NWCN E-bulletin: Community jobs, funding and opportunities
- kevin7809
- 14 hours ago
- 10 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
Applications to The Bright Path Fund are open!
The Bright Path Fund is focused on utilising the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to unlock homes for young people leaving care, alongside the provision of tenancy and mental health & wellbeing support.
In this phase, the fund will seek to support a pilot project across Northern Ireland which is sustainable, scalable, and inspirational for third parties to adopt. The fund is focused on care-experienced young people aged 17-21 with low support needs.
The fund (£620,000) is available to deliver both accommodation provision and support provision.
For applications, we are seeking a lead provider, although consortium models are welcomed.
Apply by 12pm, Friday 20th February.
Please visit our website to read the full criteria and apply
KFC Youth Foundation: Community Grants Programme
The KFC Youth Foundation is offering grants of up to £3,000 per year for up to two years for youth-focused charities and community interest companies (CICs) across the UK to deliver projects for young people that create safe spaces, offer diversionary activities, and build life skills, to help them feel secure, empowered, and ready for a positive future.
Proposed projects should align with the following priorities:
Safe Space – A safe physical and emotional environment with trusted adults or peers, safeguarding, and youth involvement.
Diversionary Activities – Activities aimed at reducing risk factors (eg, ASB, exclusion, substance misuse) and delivered at key times for vulnerable youth.
Life Skills – Programmes that build independence skills, financial resilience, food education, and employability.
Grassroots organisations with an annual income of less than £400,000 working with young people aged between 11 and 25 living in areas of high deprivation can apply.
The next deadline for applications is 27 February 2026 (noon).
Further information available here
The Thomas Devlin Fund
The Thomas Devlin Fund has now re-opened for 2026 for applications from gifted young people, aged 15 to 19 years, who would like to study, or pursue a career, in creative arts, performing arts or music. The fund was set up in memory of Thomas Devlin who, at the age of 15, was murdered in an unprovoked attack in 2005.
The Fund provides an annual bursary scheme to support the development of applicants with a particular talent in their chosen career path of either music, performing arts or creative arts (including fine arts and literary art), to financially assist them to develop their skills and knowledge and help them move up to the next level in their journey.
Closing Date: Mar 5, 2026 13:00Further information available here
Funding Advice Session with BCPP
The Building Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) programme will be hosting two online sessions, offering funding guidance for community and voluntary organisations and community pharmacies.
Both sessions will take place on Wednesday,11th February at 12pm-1pm and 7pm-8pm respectively.
This is a great opportunity for voluntary/community organisations and community pharmacies to seek advice on how to apply for BCPP funding and whether they are eligible.
Delivered by the Community Development and Health Network (CDHN), BCPP funding is for projects which tackle the root causes of poor health.
By root causes, we mean mental health challenges, poor housing conditions, low educational attainment, and poverty and debt.
We specifically target communities most affected by health inequalities to ensure those most in need are included.
Annual Social Enterprise NI Conference
Thursday 26th February in St Columb’s Hall, Derry Click here to register: Annual Social Enterprise NI Conference 2026 - Social Enterprise NI
At the conference there is a great opportunity to win £1,500 through the Dragons’ Den showcase
If you are a social enterprise with a big idea — or an early-stage organisation ready to take your next step? This is your chance to pitch, shine, and win tax free financial support that could transform your impact.
We’re excited to announce our Dragons’ Den–style showcase, is back at this year's Annual Conference. Applications are open to social enterprises at any stage of their journey are invited to apply for a chance to win a £1,500 prize fund, generously sponsored by Community Finance Ireland.
Who Can Apply? This opportunity is open to all social enterprises — whether you’re just getting started, growing steadily, or fully established. If your organisation creates positive social impact, we want to hear from you.
What We’re Looking For Applicants simply need to demonstrate:
How £1,500 will make a meaningful difference to your organisation
The social impact you aim to deliver
Your passion, creativity, and commitment to your mission
No jargon. No complex financials. No “perfect pitch” required — just a clear story about the change you want to make.
CLICK BELOW TO APPLY NOW!!!! Dragons Den Event - SENI Conference 2026 - Social Enterprise NI
End Violence Against Women & Girls Strabane
This important community event will bring together organisations, statutory partners, frontline practitioners, and local representatives to address violence against women and young girls.
This event will focus on prevention, early intervention, victim support, and partnership working to create safer communities for all.
Tuesday 10th February 2026, 10am, The Firtrees Hotel, Strabane
Contact Melmount Community Forum Groups for more information or register here https://tinyurl.com/rjywd2az
The RNIB NI Technology Fair 2026
Bringing you skills and tools for modern living
The biggest showcase of assistive technology products for blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland is back and bigger than ever.
The free event will showcase the latest assistive technology for blind and partially sighted people both locally and internationally and will also host a series of Tech Talks delivered by technology experts from around the world. All of this all under one roof and for one day only.
Wednesday 11 February 2026 From 10:00am – 4:00pm Foyle Arena, Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6JY
Register for visitor tickets now at: rnibtechfair26.eventbrite.co.uk If you have any further queries contact us at: rnibni@rnib.org.uk
Carers NI Roadshow
Join us at our Roadshow on Thursday 26th February from 10am to 12.30pm, The Guildhall
We will have Advice & Information stands & Wellness activities just for you. We can't wait to see you
Consumer Council NI Corporate Plan Consultation events
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland is developing its new Corporate Plan and we want to hear from you. As the statutory consumer protection advocate for Northern Ireland, we are the trusted and independent consumer voice.
Our new strategy comes at a time of continued and significant pressure for many. Affordability challenges, market complexity, digital exclusion and wider questions of inclusion and sustainability are increasingly interconnected.
Consumers are not just participants; they are at the heart of our economy, our society and many of Northern Ireland’s future aspirations. Consumer confidence and spending are not just personal issues; they are economic drivers. Our draft 2026-2032 Corporate Plan is ambitious, shaped by what consumers tell us they need, and resolute in raising their lived experiences through: represented lives, affordable lives, inclusive lives, sustainable lives and empowered lives.
As part of this process, we will be in Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, Enniskillen and London to discuss our plans. We would be delighted to see you there.
Imtac launches recruitment process for new members 2026
We are currently looking for new members of Imtac. Imtac is a Committee of 18 people including Deaf people, disabled people, older people and others including carers and transport professionals. Our role is to advise the Government in Northern Ireland on issues that affect the mobility of Deaf people, disabled people and older people. Our work is sponsored by the Department for Infrastructure but we also work closely with other Departments, local councils and transport providers including Translink.
Members will be appointed for a period of three years starting in June 2026. Imtac is committed to making all reasonable adjustments to ensure that everyone can participate in the work of the Committee on an equal basis. Members are not paid but will receive reimbursement for any costs including travel.
For more information including person specifications and how to apply visit :- https://www.imtac.org.uk/imtac-member-recruitment-pack
Our recruitment closes on Thursday 26th February 2026 at 5pm.
If you require any further information or advice please call 028 9072 6020
Citizens of Senior Years Intergenerational Comic Book, Bridges of Unity
Citizens of Senior Years (COSY Group) have launched their first Intergenerational Comic Book, Bridges of Unity. The Book was produced in collaboration with Rutledge Training. The aim of the Comic was to address the themes of racism, tolerance and acceptance of different cultures and beliefs. The age group of the young people are from 16-19 years old. The participants consisted of a diverse range – Citizens of Senior Years, Male, Female, Disabled, LGBT, Black and legal migrants and refugees from Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
The Project was funded by the Community Relations Council in Northern Ireland and created locally in by Danny McLaughlin from Revolve Comics. To access the Comic please click on the following link BRIDGES OF UNITY COMIC | Revolve Comics
Befriending Networks Roadshow 2026 - Belfast
Wednesday 15 April Skainos Centre, Belfast
Join Befriending Networks for the free 2026 Roadshow. These events are a space for third-sector professionals interested in reducing loneliness and social isolation to connect, share good practice and come up with solutions to the challenges facing the sector.
All events are free and focus on three key questions:
How do we recruit and retain volunteers?
How can we improve our referrals?
How do we protect our wellbeing?
Find out more and book your free space at befriending.co.uk/roadshow-2026
Join the NICVA team: Director of Policy & Insight
NICVA is seeking a senior leader to shape policy, influence decision-makers and champion the voluntary and community sector at the highest level. This is a strategic role with real influence at a pivotal moment for the sector.
Closing date: Monday 16 February, 5pm.
Cruse Bereavement Support seeks Volunteers
We’re looking for volunteers to support bereaved children and young people in the Western Trust area - can you help?
Cruse Bereavement Support volunteers provide support to children and young people affected by the death of someone close to them. We provide group and 1-1 support to children aged 7 – 17. If you have the skills listed below, want to make a difference to bereaved children and young people and meet new people we want to hear from you.
What we’re looking for:
Passionate about supporting children and young people
Kind and inclusive
Great communication skills with children, young people and families
Able to work in a team
Able to use a computer/IT skills
Willing to take part in training and learn new skills
Volunteer for 6-8 hours per month for at least 2 years
There is a training course running later this year
Saturday, 18 April 2026 Saturday, 25 April 2026 Saturday, 2 May 2026 Saturday, 9 May 2026 Saturday, 16 May 2026 Saturday, 23 May 2026
The course is online and applicants must be able to attend all training sessions. If you would like to apply for a place on this course, please fill in an application form through our website - https://www.cruse.org.uk/volunteer-application-form/
For further information about this volunteering role, please contact eleanor.ellerslie@cruse.org.uk
Disclaimer: Cruse is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people. Volunteers must apply for a relevant disclosure check and attend regular Cruse safeguarding training
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Inclusive youth participation webinars
From Stories to Action: Storytelling in Youth Work
Creative Space in Nature
Building skills for managing multicultural teams
Youth participation in rural and suburban areas
Queer Youth and Allies: Building Inclusive Youth Work
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Barclays Local Specialist Drop InFoyle JBO Wednesday 4th February, 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
Apprenticeship Fair Guildhall Wednesday 4th February, 1pm-4pm This event is opened to schools, the public, parents & guardians and indeed anyone interested in finding out more about apprenticeships. L2, L3 and HLA apprenticeship providers will be present as well as employers with apprenticeship vacancies. Date: Wednesday 4th February Location: The Guildhall Time: 1pm to 4pm NI Apprenticeship Week will be held from 2 – 6 February 2026 and events (in person and online) will be held across NI. To see what is available, visit the nidirect website: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/apprenticeship-week-events
Appointee Support Events: Drop-in sessions for those who are appointees on Universal Credit will be held across the Foyle area which will aim to provide information and support for appointees regarding their role and responsibilities It will also provide an opportunity to network with other appointees and share experiences. There will be representatives from the local Jobs & Benefits Offices as well as local advice services, including Make the Call. Signposting to support with housing, banking, digital skills, etc. where required can also be done on the day. Representatives from the community and voluntary sector are welcome to come along, however please §note due to limited space further stands/ tables cannot be offered
You are welcome to call in to one of the three venues on the dates listed below: Wednesday 25th February, 11am-1pm - Dove House Thursday 26th February, 11am-1pm - Village Hub, Rosemount Thursday 5th March, 11am-1pm - Greater Shantallow Area Partnership
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.
