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NWCN E-bulletin: Community jobs, funding and opportunities

  • 2 days ago
  • 11 min read

Welcome to the new edition of the NWCN E-bulletin, the best source of community jobs, funding and opportunities in the North West of Ireland.


In this edition

🐣 Please note that there will be no bulletin next week. We would like to wish you all a lovely Easter break. 🐣


  1. NWCN Have Moved!!

We’re excited to let you know that North West Community Network has a new home!You’ll now find us in St Columb’s Hall, Orchard Street — a beautiful, historic space that we’re thrilled to be part of as we continue supporting local groups and communities.


  1. Comic Relief: A Place to Belong

Comic Relief’s vision is “a just world free from poverty.” As part of this vision, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to call home. Young people experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable in society.

Through this programme, we aim to ensure that our funding not only addresses the immediate needs of young people but also helps dismantle the longstanding barriers that drive and sustain housing inequity.

Systemic Change Pathway: Seeks to fund organisations that have the ambition and experience to advance racial justice through influence and advocacy within the homelessness sector, by challenging the systems and structures that create and sustain racial inequalities.

The application deadline is 12 noon on Thursday, 30th April 2026.

Further information available here


  1. Leathersellers’ Main Charity Grants Programme

The Leathersellers’ Main Charity Grants Programme aims to help prevent and address the harm of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Four year grants of £20,000-£25,000 per annum are available to charities and CIOs throughout the UK.

Eligibility criteria

The ACEs Main Charity Grants Programme aims to support UK registered charities or charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) but not Community Interest Companies (CIC) that:

  • expect to have an annual organisational income of £200,000-£2,000,000

  • have at least one year’s published accounts

  • use a trauma-informed approach and evidence-based interventions

  • have as their core focus, the goal to prevent and/ or reduce the harm of ACEs by providing services to children, young people and/ or adults (see ‘what we fund’ for details on ACEs)

  • can demonstrate that the vast majority of people using the service have experienced ACEs/ are supporting people who have experienced ACEs, such as parents and caregivers (please see FAQs on how to evidence this)

  • can demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach through evaluation or external research

  • can demonstrate that the voice of service users/ experts by experience informs service design and delivery

Expressions of Interest to be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 30 April 2026

Further information available here


  1. Lead the Change

Lead the Change is a new, three year initiative launched by BBC Children in Need, in partnership with Co op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and The National Lottery Community Fund. The programme supports young people to play a leading role in strengthening relationships, fostering understanding and building belonging in their communities.

Lead the Change aims to support young people most impacted by xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia.

Closing Date: Apr 29, 2026 13:00

Further information available here


  1. DfC public consultation on a draft Charities Bill

The Department for Communities is asking for views on a proposed Charities (Amendment) Bill, which is designed to update and strengthen how charities are regulated in Northern Ireland.

The Bill reflects recommendations from the Independent Review of Charity Regulation and is designed to ensure the sector remains well‑supported, transparent and proportionately regulated.

It also addresses some of the practical challenges that have come up since the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 was introduced.

This consultation is your chance to share your thoughts on the proposed amendments to the 2008 Act. Your feedback will help shape future legislation and influence how charities operate and are governed.

Find out more here

Consultation closes: 24 April 2026, 11.59 pm


  1. Draft Improvement Objectives - Have Your Say 2026-27

Part 12 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 puts in place a framework to support continuous improvement in the delivery of council services, and the Council has an obligation to produce a Performance Improvement Plan. 

The Improvement Objectives we have identified for 2026/27 are set out below, and we are particularly keen to know if: 

  • You agree that the draft performance improvement objectives are appropriate 

  • What alternative improvement objectives you would like to see considered this year or in the future. 

The proposed draft Improvement Objectives for 2026-27 are as follows: 

  • To advance the delivery of Council’s ambitious £711m Capital Development Programme including City Deal/ Inclusive Future Fund and provide opportunities for inclusive growth 

  • We will support the health and wellbeing of local people by improving participation in high quality leisure, sport and physical activity and target underrepresented groups 

  • To create a greener, cleaner more attractive district  

  • Establishment of a Local Economic Partnership, development of an agreed action plan and subsequent Letter of Offer and delivery of the first year of the action plan. 

  • To deliver improved customer satisfaction by improving customer support services and processes  

The consultation closes at noon on the 24th April 2026. 

Further information available here


  1. Future Planning  No Barriers Here Training - Introduction Webinar

Compassionate Communities NI, partnership with 11 organisations, trusts and agencies across Northern Ireland are piloting ’No Barriers Here’ in June 2026. No Barriers Here is an arts-based workshop designed to support more inclusive conversations about palliative care and advance care planning, particularly with communities who may experience barriers to accessing services. This includes people with learning disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, dementia, migrant communities and other marginalised groups.

Information Webinar: Date: Tuesday 14 April Time: 12:30 – 1pm Location: Zoom – Online Session

What the information session will cover:

  • Introduction to the No Barriers Here approach

  • Plans for the pilot in Northern Ireland

  • What is involved in the full day facilitator training

  • Expectations for participating organisations

  • Available supports, including potential funding

  • Timeline for recruitment and training

  • Opportunity for questions and discussion

Following the online information session, organisations will have the opportunity to apply to attend a full day facilitator training, with the aim of delivering workshops with the communities they support. The facilitator training course will be fully funded in partnership with Macmillan.


  1. Autism NI Free Parent/Carer Support Courses

Autism NI has released new parent/carer support courses, with topics including sensory processing, using visuals, play and planning for the Summer break. 

We have online sessions running live on Zoom which include the ability to interact and ask questions, so you can get the support that you need.

Online Courses include: Autism and Sensory Processing 15th April 2026, 10-12pm

Summer Structure: Helping your child with routines and transitions 11th June 2026, 6-8pm


  1. Post Quaran-teens! New dates for Summer/Autumn 2026

Interactive Online Workshop                               

Suitable for: Professionals and volunteers working in the field of family/community/education, etc.

Content: Practical Skills for dealing with Conflict Teenage brain development…what the science says How a Parent can really listen to a Teenager Useful resources……and everything else in between!!!

Cost?: Free of charge.  All training and accreditation is funded by the PHAContact Linda Allen at: linda@acet-ni.com for further information.


  1. World Premier in Strabane!

A newly commissioned, contemporary hymn celebrating the life of Cecil Frances Alexander, will be presented on April 17th at the Christ Church in Strabane.

Choirs Unite for a Musical Celebration.

A unique evening of music, celebrating the life and works of renowned hymn writer Cecil Frances Alexander, will take place at Christ Church, Strabane on Friday 17 April from 7.00pm to 9.30pm, bringing together choirs from across the North-West for this exceptional cross-community event.

Register your place here


  1. Heritage Bus Tour - Cecil Frances Alexander

“Bright and Beautiful”: New Heritage Bus Tour Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Cecil Frances Alexander on Saturday April 25th 2026, 9am to 5.30pm.

Free event & lunch included. Tickets are limited.

A new, one-day heritage bus tour celebrating the remarkable life, faith, and social influence of Cecil Frances Alexander will launch this April, inviting participants to journey through the landscapes and places that inspired one of Ireland’s most influential 19th-century women.

This cross-border tour has been created by The Churches Trust and funded by PEACEPLUS, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council.  It is free to attend and there is no booking fee.  Places are available to book on Eventbrite only.

Titled “Bright & Beautiful: The Cecil Frances Alexander One-Day Heritage Bus Tour,” the experience runs from 9.00am to approximately 5.30pm on Saturday April 25th 2026, beginning and ending in Strabane, with an optional early pick-up in Derry~Londonderry at 8.30am. This tour weaves together faith, poetry, landscape, education, and social conscience, offering a richly layered exploration of Alexander’s enduring legacy.

Book your place here Read the full press release here


  1. Spring Term at Eden Place Arts Centre

Online enrolments for our Spring Term will be live on our website on Monday 13th April from 9.30 am on the 'Upcoming courses' page of our website: www.edenplaceartscentre.com

7-Week courses available in the following:

  • Black & White Photography : Tuesday evening

  • Ceramics : Tuesday morning and evening course

  • Oil Painting: Wednesday morning

  • Wood Turning: Wednesday afternoon

  • Landscape Painting: Wednesday evening

  • Recreational Art: Thursday morning

  • Lino-cut Printmaking: Thursday evening

  • Mosaic Art: Friday afternoon

  • Woodsculpture: Friday evening

Workshops available in the following:

  • Fused Glass Candle Holder Workshop : Monday 18th May from 2-4pm

  • Fused Glass Jewellery Making Workshop: Monday 18th May from 6-8pm

  • Weaving Willow Bird Feeders Workshop : Monday 8th June from 6-9pm

  • Willow Basket Making Workshop: Monday 15th June from 10am-4pm

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  1. Act Your Age Drama Group presents ‘Last Orders’

The play is written by Act Your Age Drama Group and directed by Bernadette MacFarland 

Joe's bar is slowly dying on its feet. The future looks bleak until possible salvation presents itself in the form of an unexpected hen night. Could hen nights be the way forward for Joe, or might this venture into the unknown prove to be too much for Joe and his regulars?

Sponsored by Apex and Choice

DATE: Wednesday 24 June 2026 TIME: 8.00pm TICKETS: £5.00(includes development fee) LOCATION: Millennium Forum - Main Auditorium Click to book


  1. Latest Offers from Salto Youth

Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:

  • Preventing Youth Radicalisation in the Digital Age: Tools for Youth Workers

  • Inclusive youth participation webinars

  • Online Focus Group: Nature-Based Youth Work & Storytelling

  • The Gender Lens: Rethinking violence

  • Cool Facilitators

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  1. Job Opportunity with Waterside Women's Centre

Finance & Administration Coordinator (35hrs, £28,598 PA). Key role supporting finance, payroll, reporting and office systems in Waterside Women's Centre. Ideal for someone organised, detail-focused and committed to community impact.

Application deadline Wednesday / 15 April 2026 12:00pm Apply now!


  1. Job Opportunity with The Churches Trust

The Churches Trust is recruiting a Senior Finance Officer (Part-Time) to support the financial management of our organisation and the delivery of our work across the North West.

Senior Finance Officer Derry/Londonderry 3 Days per Week (22.5 Hours) Salary: £20,940 per year

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with finance and administration experience who is looking for a flexible part-time role within a community-focused organisation making a real difference locally.

The Role Will Include:

  • Maintaining financial records and accounting systems (Sage)

  • Payroll administration and statutory returns

  • Budget monitoring and financial reporting

  • Managing project finances and grant drawdowns

  • Supporting audits and financial controls

About The Churches Trust The Churches Trust works across the Northwest delivering programmes that support community development, good relations, women’s leadership, youth development and health equality initiatives, alongside practical community support services. Our work is guided by an ACE Aware, Trauma-Informed approach, helping to build stronger and more connected communities.

To request a Recruitment Pack (Job Description, Person Specification and Application Form) please email:  recruitment@thechurchestrust.org.uk OR phone - 028 71 311 322

Closing Date: 13th April 2026 - 5.00 pm


  1. Foyle JBO Upcoming Events

Barclays Local Specialist Drop In Thursday 2nd AprilFoyle JBO 10am-12pm The Barclays Local Specialist can provide support with managing money, banking, setting up bank account, financial and mental wellbeing They can offer free learning resources and support to help build confidence in areas including digital skills and being online There is also a range of support for those on self-employment journeys

First Housing Drop In Wednesday 15th April Foyle JBO 11am-1pm First Housing Aid & Support can offer support to anyone facing housing issues.They can help with:

  • Homelessness assistance

  • Accessing social housing/ private rental

  • Issued with notice to quit

  • Eviction support

  • Maximising housing selection scheme points

  • Housing repairs

  • Rent/ mortgage arrears

  • Tenant rights & responsibilities

  • Landlord rights & responsibilities

If anyone would like to find out more, they are welcome to call in on the day 

CMP Clinic Thursday 16th April Foyle JBO 10:30am-12:30pm Representatives from the Condition Management programme (CMP) will be in the office to discuss their voluntary programme which can offer up to 12 sessions with a health care professional. CMP could help you if you have a health condition which affects your ability to work, return to work or to stay in work. It offers help with dealing with stress and anxiety, managing low mood and depression, coping with pain and fatigue, developing a healthier lifestyle, and exploring potential work options.Please note potential participants must have an interest in progressing into/ remaining in work and participation on the programme is subject to eligibility criteria. For more information you can book an appointment through a Work Coach in the jobs and benefits office or call in on the day.


  1. All Aboard

Please find attached link below to Issue 43 of "All Aboard", the news-sheet of the Central Appointments Unit.  https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/publications/all-aboard

For further information on public appointments visit our website or nidirect at: https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/articles/public-appointments www.nidirect.gov.uk/public-appointments

A link is also included below to the Public Appointments Guide which provides an overview of Public Appointments in Northern Ireland and helpful information for those wishing to apply. https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/execoffice/public-appointments-guide.pdf


  1. Energy Strategy E-Bulletin

Please find below link for the 34th edition of the Energy Strategy E-Bulletin, which aims to keep stakeholders informed about progress on the Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland.

In this edition:

  • Executive approval to end petroleum exploration and licensing is welcome: Archibald

  • Review of mineral licensing - Call for Evidence

  • Warm Healthy Homes Strategy

  • Electricity consumption and renewable generation in Northern Ireland: year ending December 2025

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Submit an article - Email info@nwcn.org. Please note that the e-bulletin goes out once per week on a Wednesday, please have your article for inclusion with NWCN by Tuesday afternoon 

When submitting an article for inclusion in this E-Bulletin, please conform to the following guidelines:

  • As far as possible, do not use images - information is best received when it is concise and straightforward.

  • Include reliable contact information: named contact, organisation, telephone number, email address &, where appropriate, web address.

  • Please check that all details are correct when submitting as we will presume they are.

The information in this E-Bulletin has been collated from a range of sources. NWCN does not however accept responsibility for any third party content or for any of the opinions expressed.

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