NWCN E-bulletin: Funding, Jobs and News
- Kevin Burns
- Jun 25
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 9
Welcome to the first NWCN bulletin posted to our revamped site! Please bear with us while we tweak this format in the weeks to come.
This week's news includes project launches, training, surveys, and the ever-popular category of funding opportunities!
Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme 2025 – Apply Now!
Get Involved - Positive Ageing Month – Call for Events and Activities
A Survey About Women's Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport on the Island of Ireland
Discover Lifestyle Combat – Empowering You for a Stronger, Healthier Life
Police Property Fund Grant Scheme
Applications are opening on 30 June 2025 for the Police Property Fund Large Grants Scheme! This call for applications will award a total of £150,000 in large grants of between £20,000 and £30,000 to eligible projects.
What is the Fund?
The Police Property Fund is made up of assets recovered by the PSNI as a result of criminal investigations, and administered by the Board in line with the Police (Property) Regulations NI 1997. The Policing Board agreed to implement the Fund through a Small Grants Scheme (80% of available Funds) and a Large Grants Scheme (20% of available Funds). To date the Board has progressed two Small Grants Funding Calls which have seen almost £320,000 awarded to eligible projects across Northern Ireland.
What projects are eligible?
Applications for funding will need to demonstrate that the project:
Is strategic in nature
Engages with local police
Contributes to building community safety and/or confidence in the police in your area
Is aligned to a charitable purpose
Register your interest and get notified when the Scheme launches by emailing at policepropertyfund@nipolicingboard.org.uk
Further information available here.
Funding to Connect Communities to Nature
Charities, social enterprises, community groups, voluntary organisations, small grassroots groups and businesses who are working to connect their communities to nature can apply now for a grant of up to £5,000.
The funding is intended to encourage nature connection initiatives within the local community, such as:
Arts and cultural activities.
Community gardening.
Green gyms.
Eco anxiety and mental health.
Training a community with green skills.
Conservation volunteering.
Urban nature programmes.
Social prescribing.
Access to nature.
Community wildlife surveys.
Nature mindfulness.
Or perhaps you have a nature connection initiative that we haven’t even considered! If you have a completely new approach to encouraging nature connection, then we are all ears.
Applicants must be entirely based in the UK and have a website or social media presence.
The deadline for applications is 15th July 2025.
Further information available here
Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme 2025 – Apply Now!
An exciting new opportunity is now available to people with disabilities in Northern Ireland. The Department for the Economy is delighted to announce a ground breaking collaboration with Go Succeed and Disability Action NI to bring TU Dublin’s Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme to Northern Ireland for the very first time.
Hosted and delivered by TU Dublin, and proudly sponsored by AIB, the Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities programme is about breaking down barriers and ensuring that disabled people have access to the skills and support needed to become successful entrepreneurs.
Participants in Northern Ireland can also receive localised support from Disability Action NI, who will assist with recruitment, onboarding, and offer in-person support throughout the course.
The programme is open to disabled people, including those with visible, invisible, sensory, learning, mental health, or neurodivergent conditions who wish to start their own business. This course is specifically designed for people at the early stages of developing a business idea. If you're already running a business or looking for broader entrepreneurship training, this may not be the best fit.
Why should you take part?
The programme has already seen remarkable success in the Republic of Ireland with several participants having already begun the journey of launching their own start-ups, ranging from innovative products to creative enterprises. Their success underscores the importance of programs like this in making entrepreneurship accessible to all, with over 90% of participants each year stating that they feel more empowered to re-enter the labour market after completing the programme.
As the programme is significantly oversubscribed each year, early applications are advised, open until 31 July 2025.
For more information on the entrepreneurship programme and to apply, please visit the programme information webpage here.
Free Video Online Workshops
The Saltways are running a series of completely free online workshops designed to help nonprofits of all sizes create better video content for fundraising and engagement.
How to Create Effective Video Content Using Your Phone for Nonprofits June 26, 12:00
How to Create a Culture of Content Creators in Your Organisation July 24, 15:00
How to Create Effective Video Content Using Your Phone for Nonprofits August 22, 15:00
How to Make a Compelling Fundraising Video September 11, 15:00
How to Create Effective Video Content Using Your Phone for Nonprofits October 23, 15:00
How to Attract Corporate Supporters with Video Content November 27, 15:00
These workshops are all about practical, no-nonsense techniques that any organisation can use, whether you're a tiny grassroots group or a larger established nonprofit. We cover things like:
Making professional-looking videos with just your phone
Storytelling that actually moves people to donate
Getting your whole team involved in content creation
Connecting with corporate sponsors through video
Contact Emma for further information or to register for a workshop:
Get Involved - Positive Ageing Month – Call for Events and Activities
Derry City & Strabane District Council, in partnership with the Western Health & Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency, is preparing to celebrate Positive Ageing Month this October. We are inviting groups, organisations, and individuals to get involved and help us deliver a diverse and inclusive programme of activities for older people across the district.In addition to regional coordination with Age Friendly colleagues across Northern Ireland, I am leading on local programming for Derry City and Strabane. If your organisation would like to offer a session, link in with others, or if you’re aware of any planned events particularly those focused on older people or intergenerational engagement we would love to hear from you.Please complete the attached event template with details of any one-off or recurring events you plan to host.
This information will be used to compile the Positive Ageing Month brochure.
Deadline for submissions: Wednesday 30th July
Submit to: pauline.oneill@derrystrabane.com
Attachments required: Completed event template, and a high-resolution photo or your organisation’s logo
Calling all older people - we need your help!
If you are aged 60 or over and living in Northern Ireland, please take our survey to help shape the Commissioner for Older People's priorities in her new Corporate Plan. This plan will set out the key issues the Commissioner will focus on over the coming months and years, alongside the day-to-day work of the office.What matters to you matters to us.
By taking just 10 minutes to complete the short survey, you’ll help ensure that the Commissioner’s work reflects the real needs and concerns of older people across Northern Ireland.
NI Air Quality Awareness Survey 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is calling on members of the public to take part in a survey which aims to identify what people in Northern Ireland know about the air they breathe.
The Air Quality Awareness Survey 2025 consists of 23 questions to see what the public really know about the health impacts of air pollution and the major sources of this pollution.
By taking part in the survey, participants will help DAERA identify any knowledge gaps in relation to air pollution, which the department can then address through the development of specific policies, measures, initiatives and campaigns.
The survey is open until 11 August 2025 and takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete. Participation is anonymous and all responses will be treated with confidentiality.
For further information please visit the DAERA website.
A Survey About Women's Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport on the Island of Ireland
The purpose of this survey is to establish research priorities for women's sport on the island of Ireland in order to provide directions for future research and knowledge translation initiatives.
You are eligible to take part in this survey if you are aged 18+, any gender, and have experiences, perspectives and/or opinions that are relevant to physical activity, sport and exercise among women and girls on the island of Ireland. You do not need to be currently involved in physical activity, sport and exercise to take part.
We want to hear from everyone who has relevant experiences, perspectives and/or opinions. This could include, but is not limited to: athletes, exercisers, coaches, parents, exercise professionals, physically active people, journalists, medical professionals, practitioners, teachers, fans, volunteers in sport and non physically active people; either those who want to be physically active but can't or those who do not want to be physically active.
Survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/jJRLWiADtB
Your support will play a direct role in shaping future research, policy, and programs that impact women and girls across the country.
Forward Thinking Project Launch
Venue: Holywell - 10-14 Bishop Street, BT48 6PW
Time: 2.00pm
This project will explore constitutional questions and issues from a wide range of perspectives. It will consider Northern Ireland in the global context, and involves examining other places also facing constitutional challenges.
Forward Thinking is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the theme of Celebrating Cultural Diversity.
Holywell Trust will be inviting participants with diverse views and identities to take part in a series of seminars and workshops and contribute to this important discussion. These will be open to all to attend. We will also be running a recruitment exercise over the next couple of months to select participants to join us on study visits to Scotland and Catalonia and/or the Basque Region to gain a greater understanding of the issues and complexities involved in the constitutional debates in those regions.
This is a great opportunity to hear first hand from those directly involved in the various campaigns and those impacted by constitutional decisions and challenges. The learning will help inform our thinking of the constitutional debate on these islands.
Speaking at the launch are Dr Daniel Cetrà and Lindsay McIntosh.
Virtual Adoption Information Sessions
We are hosting a number of virtual adoption information sessions for anyone thinking about adoption.
Tuesday 22 July, 3pm – 5pm
Wednesday 8 August 3pm – 5pm
To register: Call 0800 0720 137 or email your details to: hello@adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
North West BAPS Network Meeting ONLINE
We are looking forward to the upcoming North West BAPS Network meeting which is taking place online next Friday 27 June at 10am - hope you can make it.
The Network provides an opportunity for parents, advocates and providers of breastfeeding and perinatal support to get together to share information and explore opportunities to work together to improve breastfeeding outcomes and experiences for families in the North West, which still has amongst the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world.
Great if you can confirm if you are planning to attend - You are also welcome to let us know if you would like to add anything to the draft agenda:
Draft Agenda - North West BAPS Network Meeting Fri 27 June 2025 at 10am (for about an hour)
Welcome
Introductions
Feedback from organisations about activities or initiatives they are engaged in to support breastfeeding (if you would like to speak to this item, please send short outline to nwbaps@gmail.com by Tues 24 June 2025)
Feedback from parents and advocates - how best to share feedback to help improve support? (if you would like to speak to this item, please send short outline to nwbaps@gmail.com by Tues 24 June 2025)
North West BAPS Collaborative event for World Breastfeeding Week - Sat 2 August 2025
Brief Update from North West BAPS
Any other business
Date and location of next meeting
Women – Take the Wheel! Join Our Fun & Empowering Workshop!
Are you ready to take the wheel and drive change in your community?
We’re inviting you to “Women – Take the Wheel!”, a hands-on, confidence-building workshop designed to empower women to become volunteer minibus drivers. Whether you’ve always fancied driving something bigger—or you're just curious to give it a go—this is your chance!
When? Friday 4th July 2025
Time? 2pm–4pm
Where? Unit 12, Strabane Enterprise Agency, Orchard Road, Strabane, BT82 9FR
What’s in store?
• Take a spin in one of our minibuses – short, supervised drives available!
• Hear inspiring stories from our fabulous volunteers and training team.
• Learn about licence categories, training options & support available.
• Build skills and confidence in a relaxed, friendly environment.
• And yes – there will be some sweet treats on the day!
If you (or someone in your group) has a Category D1 (Not for Hire or Reward) licence – this is especially for you. But even if you don’t, come along anyway! We'll talk you through how to get it and support that’s available.
To RSVP, just email Una at una@easilink.org or call 02871 883282 by Monday 30th June 2025.
Let’s break down barriers and put more amazing women in the driver’s seat!
Discover Lifestyle Combat – Empowering You for a Stronger, Healthier Life
Led by Peter M. Day and his experienced team, Lifestyle Combat is more than just self-defense; it’s a transformative journey toward personal safety, self-empowerment, and well-being.
We want to work more in communities and help support We help you make positive choices — in your friendships, your social activities, and your everyday habits — creating a lifestyle built on respect, resilience, and strength.
Our holistic sessions and workshops focus on:
Cultivating self-respect and respect for others
Rejecting toxic behaviour and unhealthy influences
Standing strong against violence and avoiding harmful habits
Embracing an active, balanced lifestyle
Building physical self-defense skills and emotional empowerment
Boosting awareness of your surroundings and personal safety
Practicing grounding, breathing techniques, and inner balance
With Lifestyle Combat, you’ll gain the tools to protect yourself physically and emotionally while cultivating a sense of inner calm and confidence.
Please contact us to organise a session in your community or if you would like us to provide sessions as part of an overall well-being programme: lifestylecombatderry@gmail.com
The Creative Living Workshop
Friday 4 July | 10am-1pm
Cost £35 full, £30 concession | Tutor: Ursula McHugh
Do you find you never have enough energy to do the things you want to do?
Do you find there is never enough time to create new opportunities for change in your life?
Does procrastination and avoidance sound familiar?
How often have you turned away from all that is unresolved in your heart because you fear it’s too late to follow a creative nudge?
If any or all of these resonate with you why not come and join Ursula Mchugh on 4 July for a facilitated conversation on why ‘it’s never too late to begin again’!
For further information and booking click here
RNIB Seeks volunteers for Revvv it up festival in Dungiven
RNIB are looking for our volunteers in the wider Derry area to lend a hand at the Revvv it up festival which will be in Dungiven this July on the 19 and 20th – there will be RNIB staff at the festival for all of time also and can people at the gates and be on hand to support.
The festival will be donating money to RNIB.
You’ll get free entry of course as a volunteer and wear one of our super tee shirts (what more could one ask for?). The festival starts at 10am through to 9pm – so volunteers will be on a rota system, if you are interested in helping out – let Úna know on 077 021 40761.
For more info on the festival – see the event promotion
Buckle up for Revvv It Up 2025, Northern Ireland’s most action-packed summer festival – roaring into Ballyguddin Road, Dungiven this July 19th & 20th! From thundering tractor pulls to a tribute to Taylor Swift, this weekend is bursting with live music, family fun, food, and full-throttle thrills.
What’s On
Tractor Pulling
Lawnmower Racing
Live Bands (Hitmen & Her, The Untouchables, Cellar Door Band & more!)
Kids Park & Disco
Tug of WarTaylor Swift (The Tribute)
Bouncy Castles, Rodeo Bull, Face Painting
Food Village & Licenced BarVintage Car Show
Balloon Modelling & Raffles
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Digital Networking Event: What’s New in Learning Mobility?
Navigate To Success
How to talk about war
