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E-bulletin: 21 January 2026

  • kevin7809
  • 2 days ago
  • 7 min read
In this edition

  1. Dormant Assets for All

This funding is for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Northern Ireland.

It helps organisations to:

  • build skills and capacity

  • be more resilient

  • prepare for future challenges

We fund projects that strengthen your organisation.  This might include improving:

  • confidence and skills in digital technology

  • how you track and measure your impact

  • financial management

  • governance and leadership

  • volunteer recruitment and management

We’ll only fund work that makes your organisation stronger

We do not fund the delivery of activities in your community. For example, we cannot fund expanding an existing service into new areas.

Amount: £300 to £20,000

Programme status: Open to applications

Further information available here


  1. Money Saving Expert - Winter 2026 round open now

The MSE Charity gives grants to UK not for profit organisations that deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money.

Winter Round: Opens Monday 19 January, closes 5pm Monday 26 January

Take our quick Eligibility Quiz to review our key grant-making criteria and self-assess whether in principle, we can support your project and organisation. If you are eligible, this will unlock online access to the Stage 1 Outline Proposal form.   

For more detailed info, please review our Application Guidance page. 

Stage 1 Outline Application proposals will only be accepted up to 5pm on Monday 26 January.

Further information available here


  1. Climate Action Fund - Food Systems

We want to fund projects that strengthen our food system and reduce food insecurity for people and communities.  We want to support ways of producing enough healthy, affordable food without harming the planet. 

We will do this by supporting work that: 

  • works with nature to create resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems (this is called agroecology) 

  • addresses the root cause of long-term problems, not just the symptoms (this is called systems change) 

For more detail, see our funding aims. 

Your project must work towards systems change in the way that:  

  • community organisations grow and produce food – using agroecological methods 

  • food gets distributed – aiming for equitable access to healthy, affordable food for all 

  • offers people and communities different food options – especially those experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination  

You can apply for a minimum of £2.5 million over 3 years. Further information available here


  1. New ‘Circular Communities’ Project

Circular Communities is a new pilot project by Northern Ireland Resources Network designed to expand the reach of the circular economy. The initiative focuses on bringing reuse and repair activities to communities that haven't engaged with them yet by using a co-design and mentorship model.

Key Objectives:

  • Expand Participation: Engage communities that are currently uninvolved in the circular economy.

  • Co-Design Training: Develop tailored training programmes through collaborative design with members.

  • Normalise Sustainability: Make repairing and reusing items a natural and accessible part of daily life across Northern Ireland.

How to Participate in 2026

The project offers paid opportunities for members to share their expertise:

  • Paid Focus Groups: Join upcoming sessions to help shape and influence the programmes structure.

  • Paid Mentorship: Experienced members can act as mentors to help new groups establish their own reuse or repair hubs.

  • Spread the word: Spread awareness to help these activities become a local standard.

Focus Group:

Wed 4th Feb Creggan Country Park 196 Westway, Creggan, Derry, BT48 9NU, 10 am to 2 pm

2 spaces left


  1. Information from MindWiseBeyond Bricks – Funded School Places (2026)

This opportunity is open to primary schools interested in delivering the Beyond Bricks emotional resilience programme in 2026. Places are fully funded, and interested schools are invited to attend a short online introduction session to learn more about:

Stronger Foundations Conference – Children’s Mental Health Week Wednesday 11th February 2026 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Registration from 5:00pm) An evening of connection, research, and real-world experience in early intervention and mental health, featuring keynote speakers:

  • Dr Daniel LeGoff – creator of LEGO®-Based Therapy

  • Chris Stothers  – Retired Police Officer and lived experience of trauma and recovery. 

Open to all — ideal for educators, professionals, parents, and students Tickets here: MindWise Stronger Foundations Conference | MindWise


  1. Have your say on the future of Top of the Hill!

The community is invited to share views on the Top of the Hill Masterplan at a public consultation on January 27th at The Chroi Centre, Trench Road.

Drop in anytime: 10am–1pm | 2–6pm | 7–9pm to view the proposals and give your feedback.

This is your chance to help shape a more connected, vibrant and inclusive space for generations to come


  1. Marking life’s milestones with trees that grow alongside our communities

Through the Council’s Registration Service, tree saplings are offered to mark significant life events such as births, marriages, deaths and partnerships. These living markers symbolise growth, remembrance and connection to our environment.

If you or your family have received a sapling through the Life Project, we invite you to take part in our public consultation questionnaire. Your feedback will help us improve the project and strengthen its impact across the district.


  1. Advice Northwest

Advice Northwest are now offering evening and weekend telephone and email advice until the 31st March 2026.

Monday–Thursday: 5pm–7pm Saturday: 9am–1pm

Do you need help with debt or benefits? Worried about money or unsure of your entitlements? Get in touch for free confidential advice.

Advice line: 0300 303 3650 Debt line: 028 7137 0337 email: advice@advicenorthwest.com


  1. Mums Wellbeing Event

WHSCT’s Social Work MDT and Health Visiting Teams are hosting a Mum's Wellbeing Event

Friday 23rd January 10.30AM - 12.30PM Lettershandoney Community Centre

There will be information stands, light refreshments and a baby corner Pregnant women and new mums all welcome.


  1. Appointed Person First Aid

Mar 11 | 9:30am – 4:30pm | Eco Base, The Playtrail

Practical, lifesaving skills for the workplace and beyond. Master essential techniques including CPR and injury management. All participants receive a First Aid guide and an accredited certificate valid for 3 years.


  1. Sensory Information Hubs in partnership with Libraries NI

Support for sight and hearing loss event If you or someone you know is affected by combined sight and hearing loss, then come along to our event to find out more.  No need to book, just turn up and say hello!

Tuesday 27th January, 11am - 3:30pm Derry Central Library, 35 Foyle Street, Derry, BT48 6AL

Wednesday 28th January, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 3:30pm Castlederg Library, 1a Hospital Road, Castlederg, BT81 7BU

Please join us! We look forward to meeting you. Contact us for more information: deafblind.org.uk / Helpline: 0800 132 320


  1. Sensory Musical Theatre @ The Millennium Forum

Come and join us at the Millennium Forum for our Sensory Musical Theatre Workshops!

We want to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported to express themselves through performance!

Our classes will focus on drama-based activities, improvisation, role-playing and singing. We aim to build confidence, creativity and self-esteem!

Our classes are open to post-primary age and will run every Saturday from 1:30pm-2:30pm.  Starting on 7th February until 27 June 2026

The project will be facilitated by Caitlyn McCrea.

Bookings can be made by contacting our Box Office on 02871 264455 (option 1) or by clicking the link https://millenniumforum.co.uk/whats-on/sensory-musical-theatre-group


  1. Free Creative Tech Programme for Girls (Ages 11–14)

Kippie have opened registration for Ctrl, Alt, Create: Beginners, a FREE 8-week creative technology programme, funded by Northern Ireland Screen, designed specifically for girls aged 11–14. The programme introduces participants to games, digital art, animation, and creative technology in a supportive and confidence-building environment. No prior experience is required.

What participants will do:

  • Design and build their own games

  • Create digital artwork

  • Explore the basics of coding and animation

  • Collaborate with peers and build confidence in creative skills

Programme details:

  • When: Fridays, 5:00–6:15pm (8 weeks) 

  • Where: Kippie Offices, 113–115 Spencer Road, Derry/Londonderry

  • Age group: Girls aged 11–14

  • Cost: Free (funded by Northern Ireland Screen)

This programme supports early engagement with digital and creative skills and is part of our wider work to increase access for young people who may not otherwise see these pathways as an option.


  1. Latest Offers from Salto Youth

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

  • Smart Moves: How to Learn from Mistakes and Stay Ahead at Work Webinar for Youth and Youth Educators

  • Communicating with Empathy

  • Upcyclart: the art of Upcycling

  • The Game Changer: From Board Games to Learning in Youth Work

  • New tools


  1. Job Opportunities with Donegal Local Development Company

DLDC is looking to recruit an Employment Manager and Social Inclusion Manager. These positions offer an opportunity to make a real impact and contribute to meaningful work within our community.

Applications for both posts should arrive no later than 5pm, Friday 23rd January 2026.

More information on these two roles, as well as others: Jobs Board - Donegal Local Development Company CLG (DLDC)


  1. Are you planning an event for the St. Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival?

Let us know, and DCSDC will help you promote it! Whether it’s live music, family fun, or cultural activities, we’d love to include your plans and showcase all the great things happening in our community this St Patrick's Day!

Submit your details via this form: https://tinyurl.com/spdpds For more information on St Patrick's Day Spring Carnival plans: https://tinyurl.com/spdpds


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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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