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E-Bulletin 10 February 2011 |
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working to create a genuinely participative democracy |
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Consultation events with NWCN & SDCN
Delivering Community Consultation on behalf of: Investing for Health and the Public Health Agency
Monday 14th February 2011, 2 - 3.30pm Keenaught Suite, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady BT49 0FJ
Friday 18 February 2011, 10 - 11.30am Main Hall, St. Columbs Park House, Limavady Road, Derry~Londonderry BT47 6JY
Both events will receive presentations from: Brendan Bonner, Head of Health & Social Wellbeing Improvement (West)
The purpose of the events is to update local groups on: - Activities to date - Organisational and staffing restructures - Challenges for Health Improvement - Representation on IFH/Health Improvement Partnership - Hear your input on the challenges you would like to see PHA/WIFH address.
The feedback received will inform forthcoming strategic review by both agencies in continuing to meet the needs and tackle health inequalities in the Western region.
To confirm your attendance for these important engagements, please contact NWCN on: 028 7127 9090 or email: info@nwcn.org |
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DSD Minister to attend Concordat consultation in the North-west – Have your say…
Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood MLA, will visit Clooney Hall, Derry~Londonderry, on Wednesday 2 March 2011 to engage with community and voluntary organisations, businesses, other organisations and the public. All are welcome to attend.
The event will run between 10.30am and 1.00pm and will include a consultation workshop to consider the views of community and voluntary sector stakeholders on the proposals for a new Concordat for Relationships between Government and the VCS.
Minister Attwood also wishes to use the opportunity to discuss the impact of the Department for Social Development’s draft budget proposals (available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/consultation-draft-budget-2010.doc).
These are key events to give local organisations, families and citizens, a role in and influence over the budget. It is the most severe for a generation and the Minister wants as many as possible of this generation to have their say on its content.
Please reply to una.gilmore@dsdni.gsi.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 25 Feb indicating your intention to attend.
NWCN has been a member of the Joint Government Community & Voluntary Sector Forum for the last four years, bringing a strong North-West perspective to discussions on an agreed Concordat (NWCN is one of only a few sub-regional members of the Forum).
It might seem that a document such as the Concordat does not carry the greatest significance at a time of continuing financial pressures. The Network considers however that with looming Assembly elections and likely changes in departmental responsibilities, the relationship framework and commitment levels between government and the Community & Voluntary sector will become of critical importance, providing the only reference point on which departments might be held to account.
Access the relevant documents using the links below: The Concordat Consultation document (PDF 151KB) The draft Concordat for Relationships between Government and the C&V sector (PDF 51KB) |
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European collaboration grants open for applications
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UK cross region music scheme launched
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CR Week 2011 - 23rd May to 28th May. Ideas? Funding opportunities
Community Relations Week is organised annually by the Community Relations Council. In the Derry City Council however it is also used as an opportunity to showcase Good Relations work and run events and campaigns related to good relations in communities and venues across the council area. Events may be run entirely by community groups, statutory agencies, businesses or partnerships. It is likely that Derry City Council will take the theme ‘Sure what’s the problem?’ (With potential to explore what relevance CR issues still have in different aspects of today’s society).
Events Programme: CRC have a deadline of 4th April for any group wanting to have their event included in the CRC programme. Derry City Council also uses this deadline for inclusion in its own council area programme.
Funding: There are two obvious sources of funding for potential events run by the Community and Voluntary Sector: CRC’s small grant scheme: This opens for applications on 1st April, but given the timescales, groups interested in accessing this funding for CR Week should contact Paul Jordan at CRC. Tel:90227500
Derry City Council CR Support Grant: These are only open to groups who are not in receipt of SLA or main grant in 2011/12. Applications will probably be open and forms available on line in last week of February. If you want to apply for a CR Week event under support grants please contact any of the 3 Community Relations Officers (Angela, Carol, Sue) Other funders may also fund events.
Events in new areas and with new groups: If you have any ideas for inclusion in the CR Week Programme, in particular if you work with a group or have a potential audience that has not traditionally taken part in CR Week, or are based in a geographical area which has not traditionally engaged much in CR Week, then the Community Relations Officers would be keen to hear your ideas in case there are any potential partnership approaches which could be explored.
Such events should have a strong good relations focus e.g. Anti-sectarianism, anti-racism, diversity, shared space, dealing with the past, victims & survivors, ex-prisoners, anti-hate crime, interfaces.
Tel: 02871345160 / E-mail: sue.divin@derrycity.gov.uk |
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Strengthening Families Programme
We wish to invite you to an information workshop on the Strengthening Families Programme on Tuesday 22nd Feb 10am-11.30am in Riversdale Leisure Centre, Strabane.
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strengthening program. SFP is an evidence-based family skills program found to significantly reduce problem behaviors, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children and to improve social competencies and school performance. More information is found in the attached document.
Organisations can become involved in this Pilot SFP programme by: - Committing organisationally to supporting families in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area - Committing to being part of a referral system for a programme that supports families and young people. - Agree to release staff to attend a two day training session on 3rd and 4th March. - Commit to working in partnership in the delivery of the programme.
We will be accepting applications for the 2-day training for facilitators on the 3rd & 4th March at this workshop.
To register to attend this information workshop on SFP please email: kenda@derryhc.com |
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Free 6 Week Course - Sustainable Gardening
The Carbon Zero NI programme is a sector wide initiative by the Further Education sector under the leadership of the South West College in Northern Ireland. This programme is supported by the Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland through the Innovation Fund, Employer Support Programme.
Carbon Zero Northern Ireland provides technology development and innovation support to Industry and will deliver an extensive array of training courses focused on developing a skilled workforce in renewable energy in Northern Ireland.
North West Regional College have been delivering a range of courses in waste management, renewable energies and sustainability. As part of a series of courses and seminars they plan to deliver a short 6 week course on 'Urban Sustainability - Tackling Food Miles' to members of Northern Ireland's Community and Voluntary Sector and other interested individuals.
This free course will commence on Friday 11th February 2011, 2.00pm to 4.00pm at North West Regional College, Springtown Campus, Springtown Road, Derry, BT48 0LY. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Urban Sustainability - Tackling Food Miles: As concerns regarding over consumption and wasted resources become more immediate throughout the globe, more and more people and governments are trying to embrace a new way of thinking and acting about their future. Although the motivation for involvement varies, it often includes the desire to improve the quality of community life, to protect the environment, and to encourage individuals to participate in the decisions that affect them.
A 6 week practical and theory course on creating a sustainable garden at home. This will include the planning, creating and developing a fruit and vegetable garden. The course will explore key sustainability topics, such as: Recycling; Composting; Growing your own fruits and vegetables; Companion planting and biodiversity; Organic techniques.
For further information or to book your place, please contact Francine on 028 7127 6255. |
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Mapping the past and charting the future of development education
CGE's first residential conference, Reflections and Projections will review the past challenges and successes of development education, examine how it is viewed and currently fits into the education and development sectors, and debate how we can proactively work together to address the major challenges being faced today, including advancing research, diversifying funding and advocating for sectoral support. It will showcase good practice and demonstrate the relevance and impact of DE.
Participants will look at how to engage at a deeper level with development agencies and other relevant organisations/bodies, and how to demonstrate to development agencies why they should engage with and support development education. The two day event will provide many opportunities for discussion and will draw on the expertise and creativity of participants in looking to develop potential solutions to the challenges faced in the sector today.
Thursday's agenda will run from 4pm to 8:30pm; Friday will run from 10am to 3:45pm. Transport will be provided from the venue to the train station for those catching the 4:10pm train back to Dublin to vote in the general election. Polling stations will be open until 10pm throughout the Republic.
Fees for Thursday and Friday are £40 waged/£20 unwaged; Friday only £30/£15.
For more information and to register please contact Jenna Coriddi: jenna@centreforglobaleducation.com or +44 (0)28 9024 1879. |
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Transitional Justice Workshop - International Conference
Zimbabwe Reconstruction and the Rule of Law: Lessons from Northern Ireland
Thursday 17 February 2011, Great Hall, University of Ulster, Magee campus
9.30-10.00am: Registration / Tea & Coffee 10.00-10.05am: Introduction: Professor Bill Rolston (Director, TJI) 10.05-10.25am: Welcome Remarks: Lord Mayor of Derry, Councillor Colum Eastwood & Provost, University of Ulster, Magee campus 10.25-11.00am: Keynote Speech: Professor Welshmen Ncube, President of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Zimbabwe Minister of Industry and Commerce & Co-Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee. 11.00-11.15am: Coffee Break 11.15am-12.15pm: Workshops: (1)Dealing with the Past and (2)Northern Ireland: Local/Global Interchange (see below) 12.15-1.30pm: Lunch 1.30-2.30pm: Panel Discussion: Professor Welshmen Ncube, Northern Ireland MLA (TBC), Professor Christine Bell, Associate Director, TJI and Okay Machisa (ZIMRIGHTS). 2.30 – 2.45pm: Coffee Break 2.45-3.45pm: Reflection/Question & Answer Session (Chair: Prof Christine Bell) 3.45-4.00pm: Wrap Up: Dr Khanyisela Moyo (Lecturer, TJI) 4.00-4.15pm : Closing Remarks: TJI Directorate 4.45-8.00pm: Transitional Justice Workshop for the Zimbabwean Diaspora (MD050)
Workshops: Workshop 1: Dealing with the Past Facilitator: Tiseke Kasambala (Senior Researcher and Advocate, Human Rights Watch) Contributors : Dr Chris Lamont (TJI); Kucaca Phulu (Zimrights); Dr Gabriele Porretto (TJI) Venue: MD021 (ground floor)
Workshop 2: Northern Ireland: Local/Global Interchange Facilitator: Ita Connolly (TJI) Contributors: Dr Khanyisela Moyo (TJI); Emmett Bergin (Trocaire); Tor- Hugne Olsen (Zimbabwe Europe Network) Venue: MD026 (ground floor)
To register please contact e.carlin@ulster.ac.uk |
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Bronagh Gallagher ‘stirs’ it up in Foyle for the NSPCC
Singer and actress Bronagh Gallagher has asked the people of Foyle to make their teabreak count this Spring and Stop for Tea in aid of local NSPCC services.
Launching the Foyle Stop for Tea campaign, due to take place from February 28-March 6, Bronagh called on the people of Foyle to take a well-earned break and show their support for vital local services.
“This is a really simple way to make a big difference for vulnerable children from the Foyle area. Take time to sit down with friends, family or work colleagues – and all while raising money to support NSPCC services in Foyle.
People are invited to get involved in the NSPCC’s Stop for Tea campaign and play their part in ending cruelty to children by baking up a storm, hosting a tea party, inviting friends round for a ‘G&T’ or even teeing-off on the golf course. Businesses too can come on-board by enabling staff, and even customers, to make those tea-breaks really count. Whatever their chosen way to take a break, Bronagh is asking people to make supporting NSPCC services in Foyle their ‘cup of tea’.
“Excellent work is already being done by the NSPCC locally, through services such as the Foyle Resource Team, which provides specialist recovery services to children directly affected by sexual abuse, the dedicated Domestic Abuse Team, ChildLine and the Young Witness Service, but there is no question that continuing support is needed.
“Thanks to the NSPCC’s expertise in therapeutic recovery work and child protection, families in Foyle have access to programmes which are tailored to meet the emotional needs of children affected by abuse. Protecting vulnerable children, and helping them along the road to recovery, is the best reason I know to have a cup of tea.”
Anyone can get involved, whether at home or at work – put the kettle on and raise vital funds for local children. To get involved, people should contact the NSPCC on 028 9035 7970 and request a Stop for Tea pack. |
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North West Volunteer Centre is holding a Deaf Awareness Training Course in association with the Foyle Sign Language Centre on Thursday 03 March 2010 from 10 am to 12.30 pm in the North West Volunteer Centre.
Deaf Awareness Training Session will include information on types of deafness, communication methods, acceptable terminology, society's attitude towards deafness, how to avoid difficulties that affect deaf people's access to communication, technical aids, LSP's (Language Service Professionals) and a range of communication tactics.
To register please contact Seanna on seanna@volunteeringnorthwest.co.uk or call 028 7127 1017 |
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HandyMen (NI) Ltd. has been in operation since April 2009 and is one of the social economy projects run by ‘Da’ The Young Father’s Project. HandyMen (NI) Ltd. has provided basic maintenance tasks and services to private, community and voluntary sectors throughout Northern Ireland.
The project has been set up to give young fathers practical ‘hands on’ experience in a working environment, develop their interpersonal skills and provide an opportunity to gain a recognised vocational qualification. In addition to these benefits the project also impacts positively on the young father’s life, such as increasing their motivation and drive and in the process it can help to increase and improve relationships with their children.
Our services include Painting and Decorating, Joinery, Plastering, Removals, Commercial Cleaning, Garden Maintenance and Grass Cutting. An experienced member of staff supervises all work.
We provide a competitive and cost effective service to our customers. If interested, please contact John on 028 7137 2787. |
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A new approach to stress – free introductory session
Stress comes in many different forms- worries about finances, health, family, resentment about other people’s behaviour, self-doubt, excessive workload- and can consume us to the point of ill-health.
I am offering community groups a free introductory talk and demonstration of a new approach to dealing with stress - It is easy to learn and can be applied to any stress.
It is based on the premise that when you are stressed you are believing something that isn’t true. A simple example of this would be when you wrongfully believe an assumption about a person.
This method shows how to find a perspective that is truer, which in turn brings more peace and the clarity to deal with the troubling issue in a more effective way. All that is required is an open mind.
For further information about this approach please contact Tony Carlin at 07843587757 Email: tony.carlin@btinternet.com Website: www.thework.com
For those who wish to experience this approach in more depth I am running an introductory workshop in the Junction on March 25th and 26th. Times: Friday 6.30pm to 9pm and Saturday 9.45am to 5.15pm. The cost is £60 |
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Disability Action’s Dungannon Office is planning their second Handbag Sale for early April 2011. It would be much appreciated if you could leave any stylish, good condition handbags, costume jewellery, accessories or even unwanted Christmas presents, to be included in the sale in Dungannon, in Disability Action’s Derry Office, 58 Strand Road, Derry by the end of March 2011.
Your help and contributions will be much appreciated! |
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The Old Library Trust – Exercise Classes
Please see attached for list of times and dates for exercise classes to include: Pilates, Spinning, Aerobics and Circuit.
Cost £2 for classes, £3 for Spin Class pass available for £25 a month No need for direct debits just pay @ reception each month Ring 71373870 for further information |
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Nelis
McCrossan |
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NWCN is a membership organisation for community & voluntary groups in the North-West, click here for a membership form for 2010-11. | |
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North-West Community Network receives core funding through the Community Investment Fund (DSD). | |
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