E-bulletin: 7 January 2026
- kevin7809
- Jan 7
- 12 min read
In this edition
Central Good Relations Fund 2026/27 - Open for Applications
Applications for the 2026/27 Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF) funding programme are now open and will close on Friday 30 January 2026 at 4pm.
Successful projects must deliver within the funding year and contribute towards the delivery of one of the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy key priorities.
To help groups apply for funding, the Executive Office will be hosting three ‘CGRF Online Information Sessions’ via MS Teams.
Register to attend an online session:
Further information available here
Connect Fund Round 2: Launching Today
Connect Fund Round 2 launches today, Wednesday 7 January 2026.
The Connect Fund awards up to £1m over two years (25/26 and 26/27) to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland. Applicants can bid for projects with a value from £300 to £50,000 with a total of £500,000 available for Round 2.
The Connect Fund supports projects that deliver on one or more of the following objectives:
Strengthen East-West connections by developing long lasting civic relationships;
Propose an original approach to developing East-West connections;
Support the development of cultural, sports and people-to-people links;
Build leadership capability opportunities for community leaders on an East-West basis; and
Facilitate positive and constructive dialogue on shared opportunities/challenges facing communities in the UK.
Please note a key change from the previous round, Connect Fund Round 2 will feature a single application window from 7 January 2026 - 12 February 2026, unlike the monthly rolling submission process during Round 1. This will allow applicants to deliver their projects between April 2026 and March 2027.
We will be hosting a series of information sessions to support prospective applicants. Please find these details attached.
If you have any questions please contact ggms_connectfund_nio@cabinetoffice.gov.uk or consider dropping into one of our upcoming information sessions.
Good Relations Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2029
Derry City and Strabane District Council are developing a new Good Relations Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2029 and would like to get the views of a wide range of stakeholders in relation to identifying the key priorities and help shape the plans for the next three years.
To enable the views of stakeholders to be gathered a survey has been developed and several consultation sessions planned across the city and district, facilitated by independent consultant Lorraine McCourt.
Tuesday 13th January 2026 – 2pm Public Consultation in Derry - (Green Room, Guildhall, Derry)
Tuesday 13th January 2026 – 7-9pm Public Consultation in Claudy- (Diamond Centre)
Thursday 15th January 2026 – 7pm-9pm – Public Consultation in Castlederg (Studio, Derg Valley Leisure Centre)
Monday 19th January 2026 – 2pm Public Consultation in Strabane (Glenelly Room, Strabane)
Thursday 22nd January 2026 – 7pm Online Public Consultation session
To register your interest in attending one of these consultation sessions please visit this link to choose which session you would like to attend.
CCNI - Charity Income Survey
Charities are the backbone of our communities, but many are facing tough times.
Recent analysis by the Commission’s policy and research team shows a concerning trend: more than 1,000 charities reported lower income in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. The team want to understand why - but to do that, they need your insight.
If your charity has experienced a drop in income, please take a few minutes to complete the charity income survey, which is online at: Why have the incomes of charities fallen - survey
Your input will help uncover the challenges charities are facing and identify practical solutions to strengthen the sector. The feedback you provide will also inform future guidance and support for charities like yours.
Recovery College - Request for feedback
We are currently planning our Spring Summer 2026 term. Our new prospectus will be available in February, with the term kicking off mid March.
We would love to hear your feedback about the Recovery College. All feedback is welcome and appreciated. Please share with us how attending the College has supported your recovery journey, and also the areas we can improve on.
We are now using Care Opinion to hear from our students. This is a non-profit organisation supported by the health care trust within the UK. Care Opinion is a place where you can share your experience of health or care services, and help make them better for everyone. It is an anonymous platform, where the public can read your experiences.
If you would like to share your story on Care Opinion please open the below link, and click on ‘Tell Your Story’.
Please contact Roisin Recovery College Coordinator on 028 8225 2079, or Michelle Scott Patient Client Experience Lead on 02871345171, with any questions or guidance on navigating this.
Social Enterprise NI - North West Regional Networking Meeting
15 January 2026, 10am - 12pm The Enterprise Hub, North West Business Complex, Skeoge.
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you believe in the power of business to drive social change? Are you looking to connect with like-minded individuals and fellow social enterprises and stakeholders in the sector. If so, we invite you to join us for the Social Enterprise Regional Meeting!
Why Attend?
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow social entrepreneurial leaders and partners who share your vision for a better world.
Inspiring Speakers: Hear from industry experts and pioneers in social enterprise who will share their insights and experiences.
Community Wealth Building: Be a part of a supportive community dedicated to using business as a force for good.
Who Should Attend?
Social Entrepreneurs We would encourage social enterprises from within the local area to attend, but also encourage any social enterprise who wants to connect/extend their reach within that area, to also attend.
Local Businesses Interested in Social Impact Do you want to find out more about the diverse range of social enterprises in the country, why not come along and network and start building relationships
Anyone Passionate About Social Change If you haven’t yet started your social enterprise journey but would like to find out more about Social Enterprise, why not come along, network and hear from established Social Enterprises.
To register, please click the BOOK NOW button and complete the form.And if you need any further information please contact catherine@socialenterpriseni.org
Launch of Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme
NW Migrants Forum are inviting our members and members of the public generally to the official launch of an exciting new project aimed at building positive relationships in communities experiencing rapid demographic change.
The Intercultural Cross-border Inclusion Programme, supported by PEACEPLUS, has been developed by an alliance of five grassroots organisations – North West Migrants Forum, Donegal Intercultural Platform, Irish Network Against Racism, Multi-Ethnic Sports Northern Ireland and Rural Community Network.
A three-year initiative, the ICI Programme was designed with a geographical focus on rural and urban areas across Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland counties of Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan.
At a time when towns and villages across Ireland are experiencing population growth and cultural shifts, the project’s overall aim is to foster a more inclusive society while empowering minority ethnic communities and encouraging active participation.
The launch will take place in Monaghan Peace Campus on January 21.
The launch event, which runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm, is open to the public but registration is essential. A bus will run from Letterkenny, stopping to pick up in Derry, before travelling on to Monaghan Peace Campus.
If you would like to attend, simply fill in this short form: https://bit.ly/ICIPLaunch.
If travelling from Northern Ireland please make sure your residency status allows you to cross the border.
Free Training for Community & Voluntary Organisations
2026 - Free Training Opportunities
Online Trainings The Person Behind the Behaviour - 09 Jan 2026 The Person Behind the Behaviour - 21 Jan 2026 Impact of Drugs on Emotional Health - 13 February 2026 Self Harm & Autism - 16 February 2026 Impact of Social Media on MH - 18 Feb 2026 Impact of Social Media on MH - 2 March 2026
Face to Face Trainings Anger Management - 25 & 26th Feb 2026 Omagh Enterprise Centre
Booking Essential for All Trainings Register Book your place
New dates: Free Parent/Carer Support Courses
Autism NI still have some places available on our upcoming FREE parent/carer support courses. These courses are supported by the Public Heath Agency through the CLEAR project.There are dates available in each Health Trust area across NI - all dates and times can be found on our website using the links below.
Supporting your autistic child to sleep Explore what differences or challenges can be experienced by autistic children regarding sleep, and a range of intervention strategies that can be used to promote positive sleep hygiene and routines.
Autism and learning disability: Supporting your young child Explore the key characteristics of autism for young children, who may also have developmental delays or a learning disability. It will explore practical ways to build communication and connection for your child and how you can tailor visual supports to meet the cognitive level of your child.
Supporting your autistic child with school-related anxiety Explore contributing factors to school-related anxiety and minimise anxiety triggers for a young person experiencing school ‘can’t’. Explore strategies to help increase emotional understanding, emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Courses are delivered online via Zoom in the evenings. Sessions include the ability to interact and ask questions, so you can get the support that you need. We also have our on-demand ‘Understanding Autism’ webinar that is available for you to access whenever suits your schedule!
Find out more about the sessions by clicking the course names above, or view all our available courses below.
Acorn Farm- I Can Grow Application
The ‘I Can Grow’ Programme is back for 2026! This fantastic initiative helps people and families in the Derry/Londonderry and Strabane areas grow their own fresh, healthy vegetables at home.
Read more and apply here: https://communityfoundationni.org/applications-acorn-farm/
The current deadline is 16th January
Playhouse Looking for Climate Arts Project Participants
Are you interested in exploring our relationship with nature, waste, consumption and climate action through the Arts?
If you're interested in being a part of a community-led, creative movement, and you live, work or make community in the Triax area, we would love for you to join the Artitude project. No prior artistic experience required, try something new and make new connections in the Triax area.
Find out more and register your interest before 14th January 2026 by clicking the link
Location: Triax Area (Bogside, Brandywell, Bishop Street, Foyle Road, Creggan, The Fountain) Dates of commitment: January - June 2026 (Approx every fortnight) Age: 18+
To find out more you can email: jack.mcgarrigle@derryplayhouse.com
Free Games Development Academy for young people 16-19
This is an opportunity for young people aged 16-19, currently on offer, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Screen Academies - which will be of interest to any of your young people who may have a desire to learn more about careers in the creative industries.
Our free Games Development Academy 2026 is open for Applications now for young people 16-19. No Coding experience is necessary!
Besides Coders we also welcome those too with an interest in Art, Music, Storytelling or simply those hoping to learn more about the Games development process.
The Academy runs on Saturdays 10-4pm from 10th January through to an in person showcase in Derry/Londonderry in late March
The majority of the Academy content delivery is conducted via in person sessions - 4 of these in person events are based in Belfast, 4 in person events in Derry/Londonderry and four conducted fully online.
A short case study video is available below that sets out the nature of the Games Academy experience:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wmxMhTrPUBP7WLgz201m19zNg1E2XH-B/view?usp=sharing
Click on the link below to access more details about, and the Application form for, this year's Games Development Academy. https://nervecentre.org/whats-on/games-development-academy-2 Or click here for QR code
Applications for the Games Development Academy close on Wednesday 7th January 2026.
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Creative & Inclusive Voices
Webinar Youth Volunteering & Preparedness
Beyond sustainability sketching better futures
Mental Health in Youth Work - Training Course
Innovation Jam - Tools and Spaces to Innovate in Youth Work
Call for Trainers
Upcoming Events at Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office
Barclays Local Specialist Drop In Foyle JBO Wednesday 7th January, 10am-12pm
Leon, the Barclays Local Specialist will be in Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office on Wednesday 3rd December 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.
Disability Action Drop In Foyle JBO Wednesday 14th and 28th January, 10am-12pm
Maura from Disability Action will be in Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office on Wednesday 10th December from 10am-12pm. Maura will be discussing the empower programme which is a comprehensive programme designed for individuals aged 16 and above who have not worked in the last 4 weeks due to disabilities or health conditions. The programme is delivered with a strengths-based focus, providing tailored guidance, and holistic support. What empower offers:
Personalised Job Search
CV Enhancement
Job Application Assistance
Interview Preparation
Boosting Self-Confidence
Qualification Opportunities
Work Experience Placement
Pathways to Employment
Anyone interested is welcome to call in on the day to have a chat with Maura.
CMP Clinic Foyle JBO Thursday 15th January, 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.
First Housing Foyle JBO Wednesday 21st January, 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.
USEL Drop In Foyle JBO Thursday 22nd January , 11am-1pm
Tracy from USEL’s Empower programme will be available to discuss the Empower programme has been designed to help adults who are living with a disability or long-term health condition develop new skills and gain the confidence to get into the workplace. Empower can offer support to:
Identify key strengths and areas where support is required
Search for work
Update CVs
Complete job applications
Improve interview skills
Build self-confidence
Gain qualifications
Gain work experience
Secure a job or get into self-employment
Stay in work
North West Volunteer Centre Foyle JBO Thursday 22nd January, 2pm-4pm
Amy will be in Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office to discuss how the North West Volunteer Centre supports individuals interested in volunteering. Further information can be found on their website www.nwvc.co.uk Volunteering can offer a range of benefits and is particularly useful for someone who has been out of work and is looking to build up their confidence and their CV at the same time. Volunteering can also improve both physical and mental health If you would like to find out more you are welcome to call in to the office on the day.
Mencap Supported Employment Foyle JBO Thursday 29th January, 11am-1pm
A representative from Mencap will be in the office to discuss their supported employment programmes which aim to help people with a learning disability and autism to develop skills for the workplace and try to find a job. These programmes are open to people aged 18 and over, and you do not need to have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to join them. Please call in on the day to find out more.
Repair & Share Foyle Repair Café
As you all know by now, we have our own workshop, but we still like to take our repair café events on the road a few times each year - especially to communities that are more rural or further afield from our base.
This year, we’re kicking off 2026 with a Repair Café event in Strabane, Saturday 31st January, 10:30 - 12:30, at the amazing The Eco Basket - the wholefoods refill store and café built around sustainability, good food, and conscious living. It’s a match made in heaven!
It's a first come first serve kinda' gig and we can’t wait to see you all there! Remember, things we like to fix (but not limited to) are:
Small household electricals
ToysSewing machines
Clothing & textile repairs
Small furniture
Tool sharpening
General repairs
Bikes
Laptops & tablets – diagnostics only (but hey, knowledge is power!)
If you want to stay up to date with all our shenanigans this year, why not sign up to our monthly newsletter! https://repairsharefoyle.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe...
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