apply for a place on any of the above projects please email office@momentumworld.org

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11  Teatime Event Tonight - Extern - Refugee Project

The young people from Extern will lead a Teatime Event featuring videos and work on the refugee project that they have been working on over the last few months. 

This event is also part of the Holocaust Memorial Day programme in the North West and will take place in Holywell Building on Wednesday January 24, at 6pm-7.30pm

A light dinner will be provided. Please confirm attendance for catering purposes on hello@holywelltrust.com

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12 ‘Community of Homes’: FREE Youth Digital Art project

Beginning Monday 29th January for 10 weeks

The Churches Trust in partnership with the Inner City Trust and the Nerve Centre are recruiting 20 young people (16 – 20 years) to take part in this imaginative, creative art project, funded by the Department for Communities.

The platform on which the project will be framed is the creation of a public art piece as a team. This is a themed project of ‘togetherness’ where participants will ultimately produce one piece of public art.

Benefits of taking part:

• £50 voucher on completion of project (attendance dependent)
• Free Lunch
• OCN Level 1 in digital Fabrication
• OCN level 1 in Good Relations
• Public display of completed art in Garden of Reflection

For further details contact Wendy at The Churches Trust:
Telephone: 02871 311322
Email: wendymccloskey@thechurchestrust.org.uk

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13   50th Anniversary of Civil Rights 1968-2018 - Invitation to Events

‘Reflections on 68’ – Derry Londonderry, Friday 26th a January 2018, 6.30 pm

The Derry launch of programme will be held at 6:30pm on Friday 26 January 2018 in The Junction, 10-12 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6PW

With Professor Paul Arthur opening followed by contributions from Maureen Hetherington, Ethical Remembering and civil rights activists Ivan Cooper and Deirdre O’Doherty.
Address on civil rights by Dr Emmet O’Connor, Lecturer Ulster University. 

Tickets are free but we ask you to book so we can manage numbers. 

https://getinvited.to/slugger/derry-launch-of-civil-rights-50th-anniversary-programme-reflections-on-68/

Launch of Civil Rights 50th Anniversary Programme with Keynote address from Poet Michael Longley

The launch of Civil Rights 50th Anniversary Programme will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday 25 January 2017 in First Presbyterian Church, 41 Rosemary Street, Belfast, BT1 1QB. 

Introduction by Professor Paul Arthur with a keynote address from Michael Longley, renowned poet and winner of the PEN Pinter Prize 2017 for defending freedom of expression.
Tickets are free but we ask you to book so we can manage numbers. 

https://getinvited.to/slugger/launch-of-civil-rights-50th-anniversary-programme-with-keynote-address-from-poet-michael-longley/

 

‘Civil Rights Then and Now’ – Reconciling Difference

‘Civil Rights Then and Now’ – Reconciling Difference - East Belfast 5 February 2018.

The 50th Anniversary Civil Rights Commemoration Committee and Tuaras in East Belfast wish to invite you to a discussion on ‘Civil Rights Then and Now – Reconciling Difference’ at 6:30pm on Monday 5 February 2018 in Skainos Centre 239 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1AF.
Speakers: Rev Mervyn Gibson, Cllr John Kyle and civil rights activist Brid Rodgers.
The Civil Rights Committee wish to engage in constructive dialogue with those who did not, or do not, share the views of the Civil Rights leadership.

https://getinvited.to/slugger/civil-rights-then-and-now-reconciling-difference/

For any enquiries contact:
Tim Attwood

AttwoodT@belfastcity.gov.uk

Tel:0780 2279939

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14  Syrian Refugee and Arabic Culture Awareness Training & ‘Getting to know your institutions’ 

 
Syrian Refugee and Arabic Culture Awareness Training
 
Derry City and Strabane District Council Good Relations team are delighted to invite individuals to register for a free day of training.

The aim of the course is to give locally resident community workers, youth workers,
and individuals the opportunity to increase their understanding and awareness of
Syrian Refugees and Arabic Culture, in particular the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation
Scheme.  There will also be the opportunity to hear from Refugees about their experiences of
coming to Northern Ireland.

Venue: Fir Trees Hotel                                    

Date:    Monday 29th January 2018                    

Time:   9.45am – 4.00pm      

Booking form available on www.nwcn.org under 'Useful Downloads' (Letter & Booking form)

Please return the completed form as soon as possible and no later than 3.00pm Wednesday 24^th January 2018.
 
Amanda Biega, Derry City and Strabane District Council, 47 Derry Road, Strabane, BT82 8DY
tel: 028 7125 3253 ext 4298
e-mail: Amanda.biega@derrystrabane.com         

‘Getting to know your institutions’
Derry City and Strabane District Council would like to inform you about an upcoming
Good Relations course, which takes place over 6 weeks during February and March 2018. 
The course aims to make people more aware of institutions such as the Orange Order,
GAA, Churches, etc.  It will involve a mystery tour of visits to these intuitions in the Council
area to find out about the history and importance of these institutions to their patrons.
The course comes with the option of OCN Level II accreditation.
 
Participants will get a chance to visit the premises of the institutions to take them physically
into a space that they may not have been in before and it will give the institutions a
chance to give different perceptions of their organisations and get rid of some
myths surrounding them.  Participants will not know in advance which institution that
they are visiting each week to make sure that people are open minded about the course and
not self selecting.  Participants have to be able to attend all sessions which will be held
on Monday evenings from the 5^th February right through to 12^th March 2018. 
Transport will be provided each week to get people to the institutions.
 
Below are details of the event and a booking form, which must be completed in order
to apply to gain a place on the course.  Applications will be accepted on a “first come
first served” basis.  Please complete the registration form and return as soon

as possible and no later than Wednesday 31^st January 2018. 
 
Should you wish to find out more information about this course, please contact Amanda Biega on 028 71 253253.
Good Relations Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Council

‘Getting to know your institutions’
Application Form

This form may be photocopied. Only one individual per form please.
(OFFICE USE ONLY - FORM RECEIVED at ______on __________  )
  Personal Contact Details:  _____________________________           
 
  Name: ______________________________________________
 
  Job Title: ____________________________________________
 
  Community/Voluntary Group: _________________________
 
  Address: _____________________________________________
 
  Email:-______________________________________________
 
  Tel No: ______________________________________________
 
Perceived Community Background
  ⃞  Roman Catholic         ⃞  Protestant         ⃞  Other
 
Rural /Urban
  ⃞ I am from an Urban Area     ⃞ I am from a rural area (population less 4,500)
 
Dates and times of Course
Pick up from a central location each evening from 6.45pm – return by 9.15pm
5^th February 2018
12^th February 2018
19^th February 2018
26^th February 2018
5^th March 2018
12^th March 2018
 
Derry City and Strabane District Council - ‘Getting to know your institutions’ OCN Accredited
Special Requirements:
 Do you have any disabilities or special requirements we need to be aware of?
⃞ Yes       ⃞ No: If yes, please state: _______________________
 
Have you any special dietary requirements?
⃞ Yes       ⃞ No: If yes, please state:              _________________
 
General
 
⃞   I confirm that I understand the project involves participation in dialogue between people from diverse backgrounds on a range of issues.
 
⃞   I understand that in signing up for this course, I am committing to attending all six sessions of the course.
  
Signature: ____________________________________
 
Date: __________________________
 
Please return your completed form, by 31^st January (at the latest) to:
Amanda Biega
Good Relations Officer
Derry City and Strabane District Council
47 Derry Road
Strabane
BT82 8DY
Email: Amanda.biega@derrystrabane.com

This project has received financial support from the District Council’s Good Relations Programme, The Executive Office NI                                                     

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15 Amplify Sessions #1 - Participatory & Peer Research

Amplify Sessions are kicking off in Derry/Londonderry!

Amplify Sessions is a series of workshops that will help people come together to understand how people in their communities experience inequalities, tell the stories of their communities that often get overlooked, and use these insights to work in collaboration with communities to create solutions.

Thursday 1 February , 12.00 – 2.00 incl. lunch
Holywell Trust, 10-12 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PR

Join us for an informal introduction to participatory and peer research.
If you're looking for new ways to engage with the people who benefit from what you do, this Session could give you some useful ideas and tools.

Over the next two Sessions, we'll be covering:

• How participatory and peer research could benefit your project or organisation
• How to carry out participatory and peer research
• Research ethics
• What to do with research findings

 Lunch will be provided. 

If this sounds like something you want to hear more about, and we sound like the type of people you want to meet and have some lunch with, then come along and bring a friend or colleague!

For further information and to RSVP, please contact Alice: alice.neeson@youngfoundation.org

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16  Rethinking Engagement a Dialogue Approach

Rural Community Network and Community Places in partnership with three local communities delivered a project exploring the issues around the siting of renewable energy technology in rural communities in 2016.  We used an innovative engagement tool called the Public Conversations Project Dialogue methodology to ask citizens and other stakeholders to explore in depth their positions on this often contentious issue.

We are now in the process of sharing the learning from the project and showcasing the engagement technique which has been used to facilitate difficult conversations across a wide range of issues worldwide.  This workshop will set out the learning from the project but will also give participants an opportunity to practise the technique.

Workshops are being held in:
Holywell Diversecity Community Partnership Building, 10-12 Bishop St Derry on Wednesday 7 February 11am-1.30pm

Fermanagh Trust, Fermanagh House, Broadmeadow Place Enniskillen on Thursday 8 February 11am-1.30pm.

To book your place please contact Teresa McKernan on 028 8676 6670 or email teresa@ruralcommunitynetwork.org

This project is funded by Building Change Trust as part of its Civic Activism Programme.

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17  ASCERT Launches New Alcohol and Drug Training Calendar 

Drug and alcohol support charity, ASCERT, is delighted to launch a new calendar of Workforce Development Training running from January to June 2018, funded by the Public Health Agency. Courses are aimed at practitioners working with adults, children or young people within the statutory and voluntary/community sectors, and are designed to develop knowledge and skills in addressing drug and alcohol misuse. Courses are free and are CPD certified.

Courses for people working adults

Foundation Module: Adults and Family Members (3 days)

 Accredited Advanced Module  - Level 3 Certificate in Substance Misuse (12 days)

 Substance Misuse Awareness (1 Day)

 Parental Substance Misuse (2 days)

 Substance Misuse Awareness (1 day)

 Supporting Family Members (2 days)

 Understanding Alcohol Awareness (1/2 day)

 Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (1 day)

Courses for people working with children and young people

Foundation Module: Children, Young People & Families (3 days)

Safeguarding Children: Hidden Harm Protocol (1/2 day)

The Regional Initial Assessment Tool for Young People (RIAT) (1/2 day)

Working with Young People & Substance Misuse (2 days)

Further information on the courses including dates and venues is available here (http://www.ascert.biz/training-consultancy/workforce-development-training/ Please note courses can only be booked online through the ASCERT website.

If you cannot find a course that is suitable to you we can provide or develop bespoke programmes that will meet your specific needs (there will be a charge for this).  For more information contact us at training@ascert.biz or telephone 0800 2545 123.  

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18  HURT'S AGM

HURT's AGM will be held on Tuesday February 6th 2018 at 5pm in Holywell Trust, Bishop Street, Derry.

All welcome  

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19  Peace in the Park Upcoming Events

• Bike Fit Monthly Family Cycle!

Join us for the Bike Fit Monthly Family Cycle! This monthly cycle is an inclusive cycle for disabled and non-disabled people with availability of inclusive bikes and fully qualified instructors. This is a perfect Sunday activity for children and families!

Date: January 28, 2018 (and the last Sunday of every month)
Time: 11:00 – 12:00
Location: Start at the Foyle Arena and end at St. Columb’s Park House.
Cost: Free
Pre-Registration: at the Foyle Arena or St. Columb’s Park House.

For more information, please contact Kieran Coyle at kcoyle@liveactiveni.co.uk or 077 9903 8327.

This monthly inclusive cycle is in collaboration with St. Columb’s Park House’s “Peace in the Park” project funded by The Executive Office, Get Out Get Active and Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Everybody Active Programme.   

• Maiden City Ultimate

Maiden City Ultimate is Derry/Londonderry’s newest Ultimate Frisbee Club. Check out the fun at practice this Friday, January 26, from 6:00 p.m– 8:00 p.m at the Foyle Arena. Beginners are welcome!

For more information, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MaidenCityUltimate/ or contact Alan at ahogg3@live.co.uk.

Maiden City Ultimate is supported by St. Columb’s Park House’s “Peace in the Park” project funded by the Executive Office.

• Big Garden Birdwatch

Friends of the Park Present RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. Come and join us in the beautiful and historic St. Columb’s Park for a morning of fascinating and peaceful birdwatching! We will all be meeting at St. Columb's Park House at 10:00 and then wander around the Park to identify different birds. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm, a love of birds, and perhaps binoculars if you have them!

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m

Date: January 27, 2018

Location: St. Columb’s Park House

This is a Friends of the Park event, and is supported by St. Columb's Park House and Peace in the Park, funded by The Executive Office.

For more information, contact eliza@stcolumbsparkhouse.org, or call 028 7134 3080.

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20  Launch of New Community Choir with AGE Concern

In collaboration with Older People North West (Age Concern Derry), Louis Fields, a Masters student and musician, is starting a new community choir for people over the age of 60. The choir is open to anyone, regardless of their musical experiences, gender, social or religious background, with no membership fees nor auditions.

Singing in a choir brings with it many benefits, including boosting mental health and social health, providing opportunities to make new friends and relax, improving respiratory health and just improving your overall well-being.

Rehearsals will take place in Malvern House (Chapel Road) from 6.30pm-8.00pm, beginning on Monday 29^th January for 6 weeks, and then Monday 9^th April for 6 weeks. We hope at the culmination of this to hold a concert to share the music with friends, family and the local community.  We hope also to hold an intergenerational concert, combining this choir with a cross-community choir made up of students from schools across the city.

If you have any questions or would like to join, please contact:
Louis Fields
07784841990 / louisfields13@hotmail.co.uk

Or alternatively, please contact Older People North West (Age Concern) on 028 7134 7478 or email development@olderpeoplenorthwest.org

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21 Environmental Gathering 3rd February

3^rd February, St Columb's Park House, Limavady Rd, Derry

1:30 PM –3:00PM

1:00 PM –Welcome and Registration

Introductions

Presentations by 

“NO ARC 21” briefing us on their “Stop the Incinerator Campaign” to date (15 mins max)

 Colin Buick will present on the challenges after Controversial Planning Permission in September 2107 and the upcoming Judical Review on the 14^th February 2018.

“Protect Our North Coast”-  A  Success Story in Campaigning (15 min max)

 Melanie Brown from PONC    will share her group’s experience over three years on opposing plans for hydrocarbon exploration and extraction on the North Coast .

“Zero Waste North West” will speak on their Campaign to date (15 min max)

 Maeve O’Neill and Jim Keys  will talk about how campaigning against Incineration and for “ Fresh Derry Air” evolved into a diverse group looking at long term environmental solutions. 

UPDATES FROM Groups who presented in November.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PANEL

BREAK 

3:30 PM- 5:00PM

Discussion and Brainstorming in Groups.  

Suggested Subgroupings: from Gathering on the 18^th November.

1.Changing the face of Environmentalism, Making Cool/Sexy, Reclaim Space/ Agenda for Environment, Leap Manifesto, Engaging Young People, Social media.

2. Collective Lobbying/Voice, Direct Action, Mobilization, One big March.

3. Independent Environmental Protection Agency, Structural/System Change, Rights for Mother Nature/ Accountability

4. Workshops, Training.

5. Campaigning Website, Resources for groups, Information Hub,(Physical or online?), Citizens Fund, Independent Authorative Voice.

6. Art Attack, Film on Disaster of Planning in Northern Ireland. Songs, Drama, Dance.

7. Active Networking with groups/individuals, sharing of information with other networks eg  N. West Community Network, Localized groups.

 Brainstorming on “How we take the Gathering Forward?”

THREE MINUTE Presentations from “Wreck/ Komrade” – a grouping who stopped the damning of a valley in the Mourne Mountains., “Save Our Lough” a  campaign for the preservation of Carlingford  Lough,” N. West Red Squirrels”, “Friends of the Earth”, Keady Quarry Campaign, Fermanagh Anti- Fracking Group and Stop the Limavady Pig Farm Campaign.

More information:  marymcguiggan@btinternet.com

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22 Job Opportunities with The Verbal Arts Centre

THE THIRD SPACE – A PEACE IV PROJECT

The Third Space, delivered in partnership with Extern, is a new and innovative programme merging creative activities with the Interventive Relationship Model to deliver high impact and transformative engagement with 800 young people who are marginalized and disadvantaged from Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, Donegal, Cavan and Fermanagh.

This programme aims to:

• Nurture and develop personal and civic capacity among young people who struggle to engage with their community and wider society
• Contribute to lower levels of community divisions through positive personal development, purposeful learning and interaction.
  The Third Space utilizes the existing infrastructure within Extern as well as Community and Youth Centres, healthcare settings and other local venues to deliver a fully accessible, customised programme of activities tailored to meet the needs of all participants.
  We invite applications for the following positions:

1. Development Manager (Part Time – 28 hours per week)
2. Literary Guide (Story Mapping) (Full Time – 36 hours per week)

These are Fixed-term posts for four years based in Derry~Londonderry. Please contact us for an application pack:

• Contact: Sinead McLaughlin
• Email: sinead.mclaughlin@theverbal.co
• Tel: 028 7126 6946
  Closing date for applications is: 12 noon on Wednesday, 31st January 2018.
  It should be noted that the criteria for this post may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
  In order to fulfil Funder requirements, Interviews will be held on 8th and 9th February 2018.
  The Verbal Arts Centre operates a Child Protection Policy. The Verbal Arts Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
  This project has been supported by the EU’s Peace IV Programme, managed by SEUPB
  Previous applicants need not apply

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23 La Dolce Vita Project seeking Voluntary Board Members

La Dolce Vita Project a therapeutic counselling and support charity working with those impacted by domestic and sexual violence regardless of gender.  We are actively seeking to recruit Voluntary Board Members to support the future decisions and development of our organisation.

We are seeking individuals who have an understanding of the community and voluntary sectors and the local authority support that is involved to support those at risk of harm while living or leaving and abusive environment to support key decisions with La Dolce Vita Projects future plans. Other skills and experience which we are interested in to support the already existing Board members include:  Fundraising, Law, Finance, Community relations.

If you feel you would be interested in becoming apart of La Dolce Vita Project we ask that you email: ladolcevita@5277@gmail.com to request and expression of interest form or telephone our office on 028 7137 7272.

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24   Opportunities to become a School Board of Governor

The Department of Education (DE) and the Education Authority (EA) have launched a recruitment exercise to reconstitute Northern Ireland schools’ Boards of Governors during 2018.

Boards of Governors are reconstituted on a rolling basis, usually every four years.  The aim of which is to ensure that the membership of Boards of Governors have the skills and experience to enable them, with the necessary training and support, to fulfil their responsibilities in relation to their schools.

School governors play a pivotal role in our education system.  The Board of Governors of a school provides strategic management, constructive challenge and accountability, and as such, hold the school Principal to account for the day to day management of their school and for maintaining high standards of education for the children and young people within their school.

Voluntary service as a school governor provides an opportunity for individuals to make an important contribution to their local community and to develop a variety of skills which could be of benefit in a number of other situations.

The purpose of my letter is to seek your support by bringing to the attention of your staff and members the range of school governor opportunities currently available.

Governor appointments are open to individuals from all walks of life; all that is required is an interest in education and an ability to work as part of a team. Training will be provided.

Information on the role of the school governor, along with a short promotional video, is available on the Department’s website - www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/school-governor-appointments.

Application forms for school governor are also available on the Departments website of from the School Governance Team on 028 9127 9404 or by e-mail at govapps@education-ni.gov.uk.