E-Zine - Supporting Communities
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17th February 2021
E-Zine
Welcome to Supporting Communities 160th Edition of E-Zine, bringing you Best Practice
from the Community Sector; Funding and Training Updates and Policy Developments in
Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Republic of Ireland
Communities Minister welcomes distribution
of heritage funding for local projects
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has
announced that 29 heritage projects are to benefit
from Covid support funding.
A total of £241,900 in grants will be awarded to the Letters of offer will be issued this week for the 29
initiatives through the Community Heritage Fund, projects which are to be delivered before the end of
which was funded by the Department for March 2021.
Communities and distributed by The National
Lottery Heritage Fund. Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland, The
National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
The Community Heritage Fund aims to support “Our local places have become more important
small-scale projects which help to connect than ever throughout this pandemic, and through
communities to the heritage in their local area. this fund, we hope to encourage people to get to
know the heritage on their doorstep that bit better.
Minister Hargey said: “I am delighted to announce
that my Department is supporting 29 new projects. “We’re grateful to the Department for Communities
“These small projects will have a big impact in our for providing the funding and we’re delighted to
local communities. They will give a much needed fund a diverse range of projects which will make a
boost to our community based activity and create huge impact on many communities across
new heritage content for us all to enjoy. Northern Ireland.”
“The projects will be delivered in various locations The Community Heritage Fund was just one of the
including Rathlin Island, East Belfast, Strabane and funds which was launched by the Department to
online. They will deliver new things, inspired by old support the arts, culture, heritage and language
things – stories, heritage trails, crafts and gardens, sectors impacted by Covid-19.
and much more. Check out The National Lottery
Heritage Fund’s website for more details of projects The funding will be used for a wide range of
that are happening near you.” projects including delivering video storytelling
sessions to people with dementia, providing
Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000 and will be genealogy workshops and developing heritage
administered by The National Lottery Heritage trails.
Fund on the Department’s behalf.
Health Minister calls on public to report child protection concerns
Health Minister Robin Swann has said that children’s “During these difficult
services remain open and ready to help protect times, families are
children and to support families despite the Covid-19 facing different
pandemic. pressures.
The Minister’s comment follows evidence of a There is a range of
significant decrease in child protection referrals in support available in the
Northern Ireland in recent weeks. community, including
through Family Support
Mr Swann stated: “Child protection figures can vary Hubs which are continuing to support families in a
substantially week on week. However, the average number of creative and innovative ways.”
number of child protection referrals since Christmas
have dropped by more than a third. Chief Social Work Officer Seán Holland said: “While
the figures fluctuate from week to week, such a large
“Normally social services receive referrals from a drop in referrals recently is a very concerning trend
range of sources, including schools, GPs, and and could potentially lead to children’s needs not
hospital nurses, extended family and members of the being met or, even more worryingly, children being at
public. But with many children not being currently at risk of harm.”
school, making them less visible in their communities
than would normally be the case, there is a risk that He continued: “During this pandemic children and
children who may need care and support are not young people are spending more time online and, as
being identified. a consequence, the risk of online harm has
increased. We all have a responsibility to keep our
“I would urge members of the public to contact Health children and young people safe,
and Social Care Trust Gateway Services or the
NPSCC helpline if they have concerns about a child Parents and carers need to be even more vigilant of
not being safe or receiving the care they need. Any their children’s activity online at this time. For those
concerns that a child is in immediate danger should who require assistance, there are a lot of resources
be referred to the PSNI via 999 without delay. already available some of which can be accessed
through the nidirect website.”
Guidance for Volunteering During Lockdown
As you know, in Northern Ireland we have moved As organisations, you will have
once again into a period of tighter restrictions in an to decide if your volunteering
attempt to reduce the transmission of COVID -19 roles need to be carried out
within our community. during this period and how they
can be completed while adhering
Volunteer Now is therefore updating their guidance in to all the specific regulations.
terms of what this means for volunteering.
Organisations will need to use a risk assessment
We are asking volunteer involving organisations to process to support their decision making and to
consider the regulations guidance very carefully to manage the risk.
see how they might apply to their own volunteer roles.
Organisations will also need to talk to volunteers
In particular, the message from Government is very about continuing to volunteer if they feel comfortable
clear that we should all stay at home where to do so, providing them with all the relevant
possible. information from the guidelines about social
distancing, numbers that can meet outdoors,
From 8 January 2021 you can only leave home with a households and bubbles, safety measures.
‘reasonable excuse’ such as for medical or food
needs, exercise and work that cannot be done from Those considered as clinically extremely vulnerable
home. should not be volunteering outside the home.
Notably the guidelines state that you can leave home The new regulations guidance can be found at
to provide voluntary or charitable services, if you https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-
cannot reasonably do so from home. 19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you
2
NI ASSEMBLY UPDATE
Assembly Business
The most recent plenary sessions of the Assembly considered a range of measures relating to a
Public Petition: Broadband in the Sperrins, Covid Support Payment for Students, Committee
Membership, Executive Committee Business, Protection from Stalking Bill: Second Stage, The Road Traffic
Offenders (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020, Private Members Business, Functioning of Government
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill: Final Stage and The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2)
(Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The report of the plenary sessions of the Assembly are available at;
http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/officialreport.aspx
Committee for Communities
The minutes of meetings of the Communities Committee are available at; http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-
business/committees/2017-2022/communities/minutes-of-proceedings/session-2019---2020/
New Executive Ministers announced
The Executive Office has confirmed that Gordon Lyons will be Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural
Affairs.He is to replace DAERA Minister Edwin Poots who stepped down for health reasons at 11.59pm on
February 1.
Gary Middleton will replace Gordon Lyons as a Junior Minister in The Executive Office.
Consultations
Draft Cavity Wall Insulation Action Plan
A three month consultation has been launched by the Housing Executive on its draft Cavity Wall Insulation Action
Plan. Hosted on the Housing Executive’s website, responses are being sought from interested parties
before 31 March, 2021. Feedback gathered from this consultation exercise will be used to create a final action plan,
which will be released next summer. Read the Draft Cavity Wall Insulation Action Plan: consultation document
(clicking the link will open a new window).
Download the consultation document (PDF 1MB)
A Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations
Consultation opened on 28 September 2017. Closing date 21 December 2017.
This Consultation Outcome Report sets out feedback from consultees. 18 of the proposals for change will proceed
as per the original 2017 consultation. Two of the proposals (intimidation points and interim accommodation points)
will not proceed and options will be explored for alternative proposals. The report also sets out next steps and
timescales for implementation by the Housing Executive.
To view the report, go to;
Consultation Outcome Report- A Fundermental Review of Social Housing Allocations (communities-ni.gov.uk)
Audit of Inequalities
Translink
NITHC Reports (translink.co.uk)
Closing date; Tuesday 9th March 2021
Legislative options to inform the development of an Adult Protection Bill for Northern Ireland
Department of Health
Legislative options to inform the development of an Adult Protection Bill for Northern Ireland - NI Direct - Citizen Space
Closing date; Thursday 11th March 2021
Draft Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031
Department of Health
Consultation on the Draft Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 | Department of Health (health-ni.gov.uk)
Closing date; Friday 26th March 2021
3
Special Focus
Making Legislation; Private Members’ Bills
The Northern Ireland Assembly is the legislature for making the case for proceeding to drafting without
Northern Ireland. This means it has the power, under engaging in consultation (e.g. where a full public
the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to make laws, or legislate, consultation has already been held). Subject to the
on local issues, called 'Transferred Matters' or 'Devolved Speaker’s acceptance of the reasons, this would exempt
Matters'. They include health, education, policing, them from the obligation to consult. In such cases, the
agriculture, environment, roads and public transport. Member is still expected to notify the relevant
Proposals for laws for consideration by the legislature Minister(s), Committee(s) and key stakeholders.
are called 'Bills'. There are Executive Bills, introduced to
the Assembly by Ministers and Non-Executive Bills, The Member is required to lodge their consultation
introduced by individual MLAs (called Private Members' paper with the Bill Office within 4 months of the date on
Bills - PMBs) or Assembly Committees. Once a Bill has which the initial proposal was lodged. A final proposal
been passed by the Assembly and receives Royal should then be lodged with the Bill Office as soon as
Assent, it is known as an Act of the Northern Ireland possible after the end of consultation and in any case
Assembly. within 4 months of the consultation paper being lodged.
Once completed, the final legislative proposal will be
Bills are pieces of Primary Legislation. Secondary submitted to the Speaker. Subject to the Speaker’s
legislation is law created by ministers under powers approval, the Assembly will provide access to the
given to them by Primary Legislation. In Northern drafting service.
Ireland, secondary legislation is known as 'Statutory
Rules'. Acts provide a broad framework of law and This process is managed under guidance approved by
secondary legislation is used to fill in the details, or the Speaker.
to update a law without the Assembly having to pass a
completely new Act. Statutory rules are just as much a Committees (and the Commission) may also initiate
part of the law of the land as an Act of the Assembly. legislation. In this case the Committee Clerk will liaise
with the Bill Office and Legal Services to seek advice on
Most primary legislation that passes through the the competence and complexity of the proposal. A
Northern Ireland Assembly is brought forward by the secretariat team will then be formed to assist the
relevant Minister. However, bills can also be introduced Committee in defining its policy and to prepare drafting
by an individual Member or Assembly Committees. instructions in liaison with the Committee. When the Bill
Before introducing a Public Bill, the individual Member has been drafted and introduced, this team will become
must first lodge an initial proposal with the Bill Office. the Bill Team for the Bill. In some cases an ad hoc
This should consist of the proposed short title of the Bill Committee may be set up to scrutinise the Bill at its
and a brief explanation of its proposed purpose or policy Committee Stage; in others the Assembly may agree to
objective. They are then required to conduct a grant the Bill accelerated passage under SO 42.
consultation on their proposal. Exceptionally, they may
lodge a written a statement of reasons in the Bill Office, The list of Private Members Bills before the current
Assembly include the following:
Hunting Wild Mammals John Blair Consultation Survey Consultation closes
with Dogs Bill MLA 12 February 2021
Tackling Holiday Hun- Karen Mullan Consultation Survey Consultation closes
ger Bill MLA 19 February 2021
Carers Bill Mervyn Storey Consultation Survey Consultation closes
MLA 7 March 2021
Environment & Nature Dolores Kelly Consultation Survey Consultation closes
Restoration Bill MLA 7 March 2021
Abolition of Hospital Fra McCann Consultation Survey Consultation closes
Car Parking Charges MLA 8 March 2021
Bill
One Planet Mark Durkan Consultation Survey Consultation closes
Development Bill MLA 10 March 2021
4
Special Focus cont’d
RECHARGE: Renewing electrical safety for Northern Ireland’s homes
Our ‘Recharge’ report investigates the level of electrical Recommendations
risk in Northern Ireland’s homes with a particular focus The ‘Recharge’ report
on the most vulnerable, especially older and disabled has a range of
people, and those living in the Private Rented Sector recommendations for
(PRS). This emphasis is due to the growth of the PRS policy makers and those
and its changing composition – as an increasing number working in the housing, disability and ageing sectors
of low-paid families and disabled and vulnerable people which would help reduce electrical risks. These include:
are now private renters. • The Executive should establish a working group
comprised of key government departments, bodies
Key Findings and other relevant organisations to develop an
• During 2019, 58% of all accidental fires in homes effective strategy for electrical safety.
were caused by an electrical source. These fires • An All Party Group on home electrical safety should
resulted in one death and 128 people being injured. be established in the Assembly. This would offer a
• Between 2016-2019, 19 people died in domestic fires forum for MLAs and stakeholders to discuss – and
in Northern Ireland. Of these, 90% were aged over help address – key electrical safety concerns.
50. • The Housing Fitness Standard should be updated to
• Independent research suggests that there would be enhance electrical safety across all housing tenures.
nearly £9 million worth of savings to society annually We recommend the Department for Communities
if electrical hazards in Northern Ireland’s housing adopts the Healthy Home Rating System (HHRS)
stock were mitigated. model, which examines a property for various safety
• The majority (78%) of older people live in the owner- hazards, including electrical faults.
occupied sector and many live in homes built before • Legislation establishing a mandatory requirement for
1945.These homes are most likely to contain private landlords to undertake electrical inspections
Category 1 hazards – those which are deemed to on a minimum five-yearly cycle is needed. This
pose a potential safety threat to a person or approach should also be introduced in the social
property. Older homes also tend to have older housing sector to ensure parity for all renters.
electrical installations, thereby raising electrical risk.
• The PRS is rapidly expanding, with PRS accounting We have produced a series of snapshot briefings
for 17% of the total housing stock, which means that covering specific issues highlighted in the report which
ensuring safety in this sector is increasingly are available on this page. If you would like to discuss
important. When compared with Scotland and this work with us, please contact Wayne Mackay, Public
England, there is currently limited protection for Affairs Manager, Northern Ireland and Scotland,
private renters. Most pertinently, elsewhere in the UK, at wayne.mackay@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk or on
five-yearly electrical checks are now mandatory – but 07565614410.
this is not yet the case in Northern Ireland.
Recharge Renewing Electrical Safety In Northern
Ireland's Homes 2
Social Enterprise
Social Enterprise NI will host its Annual Conference on
Thursday 25th February 2021.
Networking from 9.30am Conference Start at 10am Sharp
The theme of this years conference is "Build Back Social"
We have a number of Speakers lined up and the event will be
hosted by U105 Presenter Cate Conway.
Our Guest Speaker this year will be Kris Bryson, Partnership Director at WildHearts Group. Since joining WildHearts
in 2014, Kris has played a key role managing continual growth and strategic relationships across the group. His
passion for social entrepreneurship has helped build the WildHearts Group into a multi-million-pound organisation
and become one the leading B2B social enterprises globally. Kris regularly represents WildHearts around the globe,
working with institutions like The UN, Yale University and Babson College to inspire the next generation of social
entrepreneurs.
Conference will be hosted on the Remo Platform and will open at 9.30am for Networking with Conference beginning
at 10am Sharp until 12noon.
More details will be released shortly.
Watch out on our twitter feed @socentni
5
Publications
Cycling in Northern Ireland 2019/20, has been published
The ‘Cycling in Northern Ireland 2019/20’ report is now
available. This report, produced by the Analysis,
Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the • Bicycle access was highest among those aged 35
Department for Infrastructure (DfI), presents findings -49 (43%) and 16-24 (40%) when compared to all
from the 2019/20 Continuous Household Survey (CHS). other age groups. Access to a bicyle was lowest
The publication is available on the ASRB website at: among those aged 65 and over (13%).
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/walking-and • Overall, male respondents (37%) were more likely
-cycling-0/ to have access to a bicycle compared with female
respondents (27%).
Key Points • Access to a bicycle was highest among
Attitudes towards cycling respondents living in Armagh, Banbridge and
When asked to describe their attitudes to cycling; Craigavon District Council (41%), and lowest
• 3% described themselves as ‘strong and among respondents from Derry and Strabane
fearless’, District Council (22%).
• 14% of respondents were ‘enthused and
confident’, Cycled in the last 4 weeks
• 16% said they were ‘interested, but concerned’. • In 2019/20, a quarter (25%) of respondents said
• Around two thirds (67%) of respondents that they had cycled in the last 4 weeks, similar to
considered themselves to be in ‘No way, no how’ results from 2017/18 (27%), and down from 30%
group. in 2016/17.
• A higher proportion of male respondents said they • Male respondents (31%) were more likely than
were ‘strong and fearless’ (5%) and ‘enthused female respondents (16%) to say they had cycled
and confident’ (20%) when it comes to cycling, in the last 4 weeks.
compared with female respondents (1% and 7%, • Of the 210 respondents who said they had cycled
respectively). in the last 4 weeks, almost two-fifths (39%) cycled
• Conversely, a higher proportion of female at least once a fortnight, similar to previous years.
respondents (73%) said ‘no way, no how’ One-fifth (20%) cycled once every 4 weeks and a
compared with 62% of male respondents. small proportion (6%) said they cycled 5-7 days a
week.
Bicycle Access • The most popular reasons for cycling in the last 4
• In 2019/20, almost a third (32%) of respondents weeks was for ‘exercise’ (87%) and because they
had access to a bicycle, down from 36% in ‘enjoy it’ (80%).
2017/18 and around the same as 2016/17 (32%).
Available online, includes a series of important
articles on a range of matters including the Joseph Please click the link below to access the February/
Rowntree Foundation Report on Poverty in the UK, March 2021 edition of Inpartnership – the newsletter
‘mother and baby homes’ and Universal Credit. for PCSPs which highlights local events and initia-
tives; PCSP Inpartnership February/March2021 | Po-
Scope can be accessed at; http://scopeni.nicva.org/ licing and Community Safety Partnerships (pcsps.org)
Catch up on what’s been happening at the Board in Policing Matters at;
https://www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/publication/policing-matters-february-2021
In addition the Chief Constable’s most recent report to the Board is available at; Chief
Constables Report to the Northern Ireland Policing Board | Northern Ireland Policing Board (nipolicingboard.org.uk)
Community Relations NI Environment Link
The Environment News, Research and Analysis
Council Monthly e-bulletin newsletter is available at ENRA-January-2021.pdf
Each month CRC releases its (nienvironmentlink.org) and the Assembly News
e-Bulletin which contains news about round-up at Assembly-News-January-2021.pdf
CRC funded groups, as well as events and activities (nienvironmentlink.org)
happening around Northern Ireland for peacebuilding
and good community relations.
https://mailchi.mp/nicrc.org.uk/crc-ebulletin-november- For other NIEL publications and
2020?e=03ab2c0383 events, go to;
www.nienvironmentlink.org
6
TP Standards
Supporting Communities and TPAS Scotland: Working together to
raise standards in Tenant Participation
Lesley Baird, the Chief Executive of TPAS Scotland, is working closely with Supporting Communities to bring
the Tenant Participation Standards and Accreditation to housing providers in Northern Ireland.
Working together, we have adapted the TPAS Scotland accreditation model for Northern Ireland and have
begun rolling it out here. We asked Lesley to tell NI housing associations a bit more about what accreditation
means and how it can help raise our standards province-wide.
In this blog piece, Lesley asks and answers the question, “Why bother?” with accreditation. Gaining an
organisational accreditation is never easy, she says, but this one is very worth doing! We certainly agree!
by Lesley Baird, TPAS Achieving accreditation provides recognition for the
Scotland hard work carried out by tenant volunteers and the
Supporting Communities work carried out by staff engaging with and
and TPAS Scotland have empowering tenant groups and individuals.
enjoyed a long and
successful relationship Getting Involved with TP Standards
and have now
strengthened our Celtic The process to achieve accreditation is challenging;
connection by it’s a brave thing to be assessed and scrutinised by
collaborating to bring the an independent organisation. I always introduce
Tenant Participation myself as your critical friend, and constantly remind
Standards and folk that!
Accreditation to Northern Ireland.
What you get is an independent assessment of your
We will continue to work together to bring our policies, strategies, information, communication and
experiences of tenant participation in our nations to most importantly, how you work with people. We
this project. identify missed opportunities, new ideas and support
you through the process.
Why Bother?
One happy TPAS Scotland Gold Accreditation award
Do you know how good you are? Do you know if winner told us, “It’s really hard work - but so worth it!
there are barriers to tenants participating with you, We knew we were good, but couldn’t see the areas
either real or perceived? Going through the we needed to improve on until we went through the
accreditation process will help you answer some of accreditation process. Thank you, TPAS, we have
these questions and give you tangible ways to raised our game!”
improve your participation offer, your information, and
how you communicate with tenants. At Supporting Communities, we have already begun
the accreditation process with one of the largest
I think it’s worth it! Everyone wants to get better. housing providers in Northern Ireland.
Recognition If you are interested in learning more about the
TP Standards for your housing organisation, get in
TPAS Accreditation is awarded to organisations touch with Siobhán ONeill at
which have demonstrated that they are among the siobhan@supportingcommunities.org.
best in the country at involving and working in
partnership with their tenants and residents. It is a
prestigious national award that demonstrates the
landlord is committed to tenant participation and
community engagement principles.
7
Events
Chartered Institute of Housing; Housing Awards 2021
Date 26 February 2021 support tenants, customers, and communities through
Location Virtual Time15:00 - 17:00 hard times.
The CIH housing awards recognise and celebrate the
creativity, passion and innovation of housing The event will be held on the CIH’s own virtual platform
organisations and individuals across the sector in and the event will provide you with an opportunity to sit
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. and chat with your own organisation or you could take
the opportunity to mingle with other guests at our virtual
The past year has been monumentally challenging for bar.
all of us. However, across this difficult period, the
housing sector has pulled together to overcome Best of all, we are offering limited free tickets, so
enormous challenges and obstacles, continuing to colleagues, tenants and customers, who’ve not had the
deliver vital services and support to communities chance to experience our awards before to get a little
throughout the nation. taster.
This is an opportune time for the sector to come You can reserve tables of six (names can be provided
together to celebrate the individuals, organisations and later) or individual tickets by clicking below:
projects that have really helped to steer and CIH housing awards 2021 - Chartered Institute of
Housing
NICVA's Manifesto for Change - Unlocking the Full
Potential of Voluntary and Community Action in NI
NICVA is seeking sector feedback on the Manifesto for
Change which sets out how government can work with
the sector to unlock the full potential of community and
voluntary action in Northern Ireland.
Date: Tuesday 2nd March, Time: 2:30pm - 4:00 pm,
The Manifesto for Change document was prepared Via : Zoom
by NICVA at the request of the Minister for Register to attend this event here
Communities. Its purpose was to serve as an initial
discussion document identifying some of the key EVENT 2
strategic issues facing the sector and its future Key 2 – Unblocking Key Barriers and Creating a
development. The issues raised within the Manifesto Supportive Environment
document reflect key issues voluntary and community Date: Thursday 4th March,Time: 2:30pm - 4:00 pm,
organisations have raised with NICVA over a number of Via : Zoom
years and which NICVA has continued to advocate to Register to attend this event here
government on, alongside and on behalf of the
EVENT 3
NICVA is now keen to take soundings from the sector on Key 3 – Valuing the voice of community and voluntary
the key issues and recommended actions identified in actors and civil society
the manifesto document. This is to ensure that the Date: Tuesday 9th March, Time: 11:30am - 1:00
priorities identified reflect the sector’s key concerns and pm Via : Zoom
provide a good basis for future discussion and action Register to attend this event here
with government. Most importantly we are keen to hear
the sectors thoughts and feedback on how these actions • At each of these events participants will hear
can best be progressed. more about the background to and the vision for
the Manifesto document and will have an
To support this next step, in early March NICVA will be opportunity to give feedback on the themes and
holding three online consultation events, each focussing priorities identified .
on one of the three key themes (‘Keys’) identified and to • These events will also be critically important in
create space and opportunity for participants to share helping us identify next steps as to how the
feedback regarding. actions proposed under each key can be
progressed in partnership with the sector and with
Details of the Consultation Events government.
EVENT 1 • Representatives are free to register to attend all or
Key 1 – Improving Government Understanding and some of the events, dependent on their particular
Policy on the Role and Contribution of Community and area(s) of interest.
Voluntary Action
8
Training
Full details of each session available
online!
To register, contact Aidan Kearney:
aidan@supportingcommunities.org
9
Training cont’d
Advice NI Training Courses
Advice NI has launched the new Advice NI Level
4 Certificate and Extended Certificate in providing
social security advice. security benefits’ issues, with fully up to date content for
Welfare Reforms and legacy benefits.
These new qualifications allow participants to meet the
Northern Ireland Quality Advice Standard and feature a For more information email training@adviceni.net or visit
mixture of Live Online tutorials with pre-recorded Anytime the link below
Online content.
https://www.adviceni.net/content/blended-online-adviser-
Learners will gain an understanding of social security ni-%E2%80%93-level-4-certificate-and-extended-
benefits and how to advise clients regarding social certificate-providing-social
Housing Rights Training Courses
Discretionary Support to maintain By the end of this course, you will understand the
various forms of discretionary support, financial
your home Online assistance and charitable support that is available, in the
Friday, March 5, 2021 - 10:00 to 13:00 interests of alleviating poverty and promoting greater
security of tenure.
As welfare reform and changes to the Social Fund
have taken effect, Housing Rights has found that Who should attend?
affordability is consistently one of the top issues • social housing sector,
encountered by clients. Nevin Economic Research • private landlords and agents
Institute (NERI) has also found that those living in both
the social and private rented sectors are at risk of • advice agencies who regularly deal with housing
poverty after housing costs are met. queries.
This is particularly the case for low income households For more information and to keep up to date on Housing
in the private rented sector, who face a particularly high Rights activities, go to;
housing cost burden and a high risk of poverty. https://www.housingrights.org.uk/training-events
Keeping Adults Safe: Policy
Development
th
Online
Thursday 4 March 2021, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This is a FREE 3 hour certificated course suitable for
individuals with responsibility for developing and/or
reviewing adult safeguarding policy and procedures.
It covers: The New Environment: Recruit,
• The 8 standards of best practice for adult Retain, thReward Volunteers Online
safeguarding Tuesday 9 March 2021, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• A guide to developing an adult safeguarding
policy Course From £10 +VAT
• Procedures to support an adult safeguarding
policy. As we are living in the middle of a pandemic,
While not essential, having prior knowledge of volunteering has changed. Join Volunteer Now
safeguarding adults is beneficial. Enterprises Ltd for a short session looking at
PLEASE NOTE: This training will be provided for volunteering during the pandemic and the future of
Voluntary, Community and Independent sectors and a volunteering post COVID-19.
maximum of 3 participants from any one organisation
will be accepted on to each training course. Joining information will be sent out the day before the
session.
Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis
and are limited. To book a place go to; The New Environment: Recruit,
This course is for organisations in the Belfast Trust area Retain, Reward Volunteers - Volunteer Now
only. For other areas, please view our training calendar
by clicking here. For more information on these and on other Volunteer
Now courses, go to; Home - Volunteer Now
Joining instructions will be sent out the day before the
training.
10Training cont’d
The Red Cross offers free digital classrooms are
available for adults (19+) and young people (aged 10
-19 years) and provide an opportunity to learn new
skills and connect with others.
For all of the digital sessions, which are run via Zoom or Using group discussion to address the complex causes
Teams, the group can join with their devices individually and effects of loneliness, there will be a chance to reflect
or a Red Cross educator can present to an entire group and share personal experiences too. We will also
if they are all in the same location. discuss and practise how to be an effective listener in
order to support others.
If you have any questions please get in touch on
RedCrossEducation@redcross.org.uk or 07545926568 / As a result of this workshop we aim to help you:
07834529083 • feel more comfortable talking about loneliness
• recognise when someone needs support
Courses • feel confident to offer support to someone who
Adapt to and recover from adversity feels lonely.
As we hope for the world to start to going back to
normal, we know Covid-19 will have impacted To join a session, please click here to book and choose
everyone’s lives in some way. This workshop will help a date and time to suit you.
you speak openly about how the coronavirus pandemic
has impacted on you, positively or negatively. You will To book a session for groups of five or more please
learn skills to help you and others adapt to returning to contact redcrosseducation@redcross.org.uk
normality. Using interactive activities and group
discussion to talk about the effects of Covid-19, there First aid
will be a chance to reflect and share personal Are you interested in learning essential, life-saving first
experiences. aid skills to help in an emergency? If so, our digital
classroom might be for you! These are interactive
As a result of this workshop we aim to help you: workshops, run by an experienced British Red Cross
• increase your ability to cope with change and educator, where you will tackle four first aid skills and
transition during times of adversity have the opportunity to ask questions.
• acknowledge and appreciate your own and
others’ experiences during challenging times The aim is to build confidence so you can help someone
• feel confident to move forward positively in a first aid emergency, using everyday objects that you
have around you.
To book a session please
contact redcrosseducation@redcross.org.uk As a result of this workshop we aim to help you:
• learn essential first aid skills
Tackling loneliness digitally • assess and manage risks to make informed
Feeling lonely and isolated can make life challenging, choices when helping others
especially during a crisis. It can be difficult to know how • build confidence and willingness to help in a first
to help. aid emergency.
This workshop aims to give you the opportunity to speak To join a session, please click here to book and choose
openly about how it might feel to be lonely or isolated a date and time to suit you.
and learn skills to help others who may be suffering.
To book a session for groups of five or more please
contact redcrosseducation@redcross.org.uk
Copyright © 2021 Law Centre NI, All rights reserved.
Please take our Survey!
To help ensure our training meets the needs of those who use it, we have pulled together a very short survey.
This will help us to plan training sessions in the coming year that will meet the current needs of the Advice Sector. It
would be a great help to us if you could spare a few minutes to fill it in!
Click here to take our short survey
11Funding
LCCC COVID-19 Community Grant
Schemes Open for Applications
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council funded through 2. Volunteering Support
the Department for Communities (DfC) Covid The end beneficiary for this fund will be the volunteers
Response Fund, has launched a grants scheme for themselves. It has been recognised that volunteers
constituted community/voluntary and faith-based played and continue to play a vital role in the fight
organisations. against the COVID-19 pandemic within the local
communities.
The funding scheme is split into two streams:
In recognition of this and to retain and build upon the
1. Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing pool of volunteers, support will be offered to purchase
This fund will enable groups to make Covid-19 safe for example, but not restricted to, branded clothing (Hi
adaptations to their physical spaces and/or deliver -Viz vests, hoodies, fleeces etc.), packs for volunteers
arts resource packs and creative virtual programmes (art/ craft/ pamper etc.) and out of pocket receipted
to improve access to Arts and Wellbeing activities. expenses. The items should be for volunteers only
Proposals must be in response to the immediate and not for staff / members generally.
challenges of running normal programmes of activity.
Equipment purchases can apply to internal and Applicants can apply for a minimum of £500 up to
external layouts to assist with social distancing, a maximum of £2,000.
sanitisation stations, signage, awnings or canopies/
gazebos and outdoor seating or heating. Creative arts For more information and to apply please visit
kits or virtual activities can also be supported. https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/
communityhelp/covid-19-grant-aid
Applicants can apply for a minimum of £1,000 up
to a maximum of £5,000.
Supporting Sport To Build Back Better – Project Re:boot : Team Up
Sport NI is delighted to announce Project Re-boot as Activate:
part of the initiative ‘Supporting Sport to Build Back • We will invite applications in the spring of 2021
Better.’ that request support up to £5,000.
• All projects must be delivered by 31st March
Project Re-Boot will invest in new and innovative 2022.
projects which will support the engagement and re- • Applicants should be aware that partnership
engagement of participants into sport, particularly funding may be a likely requirement for this
people from groups who have been especially investment strand.
impacted by Covid-19. It has three levels of
investment: Sport Local:
• We will invite applications in the early summer
Team-Up: of 2021 that request support from £500 to
• We will invite applications in January 2021 that £1,000.
request support from £10,000-£25,000. • There is no requirement for partnership funding.
• All projects must be delivered by 31st March
2022. Download: Re:Boot Programme Information &
• Collaboration and partnership working is key to Guidance notes
the success of Team Up
• While there is no requirement for Partnership Apply Here: Project Re:boot Application
Funding, organisations should consider the
availability of other sources of funding Full details - http://www.sportni.net/funding/supporting
(including in-kind support). -sport-to-build-back-better/project-reboot-team-up-2/
12Funding cont’d
Northern Ireland Centenary Fund Financial Assistance 2021-2022
NI Centenary Fund projects must complement the Key Priority 2: Our Shared Community
theme aims and objectives as outlined below.
2.1 Increased use of shared space and services
The Council will only consider one application per (e.g. leisure centres, shopping centres,
organisation for the NI Centenary Fund Fund. education, housing).
Threshold: £500 - £2000 2.2 Shared space is accessible to all.
Aim: To provide financial support towards the delivery Key Priority 3: Our Safe Community
of projects aimed at marking the Northern Ireland
Centenary. 3.1 Reduce the prevalence of hate crime and
intimidation.
Objectives: To support projects to mark the Northern
Ireland Centenary while also complementing the 3.2 A community where places and spaces are safe
Council’s Good Relations Strategy. for all.
Applicant projects should aim to address one or more Key Priority 4: Our Cultural Expression
of the four Key Priority themes defined by The
Executive Office (TEO) under the Together: Building a 4.1 Increased sense of belonging (widens
United Community (T:BUC) strategy (2013). contribution beyond community background).
This document is available to download from TEO 4.2 Cultural diversity is celebrated.
website at https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/
publications/together-building-united- Closing date - 8th March 12noon
communitystrategy For more information and to apply please visit
https://newrymournedown.eformz.info/
The Key Priority areas are summarised and outlined
below:
Key Priority 1: Our Children and Young People
1.1 Improving attitudes between young people from
different backgrounds.
1.2 Young people engaging in bringing the
community together.
The Ideas Fund: new grants programme to improve mental wellbeing
North West Community Network and Developing The other three locations covered by the Fund include
Healthy Communities, are delighted to be partnering the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Oldham in
with the British Science Association (BSA) and the Greater Manchester and the city of Hull.
Wellcome Trust on The Ideas Fund.
Reaching people who may have been overlooked by
The Ideas Fund is a new grants programme that will research in the past is a key aim of The Ideas Fund –
enable the public in the Derry & Strabane Council particularly in rural or minority ethnic communities,
area to think about, develop and test ideas to help amongst the young, marginalised and
improve mental wellbeing. socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
The Fund has been designed to help people tackle For more information please visit
problems that matter to them by connecting them with https://theideasfund.org/application
research professionals who can help bring their ideas
to life.
Initially the Fund will focus on ideas related to
mental wellbeing, with £3.29 million funding to
support community initiatives in four
geographical areas of the UK including the Derry
& Strabane District Council area.
13Funding cont’d
Full range of National Lottery funding resumes
with refocused priorities for 2021-22
Applications are open for National Lottery Grants for • support wellbeing
Heritage from £3,000 up to £5 million. We will prioritise • create better places to live, work and visit
projects that contribute to our recovery from the • improve the resilience of organisations working in
coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. heritage
The resumption of project funding marks a return to our Our inclusion outcome – a wider range of people will
core business, but it is not a return to ‘business as be involved in heritage – remains mandatory for all
usual’. projects we fund.
As the pandemic continues to impact so many aspects In addition, all projects must demonstrate they are
of our lives, we want to fund projects that demonstrate environmentally responsible and are integrating
the value of heritage to our national life and which environmental measures into their projects.
support local economies, places and communities.
For more information and to apply please visit https://
Refocused priorities for 2021-22 www.heritagefund.org.uk/news/full-range-national-
lottery-funding-resumes-refocused-priorities-2021-22
Between April 2021 to March 2022, when making
funding decisions, we will prioritise heritage projects
that:
• boost the local economy
• encourage skills development and job creation
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council COVID-19
Community Support Fund (Tranche 3) and
Volunteer Support Fund opens for applicants
Covid-19 – Community Support Fund (Tranche 3) Covid 19 Volunteer Support Fund
The Covid-19 Community Support Fund is available The Volunteer Support Fund has been made
to groups wishing to provide community and social available to provide vital support for volunteering in
support to vulnerable and isolated persons in the recognition of the crucial role that volunteers have
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area at this played in addressing the many challenges faced by
time. Funding must focus on one of the following Covid-19 to date.
areas:-
Funding has been provided by the Department for
Financial need* Communities (DfC) to councils to distribute to
Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will Voluntary Community sector organisations to provide
identify those at risk due to financial stress and support for volunteering in recognition of the crucial
provide details on how they plan to address these role that volunteers have played in response to Covid-
needs. *This element will only be open to 19 to date and that will help deliver the ongoing food
organisations with experience of assessing financial need within the Council district up until March 2021.
need.
This funding will provide volunteer support both for
Food need building capacity and supporting volunteers as they
Projects must demonstrate how they intend to target continue to be relied upon to support the ongoing
those most in need of food and how they plan to meet community food response to the pandemic,
this need. contingency planning to March 2021.
Connectivity need For further information on these grant aids,
Project must identify target groups such as those please visit
living alone, those living in rural / border areas and https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/funding-
those with no access to the internet/laptops and can and-grants/
provide cost effective ways of meeting these needs.
Applications will open on a rolling basis from Friday
22 January 2021.
14You can also read
