E-Zine - Supporting Communities
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27th November 2019
E-Zine
Welcome to Supporting Communities 132nd 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.
Make the Call supports over 9000 people claim £43.2million
in additional benefits and supports
The Department for Communities Make the Call “Our intervention has
Service supports vulnerable people to access helped people who Made
benefits and other supports and services which the Call become on
they are entitled to but had not been claiming. average £88 better off per
week and in a recent
Glynis Jones, Head of the Department’s ‘Make the survey 87% of those people who got in touch for
Call’ Team explained: “The aim of Make the Call is help said the service had a positive impact on
to support vulnerable people when they need it them. The welfare system was set up to help
most because of their age, disability, illness or in people in need and often people don’t realise that
adverse circumstances. there is support out there to assist with those
uncertain and difficult times.”
We carry out a needs assessment to make sure the
individual is receiving all the benefits, supports and One person in her 80s Made the Call. After being
services that they may be entitled to. We work in assessed by an Outreach Officer, she discovered
partnership with other departments and that she was entitled to an Attendance Allowance
organisations to offer a wider range of services for and Pension Credit. She said: “I cannot thank
example free school meals or a home safety check, Make the Call enough for getting me extra help
or assistance with reducing energy costs or getting which enabled me to stay in my own home. This
a blue badge for car-parking.” just changed everything and takes a weight of my
mind as I get older.”
Bring an item with personal meaning
to PRONI to explore memory and identity
The public are asked to delve into their family belonging to the artists shedding light on lived
archives to bring items along to a unique exhibition experiences of 19th- and 20th-century Ireland.
launch at the Public Record Office.
Stories pieced together from the archive touch on
The Holding Together exhibition by Bryonie Reid plantation; the Reid family’s north-south
and Gemma Reid begins on 4 December 2019 and connections and migration; its Quaker faith and
will run until 31 January 2020. later move into the Exclusive Brethren church; and
the flax spinning industry in Belfast.
The exhibition is a collaborative work funded by the
Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Bryonie is a writer The public are invited to bring something of their
and artist exploring identity and place and Gemma own to the launch – a photograph or letter or other
is a heritage professional specialising in community small item – that conjures up something about their
engagement. past, in order to explore what they mean in the
present and why we pass them on.
The exhibition is inspired by a wealth of papers,
photographs and objects in a private family archive The exhibition will be on display from 4 December
2019 until 31 January 2020.
Good Relations Indicators: 2019 Update Report
The Good Relations Indicator report published by The
Executive Office today presents a range of statistics
relating to community relations, including numbers of
hate crimes, attitudinal data on Protestant/Catholic
relations and attitudes towards mixing in schools,
neighbourhoods and the workplace. • 92% of respondents say they feel ‘very’ or
‘quite’ safe going to events held in a Protestant
All figures 2018 unless otherwise stated. The secondary school; 91% to events held in a
publication monitors indicators for the four key Catholic secondary school; 74% to events held
priorities of the T:BUC Strategy: our children and in a GAA club; and 72% to events held in an
young people; our shared community; our safe Orange Hall.
community; and, our cultural expression.
Some of the key findings include: Our Cultural Expression
• 76% of respondents think that the culture and
Our Children and Young People traditions of Protestant communities add to the
• 43% of adults and 42% of young people think richness and diversity of Northern Ireland
that relations between Protestants and society; 71% think this about Catholic
Catholics are better now than they were five communities; and 65% think this about Minority
years ago. These are significant decreases on Ethnic communities.
the corresponding 2017 figures of 49% and • Since 2017, there has been a significant
46%. decrease in the proportion of adults who feel
• 67% of young people have ‘done projects’ with they have an influence on local decisions (7
pupils from other schools; 50% have ‘shared percentage point reduction from 26% to 19%)
classes’; and 40% ‘shared sports facilities or and Northern Ireland decisions (8 percentage
equipment’. point reduction from 24% to 16%).
Our Shared Community The report is available on the Executive Office
• 91% of respondents said they would prefer a Statistics and Research Branch website at:
mixed religion workplace; 76% a mixed religion www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/topics/statistics-and-
neighbourhood; and 68% mixed religion research/good-relations
schools.
• 94% of adults with children at school think that Further information relating to the collection and
their child’s school is somewhere their children production of the statistics can be obtained by
can be open about their cultural identity. This is contacting:
a significant increase of 4 percentage points
since 2017. Graeme Banks – Assistant Statistician
Statistics and Research Branch, The Executive
Our Safe Community Office, Block 2 | Knockview Buildings | Stormont |
• 67% of respondents said that they see town Belfast | BT4 3SR
centres as safe and welcoming places for
people of all walks of life. This is a significant E-mail: graeme.banks@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk
increase of 6 percentage points since 2017. Telephone: 028 9052 3289
Calling all men - Beat the Stigma –
Your mental health does matter!
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride is encouraging men to look after their
mental health and open up about problems that may be causing anxiety or despair.
Speaking ahead of International Men’s Day 2019 Dr McBride continued: “One of the main barriers to
Dr Mc Bride said: “International Men’s Day celebrates seeking help for mental health problems is stigma.
the positive value men bring to the world, their families Stigma can significantly worsen someone’s mental
and communities. It would be remiss of me not to health problems, defining them as someone with an
highlight the fact that not all men feel valuable due to illness rather than a person with a meaningful voice and
their emotional well-being. contribution to make. Stigma should not be used as an
acceptable excuse for not seeking help.
In Northern Ireland men are less likely to access mental
health services than women and more needs to be done Stigma is real but it can be overcome if we work together
to address this issue. Earlier this year in my 11th Annual through identification, intervention and referral to
Report as Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland I targeted support. We all need to tackle stigma to create
focussed on positive mental health. Our mental health is a lasting, positive change in people’s attitudes,
how we think, feel and act. It controls how we manage especially in men, towards mental health and to better
day-to-day life and stressful situations.” inform people on the facts.
Cont’d over
2
“Help break mental health stigma!” Phone: 0808 808 8000
http://www.lifelinehelpline.info/(external link opens in a
1 in 5 people in Northern Ireland will be affected by new window / tab)
mental ill-health in their lifetime. The other 4 will know a
friend, family member or colleague who will. Samaritans provides confidential, emotional support for
people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
In the CMO Report Dr McBride highlights a number of Phone 116 123. Calls are free.
organisations that provide help and support. Email: jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org(external link opens in a new
Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline window / tab)
service for people who are experiencing distress or
despair. Lifeline counsellors are available 24 hours a day, There are a number of mental health organisations in
7 days a week to listen and help in confidence. your area that can provide help and support and can be
accessed from https://mindingyourhead.info/services
ELECTRICAL FIRE SAFETY IN
THE HOME
Fires in the home can be caused by faulty electrical
appliances, plugs and cables but many occur due to
mistakes from homeowners. It is important to be aware
of the common causes of fires which involve electricity Use the online ‘Socket Overload Calculator’ to check if
and the particular danger signs you should look out for you are being electrical safe.
around your home.
E-Cigarettes
Plugs and Sockets
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Hot plugs or sockets, scorch marks, fuses that often
blow, or flickering lights are often a sign of loose • Take notice of warning signs supplied with the
wiring or other electrical problems. product.
• Any coloured wires sticking out are a sign of badly • Do not charge e-cig batteries for long periods of time
wired plugs. or leave to charge overnight.
• Plugging too many electrical items into one socket • Look for the CE mark to ensure chargers comply
can lead to overheating; try and keep one plug per with European Safety Standards.
socket.
• Use trailing leads or bar adaptors rather than block Electric Blankets
type connectors. • Look for the British or European safety mark on
electric blankets and follow the manufacturer’s
Cables and Leads instructions.
• Make sure the outer covering of all power leads are • Unplug before you get into bed, unless it has a
not frayed or damaged; replace if necessary. thermostat control for safe all-night use.
• Badly positioned electrical appliances can make • Store flat or rolled up to prevent damaging the
cables trip hazards. internal wiring.
• Never place cables under rugs or carpets where • Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow
damaged or worn parts will not be noticed. pressure relief bed.
• Check regularly for wear and tear and replace after
Appliances and Rechargeable Devices
10 years.
• Look for the CE mark when buying electrical
equipment.
• Never use electrical appliances in a bathroom due to The colder months of the year see an increase in the
the risk of electrocution. use of portable heating appliances. Therefore it is vitally
• Never allow water to touch electrics - this can cause important to be extra careful around the home.
electrocution or fire. • Never place heaters too close to combustible
• Switch off appliances at night unless they are surfaces or materials such as curtains or bedding.
designed to be left on eg, fridge/freezers. • Position heaters safely so they can’t be knocked
• Hair straighteners can get extremely hot. Switch off over easily.
after use and leave to cool on a heatproof surface. • Never dry clothes in front of portable heaters.
• Only buy approved chargers for rechargeable • Never cover air vents on fan heaters.
devices; cheaper options may be unsafe. • Never leave heaters on if you have to leave the
• Do not over-charge devices and always unplug house.
before going to bed at night.
• Do not charge devices on a flammable surface; this
increases the risk of fire spread. If an electrical fire starts, you should, if safe to do so,
turn off the power immediately. Do not try and tackle an
• Servicing of electrical appliances, especially ones
electrical fire with water. Get everyone out of the
that run at high speeds, should be carried out
property, close all doors behind you. Dial 999 and ask
annually by a qualified electrician/engineer.
for the Fire & Rescue Service.
3
Consultations
Northern Ireland Policing Plan 2020-2025
The Northern Ireland Policing Board and the PSNI the first one being Monday 28 October in Derry/
have launched a joint public consultation on the Londonderry. You can find further information on
Northern Ireland Policing Plan. these within the attached Consultation Document.
The consultation will run for an 11 week period until 6 If you require any further information on this
January 2020 and all the information is available consultation, or wish to engage with the Board
online at www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/policing-plan. directly, you can contact Lyne Black at the Policing
Your views are welcome and you can do this simply Board on T: 028 9040 8500 and
online, by email or by hard copy. You can also E: lyne.black@nipolicingboard.org.uk
engage in the consultation at any of the public events,
Environment Strategy for
Northern Ireland – Public
Discussion Document DAERA has produced a public discussion document
The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural designed to give stakeholders the opportunity to
Affairs (DAERA) is seeking views on the potential express their opinions freely on a wide range of
scope, scale and ambition of Northern Ireland’s first environmental issues facing Northern Ireland; all of
environment strategy; the Department is using the responses received will be carefully analysed and
NIDirect's Citizen Space to collate responses to a will be used to inform a future Minister’s deliberations
public discussion document on a future Environment on the content of the Environment Strategy for
Strategy for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has never had an overarching For more information, to download the consultation
environment strategy but we believe one is now document and to respond, go to; https://www.daera-
needed to develop an effective and holistic approach ni.gov.uk/consultations/esni-public-discussion-
that will deliver real improvements for many decades document
to come.
Closing Date; 23 December 2019
A new legal framework for
abortion services in Northern
Ireland
A legal framework for abortion services in Northern framework must be put in place for lawful access to
Ireland after 31 March 2020. The UK Government has abortion services in Northern Ireland. In doing so, the
today published a consultation paper, A legal health and safety of women and girls, and clarity and
framework for abortion services in Northern Ireland. certainty for the medical profession, are at the
forefront of the Government’s consideration.”
This consultation is in relation to the implementation
of the legal duty under section 9 of the Northern Responses to the questions set out in the below
Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019 - and will consultation document are invited - either through
inform a new framework for access to abortion completing the online form or sending submissions to
services in Northern Ireland that is consistent with the abortionconsultation@nio.gov.uk before 11.45pm on
recommendations of the 2018 United Nations Monday 16th December 2019.
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
Against Women Report, Inquiry concerning the United The public are invited to bring something of their own
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland under to the launch – a photograph or letter or other small
article 8 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on item – that conjures up something about their past, in
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against order to explore what they mean in the present and
Women. why we pass them on.
With a legal duty now placed on the Government to The exhibition will be on display from 4 December
change the abortion law in Northern Ireland, this 2019 until 31 January 2020.
consultation focuses on what new regulatory
4
Special Focus
First report from new, independent think
New policy paper shines a light on tank says significant and urgent change is
Northern Ireland’s challenges needed
Northern Ireland is unprepared for a fast-changing world Education – our segregated education system has
and faces serious problems unless there are big elements of excellence but suffers from major inequality:
changes in policy, according to a report published today • The proportion of students getting ‘good’ GCSEs – at
by a new local think tank. Our problems include a health least five A*-C, including English and maths - is 94%
service in crisis, a schools system that fails many in grammar schools but only 52% in secondary
children, and a struggling economy that lags behind schools.
much of the UK. Currently one in four local children live • 52% of pupils entitled to Free School Meals got five
in poverty, division between communities remains ‘good’ GCSEs compared to 80% of pupils who are not
entrenched, and we are making few plans to help tackle entitled to Free School Meals.
climate change. • 78% of pupils entitled to Free School Meals attend
secondary schools, and only 22% attend grammar
Pivotal is the only independent think tank in Northern schools.
Ireland. Its first publication, “Moving forward – putting Our education system is expensive, and finances are
Northern Ireland on track for the future”, examines the stretched. There are just over 1,000 schools in Northern
significant issues facing us. Ann Watt, Director of Ireland and this year 451 of them went over budget, with
Pivotal, said: “This report shows just how urgently a total funding shortfall of £62.6m.
Northern Ireland needs new thinking and new policies.
“We have serious problems in areas like health and Poverty – children here are more likely to live in poverty
education where long-term issues are coming to a head. than adults (one in four, vs one in five). Failures in the
Crises like a crumbling health service, and schools going education and training systems contribute to persistent
over budget, are not on the horizon - they are here. poverty across generations. Northern Ireland has the
“We have had no government for almost three years and highest percentage of children living in long-term
uncertainty around Brexit continues. Most of our political workless households out of all UK regions – 13.6% of
discussion focuses on those issues – which are, of children, compared with the UK average of 8.2%.
course, important – but unfortunately at the same time Children growing up in workless households are much
our other problems are getting worse. “There is an more likely to have lower educational attainment, be
election in a few weeks and, although the polls concern unemployed, and live in poverty later in life.
Westminster rather than Stormont, I look forward to our
local parties’ manifestos, and their visions for the change Climate change – the world is in a state of climate
we need.” emergency and there is a growing global movement for
change involving governments, businesses and
Moving forward – putting Northern Ireland on track for societies. Northern Ireland has yet to take a seat at the
the future identifies six major policy areas where table. A decade after the UK Climate Change Act,
transformation is required: Northern Ireland has set no emissions targets – unlike
The economy – NI has the highest percentage of low- Scotland and Wales, both of which set their own targets
paying jobs of any UK region, and is one of only three in addition to those for the UK as a whole - and enacted
regions with more jobs paying poorly rather than well. no legislation. Since the Act came into force, emissions
Our rate of economic inactivity is the highest in the UK, here have fallen by just 9% compared with 27% across
at 25.8% - meaning over a quarter of all adults are the UK in general.
neither in work nor looking for work – and the gap
between our public spending and the tax revenue we Community relations – social division cuts across all
raise is £4,939 per year, per person. policy and debate here. Key public services like
education and social housing remain largely divided
Health and social care – demographic change means along lines of perceived culture and community.
rising demand for health and social care. However, little However, division along sectarian lines is not the only
has been done to make the structural changes needed issue we face. There is a racially motivated hate crime
to provide for these changes in demand. Today, the an average of three times a day, despite the relatively
signs of crisis are clearly showing. In March this year, small number of people here from ethnic minorities or
there were 1,154 people who had been waiting over a from other countries. Ann Watt, Director of Pivotal, said:
year for planned care in England. In Wales that number “Northern Ireland faces a lot of challenges and a new
was 4,176. In Northern Ireland, it was 120,201. Only 5% approach is needed to meet them. The purpose of
of health spending goes on mental health provision, half Pivotal, as an independent think tank focused on good
the proportion spent in England – despite estimates policy, is to help with that. Our first paper is the
showing instances of mental ill health are 25% higher in beginning of that process, highlighting major areas of
Northern Ireland. need affecting people here in Northern Ireland. These
need everyone’s attention, right now.” In the coming
Social care is stretched to breaking point, while demand weeks, Pivotal will release a paper looking at how to
continues to increase. Between 2018 and 2043, the ensure good government here in Northern Ireland. Early
numbers of people in NI aged over 65 and over 85 are next year it will launch Vision 2040, a flagship project
projected to rise by 56% and 106% respectively. Over looking at the kind of place people here want Northern
the same period, the overall population will rise by only Ireland to be in 20 years’ time. To access the report go
6%. to the Pivotal website or directly at;
https://www.pivotalppf.org/our-work/publications
5
Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme
The Homeowner Flood Protection Grant Scheme You are asked to note that the
(Northern Ireland) is a government scheme which is scheme will remain open to
designed to encourage the owners of residential receive new applications until
properties that have flooded before and/or are an evaluation is undertaken.
located within known flood prone areas, to modify
their properties to make them more resistant to
flooding. Details on how to apply are set out on the
Department’s website and can be accessed by
In an e-mail of 18 September 2019 it was outlined using the following link:
that no further applications would be accepted after www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/homeowner-
the 30 September 2019. flood-protection-grant-scheme
Publications
Available online, including articles such as the
new prime Minister and public health policy,
Please click the link below to access the November 2019 the skills shortage and the health benefits of
edition of inpartnership – the newsletter for PCSPs which stretching ones legs.
highlights local events and initiatives; https://
www.pcsps.org/sites/pcsp/files/publications/pcsp- Scope can be accessed at;
inpartnership-november-2019.pdf
http://scopeni.nicva.org/
NI Environment Link
The NIEL EU Matters for October 2019 is now available at; https://
www.nienvironmentlink.org/cmsfiles/EU-Matters-October-2019.pdf
For other NIEL publications and events, go to; https://www.nienvironmentlink.org/
Rural Community Network
The latest edition of the Rural Policy Link is now available from the RCN.
To access the publication, go to;
http://www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org/publications/default.aspx
For the latest news and to sign up for the regular
newsletter, go to; https://www.socialenterpriseni.org/
Live Here Love Here is a positive, people powered
campaign focused on improving our local environment Catch up on what’s been happening at the
and building a sense of pride in our local communities. Board in Policing Matters at the link below.
https://www.nipolicingboard.org.uk/
To sign up to receive the regular ebulletin, go to; publication/policing-matters-october-2019
https://www.liveherelovehere.org/cgi-bin/lhlh
6
Events
The CIH Housing Awards will take place at
Titanic Belfast on Friday 21 February 2020. The
awards celebrate and recognise the breadth of
work across the sector in Northern Ireland and the
Republic of Ireland, showcasing the amazing work
and inspirational people seen in communities
every day.
Entries are now open, so it’s time to think about
which categories you could apply for and start
working on your applications.
The closing date for applications will be Friday
29 November 2019.
How to apply
Step one: check out our categories and criteria to
help you decide which award to submit an
application for.
Step two: conditions of entry and the judging
processes are an essential read.
Step three: hints and tips for your application will
help you make it onto the shortlists.
Final step: get applying!
5 December 2019
Mossley Mill - 9.00am-3.00pm
Law Centre NI 2019 Social Justice Lecture
This years’ lecture will be delivered by Professor Hazel Nothing stays the same!
Genn on Wednesday 4 December 2019 at The MAC, 10 The environment for volunteering is changing,
Exchange Street, Belfast from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. we need to be prepared and to think creatively
about how to involve volunteers in the next
The theme of the lecture is Legal Advice & Health and decade.
will be delivered by Professor Hazel Genn.
View the Conference Programme, Speakers
Tickets are limited. If you would like to attend, please and book your place online here:
rsvp to info@lawcentreni.org by Friday 29th November. http://bit.ly/2JkZQ2Y
7
Events cont’d
PEACE PLUS Programme Stakeholder Events
PEACE PLUS is a new EU cross-border programme
that will contribute to a more prosperous and stable To register, click on one of the below links, which will
society in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of lead you directly to EventBrite.
Ireland. The programme will achieve this by funding
activities that promote peace and reconciliation, and The stakeholder engagement process will start on
contribute to the cross-border economic and territorial 10 December 2019 and end on 25 February 2020.
development of the region. It will build upon previous Full documentation, including a response form, will be
PEACE and INTERREG Programmes. made available on https://seupb.eu/peaceplus
on 10th December 2019
A series of information events are taking place
between December 2019 and February 2020, If you would like additional information please email
running from 6pm-8pm, with registration from PEACEPLUS@seupb.eu
5.30pm.
Date County Venue Register
Tue 10 December Donegal Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey Click Here
Wed 8 January Leitrim Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill Click Here
Thu 9 January Sligo Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo Click Here
Mon 13 January Derry - Londonderry Lodge Hotel, Coleraine Click Here
Wed 15 January Monaghan Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan Click Here
Thu 16 January Cavan Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan Click Here
Mon 20 January Derry - Londonderry Guildhall, Derry-Londonderry Click Here
Tue 21 January Tyrone Corrick House Hotel, Clogher Click Here
Thu 23 January Fermanagh Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen Click Here
Mon 27 January Down Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle Click Here
Thu 30 January Antrim Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena Click Here
Tue 4 February Armagh Armagh City Hotel, Armagh Click Here
Wed 5 February Antrim Belfast City Hall, Belfast Click Here
Thu 6 February Louth Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk Click Here
Global Perspectives on Community Development
Approaches Across Boundaries
Next date: Thursday 05 December 2019 9:30am
Boardroom, Ulster University, Shore Rd, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, BT370QB
This event explores how community development Anna Clarke, President of IACD will introduce the
approaches are being used to tackle issues of Shared International Standards for Community
inequality, poverty and promote social justice. This Development Practice and share her knowledge of
event will appeal to professionals across the fields of how these are contributing to good community
social work, health, education, community and youth development practice across international contexts.
work.
Contact Details; Dr Rosemary J Moreland
Keynote Speaker Anastasia Matvieskaya, European rj.moreland@ulster.ac.uk
Director of the International Association of (+44) 02890 368333
Community Development (IACD)and Co-founder of
the non-profit organisation Inclusive Practices based A sandwich lunch will be provided at 1pm. Please
in the Republic of Georgia will outline how to tackle advise of any dietary or access requirements.
issues of inequality, poverty and promote social This is a unique opportunity to engage with others
justice. Anastasia will explore how she has used across professional boundaries, on the application of
community development to support more than 200 community development principles within your
social inclusive actions for over 7000 children with practice.
disabilities in 12 different cities across the post-Soviet
space.
8
Empowering Communities
Housing Policy Panel (HPP)
The HPP assists with PhD Research!
The Housing Policy Panel (HPP) received a presentation from Peter Shanks at its meeting on Monday
18th November 2019. Peter is studying a PhD through the University of Birmingham, looking at how
housing association boards manage dual social and commercial objectives. It focuses particularly on
housing associations that provide private market housing alongside or in addition to social housing. The
representatives around the table shared their knowledge and opinions which will be incorporated into
Peter’s research and findings. We wish Peter all the best with his PhD!
The panel welcomed Billy McKee (Choice Housing) and Valerie Rooney (Housing Executive) to their first
HPP meeting. We are looking forward to another two social housing tenants joining us at the next
meeting.
South Ulster Housing Association was the
location on Thursday 21st November 2019 to
deliver some good governance training to
members of the Tenants Forum. The session
was a refresher for some along with tenants
who had recently joined the forum.
The success of the session was clear with the interaction throughout and the written feedback received:
“Very interesting. Got a lot out of it and understand more as to what my role is in the forum meetings”
“Great meeting and very well explained”
Would you like to join the Tenant Participation Practitioners’ Network?
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 4th December 2019 at 10.30 am at our headquarters in
Ballymena.
If you would like the opportunity to discuss and share best practice with colleagues from the housing
sector on all things tenant participation (TP), get in touch with Siobhán at
siobhan@empoweringcommunities.ltd or on 028 3834 2792
Empowering Communities Events Calendar
https://www.empoweringcommunities.ltd/events-calendar
www.empoweringcommunities.ltd @EmpoweringComms
9
Training
Volunteer Now Training Courses
Developing a Volunteer Keeping it Legal:
Programme Volunteers & the Law
Wednesday 4th December 2019, Wednesday 22nd January 2020,
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Volunteer Now Coleraine West Community Centre
The Skainos Centre 40 The Rope Walk
239 Newtownards Road COLERAINE
BELFAST, BT4 1AF BT51 3EZ
Standard Course From £80 +VAT Standard Course From £30 +VAT
This is a one day interactive masterclass that
This workshop gives an overview of the legal
explores the key areas to consider when
developing a volunteer programme.
obligations an organisation has regarding its
volunteers.
It is for both those who want to develop a new
volunteer programme/project as well as those Discover how to ensure you don’t accidently employ
who want to reflect upon and review an your volunteers, know the relevant legislation around
existing programme. It will give much needed health and safety and duty of care, gain a framework
reflective time to plan and consider the for carrying out a risk assessment and explore the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and truths and myths around volunteering while on
threats for your new idea. benefits.
A Certificate of Attendance is downloadable through your online training account after attendance.
For more information on Volunteer Now training courses and to book places, go to;
https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/training/courses-scheduled/2/
Advice NI is delighted to announce
the new Wiseradviser course,
Income Maximisation
This course is an introduction to maximising income
and is perfect for those new to debt advice.
The online course takes around one hour and at the
end you will be able to identify
• The key features of income maximisation and
financial capability
• When a client may be entitled to a means-
tested benefit or tax credit and how to
arrange an eligibility check
• Key qualifying conditions for non-means
tested benefits and how to signpost or refer
clients for more advice on how to claim
• Other ways of increasing incoming and
minimising expenditure that don’t involve
benefits or tax credits.
All Wiseradviser e-learning courses are free – all that’s needed is to register on the Wiseradviser website
below in order to take the course or login if you have already registered.
http://www.wiseradviser.org/northern-ireland
10Training cont’d
Housing Rights Training Courses
Housing Advice Training Programme Who should attend
Training Courses • Generalist advice workers
The Skainos Centre • NIHE & housing association staff
Monday, January 13, 2020 - 10:00 to Monday, • Hostel workers Constituency office staff
February 3, 2020 - 16:00 • Other statutory agencies such as
24.0hrs CPD Environmental Health Departments & Social
Services
Our Housing Advice Training Programme is the • Solicitors
‘must-have’ foundational course for those working • Community/residents groups
in housing. The course will be held 1 day per week,
over a four week period. Why should they attend
This course has been updated to ensure
The four day format will concentrate on key themes participants gain a strong grounding on all housing
that will enable participants to obtain a qualification sectors. It will also cover Welfare Reform and how
which enhances the skills and knowledge this is impacting on the housing arena.
necessary to provide comprehensive housing
advice. OCN Accreditation
Participants will attend training one day per week
Outcome of course and also be required to complete some additional
• Understanding housing options available for study hours and work based learning tasks such as
clients case studies and research activities to build their
• Accessing various types of accommodation portfolio of evidence. To assist in achieving this,
• Using homelessness legislation participants will have the support of the lead
• Selection scheme tutor. This course is accredited by the Open
• Private rented accommodation College Network at level 3. Participants who wish
• Sustaining accommodation and affordability those to register for the accreditation will have an
additional fee of £75.00
Advising People in Housing Debt Outcome of course
The Skainos Centre A better understanding of the role of the adviser
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 10:00 to 16:00 and practical tactics all aimed at securing a positive
6.0hrs CPD outcome for the client
In the current financial climate more and more Who should attend
people are finding it difficult to make ends • welfare rights or housing advisers
meet. This can often put them at risk of losing their • constituency offices
home. • church or community groups
• residents associations
This one day course will be delivered by a Housing
Rights debt adviser and will look at key issues like: This foundation level course does not require any
• The role of the adviser prior knowledge or experience of these areas.
• Maximising income
• Priority debts For more information, including costs and to book
• Dealing with lenders and landlords places, go to;
https://www.housingrights.org.uk/training-events
11Social Enterprise
12Funding
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon
Borough Council Financial Assistance
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Applications are open from 9.00am Monday
Council is offering financial assistance to eligible 11 November 2019 until 12noon on Friday
groups in the voluntary, community and social 13 December 2019
enterprise sector for the period 1st April 2020 – 31st
March 2021 for: Further information, including details of how to apply,
• Running costs (for eligible organisations) is available from
• Programmes www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/
• Events community-grants
Funding is available through the following grant Groups wishing to be notified of future funding
programmes: opportunities and other relevant information should
• Community Grants request their details be added to the Council’s
• Arts, Culture and Events Grants database by contacting Mairead McCavigan as below.
• Good Relations Grants
Places must be booked in advance by contacting
• International Linkages Grants
Mariead McCavigan (028) 38312589 or
• Commemorative Events Grants mairead.mccavigan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Call for financial assistance 2020-2021
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invite applications for Financial Assistance towards the programme
areas below:
• Minor Grants Community Works Schemes
• Community Capital Schemes
• Summer Schemes
• Irish Language
• Minority Communities
• Local Biodiversity Enhancement
• Tourism Events
• Tourism Partnership Marketing fund
• Community Engagement
• Community Events and Festivals
Application forms can be downloaded from www.newrymournedown.org/residents-grants-and-funding or can
be collected from reception in O’Hagan House, Monaghan Row, Newry or Downshire Civic Centre,
Downpatrick.
The opening date: Monday 4 November 2019.
The closing date: Monday 9 December 2019, 12pm.
Completed applications must be returned to either the reception in O’Hagan House, Monaghan Row, Newry or
Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick.
Late applications will not be considered.
For further information on the application process, please contact:
The Programmes Unit :
Telephone: 028 3031 3024
Email: programmesunit@nmandd.org
13Funding cont’d
New Participatory Budgeting for Lisburn and Castlereagh
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to Councillor Andrew Ewing,
announce a pilot ‘Participatory Budgeting’ initiative Chairman of the Lisburn &
called ‘Grand Choice’ which offers up to £1,000 to 15 Castlereagh PCSP, said: “Grand
projects in the Killultagh area. Choice is the perfect opportunity
for local residents to bring a
The key difference between Grand Choice and other project or event to their local
council managed funding opportunities is that the community. To apply, you don’t
successful projects will be chosen by the community. need to be part of an existing constituted group but
such groups are also eligible to apply. If you and a
Your vote will matter to your community, as you will few friends have an idea that will support your local
have the power to will decide which 15 projects community then please consider applying. You can
receive the much sought after funding. apply for £1,000 to pay for things such as equipment,
events, tutors, venue hire, transport for trips and other
The council and its partners have £15,000 available innovative ideas.
for projects across the district electoral area including,
Aghalee, Ballinderry, Dundrod, Glenavy, Maghaberry, All applications will be assessed to ensure the project
Stoneyford and White Mountain. is legal, safe, achievable within the budget and
timescale. If your group is not constituted you must
Those projects that receive financial support must obtain sponsor support from a local constituted
relate to one or more of the following themes: Policing group.”
and Community Safety, Mental Health and Wellbeing
or Engaging Young People. Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Sport NI, PSNI and the
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust have
contributed to the scheme in addition to the council.
To download an application form please click here
Open Data Fund opens
The Department of Finance has opened a £30,000 Innovation and
Outreach Fund to encourage the use of open data.
Awards of between £300 and up to £5,000 are available to fund the
development of apps or other interactive visualisations that make innovative use of data on the Open
Data NI portal. Organisations and individuals hosting engagement activities including hackathons,
workshops, seminars or events that will raise awareness of open data will also be eligible to apply to the
fund.
Encouraging people to apply, Sue Gray Permanent Secretary at the Department of Finance said:
“Opening up public sector data has the potential to provide commercial opportunities and drive economic
growth and innovation.
This fund will encourage creative re-use of the growing number of public sector datasets available on the
Open Data NI Portal and help us deliver on the ambitious targets set out in the Open Data Strategy.
I look forward to seeing the exciting proposals which come forward.”
Welcoming the fund, Colm Burns, Chair of The Northern Ireland Open Government Network said:
“This initiative is another positive step in creating a culture of data openness. The latest NI Open Data
Strategy and the Open Data Fund will help open up government data and provide new opportunities for
research, innovation and engagement.
Open Data innovation and outreach will improve government, empower citizens and create opportunities
to solve problems in original and creative ways.”
Further information about the Innovation and Outreach Fund can be found at
https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/niopendatafund.
Deadline to apply is Friday 7 February 2020.
14Funding cont’d
#CelebrateNationalLottery25 People have always
been passionate about
their communities and
The National Lottery Community Fund has revealed this special birthday
that it will be making a special £7.5 million pot of fund means they can
funding available to mark The National Lottery’s 25th bring even more great
birthday. ideas and projects to
life.”
The fund, #CelebrateNationalLottery25, will help
communities celebrate the extraordinary impact the Everyone who submits an application will be entered
National Lottery has had since its launch in November into the lottery draw, which will take place after the
1994. Thanks to National Lottery players, £40 billion deadline closes at 2pm on Friday 6 December
has been raised for good causes so far, funding over 2019. The National Lottery Fund will then run a few
half a million (565,000) projects across the UK. straightforward checks to make sure that applications
meets their eligibility criteria and genuinely benefit the
The #CelebrateNationalLottery25 funding will support community.
activity designed to bring people and communities
together all over the UK. Up to £2 million will be made There will be separate lottery draws for Scotland,
available this year in small grants of up to £1,000. The Wales, Northern Ireland and within different regions in
remainder will be released to the sector through the England to ensure a fair distribution of
Fund’s National Lottery Awards for All programme. #CelebrateNationalLottery25 funding across the UK.
Dawn Austwick, CEO of The National Lottery The National Lottery Fund will hope to let you know
Community Fund, said: “For 25 years The National by email whether you have been successful by
Lottery has been helping communities to thrive. We 31 January 2020.
are launching our fund, #CelebrateNationalLottery25,
to say happy birthday and a huge thank you to Join the celebration and apply today at
everyone who has helped make it such a great https://www.celebratenationallottery25.com/
success.
The National Lottery Community
Fund: Great Ideas
The Great Ideas programme is designed to support
great ideas that don’t necessarily involve people at If you think it might be for you, talk to the funding
every stage but if implemented would contribute to team in your local area, give them a call on 028
putting people in the lead and enable organisations to 90551455 or email them at
work with local people to bring about positive changes enquiries.ni@tnlcommunitiesfund.org.uk
in their communities. Funding from £10,001 to
£500,000 is available. Exclusions
They cannot fund
Scheme details
• Costs for items or activities you have already
The National Lottery Community Fund believe that
incurred before you get a decision
working with people at every stage of the process
helps communities to thrive. • Activities outside the UK
• Fundraising activities
However, they have learned that this approach • Second hand vehicles.
sometimes leaves gaps for great ideas which don’t
necessarily involve people at every stage of their How to apply
development, but if implemented would contribute to Talk to them – they're really interested in your
putting people in the lead. So they have developed ideas. And are there to support you to make the best
Great Ideas to support projects like this. application possible.
Projects that they could support under Great Ideas If you think it might be for you, talk to the funding
might include activity like testing digital approaches, team in your local area, give them a call on
developing user led approaches or developing 028 9055 1455 or email them at
community decision making. enquiries.ni@tnlcommunitiesfund.org.uk
15You can also read
