NWCN E-bulletin: 19 November 2025
- kevin7809
- Nov 19
- 12 min read
Updated: Nov 26
In this edition
NWCN AGM
BBC Children in Need - Apply for funding
Kristina Martin Charitable Trust
Call Out - DCSDC Spring 2026 Arts Development Workshops
Good Relations Awards 2026
Claude’s Christmas Day Dinner
Unlock Public Sector Opportunities – Join Our Tendering Workshop!
Inciting A Pogrom? Information Session and Discussion
Forward Thinking workshop: Dr Shelley Deane, ARINS Project
The Plan Ahead Workshop
Free OCN Level 1 - Community Development Practice
Re-launch of Foyle Racial Equality Forum (FREF)
RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026
Boys and Young Men Online Survey
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025
North West Migrants Forum is recruiting
Recruitment Competition - Legal Services Oversight Commissioner
The Commissioner for Older People launches Annual Christmas Card Competition
Host a Big Christmas Cuppa for Autism NI
Santa Paws is coming to town
NWCN AGM
NWCN would like to invite you to our Annual General Meeting: Friday 12th December 2025 10:30am Gasyard Centre, Function Room, 128 Lecky Road Refreshments provided
If you are going to join us, please let us know by emailing info@nwcn.org
BBC Children in Need - Apply for funding
At BBC Children in Need we believe that every child should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be, however many children experience challenges that affect their quality of life and wellbeing. Challenges can include growing up in poverty, mental health issues, being ill or disabled, family challenges, and social injustice.
Our ambition is to create positive and lasting change across the UK for the children who need us most. We do this by investing in positive relationships that strengthen children’s wellbeing and help them navigate the challenges in their lives.
We offer Core and Project funding with no application deadlines, so you can apply at any time. Available grants range from £1,000 to £40,000 per year and can be awarded for up to three years.
In addition, our Emergency Essentials programme supports individual children living in poverty.
Further information available here
Kristina Martin Charitable Trust
Our aim is to champion mental well-being for all. We provide grants to UK registered charities whose work supports those with mental health issues and provides support and activities which tackle, in particular but not exclusively, suicide, online bullying and grief, fostering hope and resilience, working both in the UK and beyond.
Specific Grant Invitations:
Breaking the link between homelessness and poor mental health
Reduction in the effects of social media on mental health
Reduction of Social Isolation
Eligibility Criteria
UK Registered charities with a written constitution, charitable aims and impact in local, UK or international settings
Minimum of 3 Trustees who are not related
Have a core focus to support mental health well-being
Deadline: 12 December 2025
Further information available here
Call Out - DCSDC Spring 2026 Arts Development Workshops
Derry City and Strabane District Council is seeking to invite written quotations and submissions from suitably experienced Artists / Facilitators for our Spring 2026 Arts Development Workshops.
Programming
Suitable for adults /children or intergenerational – to demonstrate you as local crafters/ artists/ musicians/writers, etc. Most programmes will be one -off events but we do offer occasion 4 weekly workshops these depend on budgets and local interest. (this fluctuates and depends on budget). Please indicate if you are tied to dates or availability. Please detail your material costs and hourly rate- please note we base our rates on ACNI rates. For Children’s Workshops please indicate age suitability.
Submissions Required for the following Workshops:
Spring Wreath Making
Learn to Sew – Beginners Classes
Silver Jewellery – Make your own Stacking Rings
Cup-Cake Decorating for Kids
Make Your Own Ceramic Planters
Inspirational Mentoring and Creative Personal Development Workshops
Kids Mural Making Workshops
Kids Drumming Workshops
Basket Weaving
Jive Dance Class
Photography for Beginners
Fused Glass Bunting
Joinery Taster Workshops
Sculpt a Clay Piggy Bank
Beginner Crochet Classes
Creative Writing Classes
Learn Makaton Workshop
Minecraft Kids Digital Workshops
Kids Themed Workshops – St Patricks Day & Easter Drop-In Arts & Crafts Children’s Workshops (themed arts & crafts) Storytelling Face-painting
Whilst every endeavour has been made to provide an accurate description of the requirements, submissions should form their own conclusions about the methods and resources needed to meet those requirements. Suppliers will appreciate that Council will need to accommodate a variety of proposals to meet the overall objectives of the project in order maximise the impact to the public of this event. Therefore, in order to do this Council reserves the right to award contracts to a number of bids within each category up to the maximum budgets outlined.
How to Submit
Please email your proposal, plus images, detailed cost breakdown, age suitability and contact details to andrea.campbell@derrystrabane.com no later than 12 noon Tuesday 25th November 2025. Receipt of delivery will be confirmed via email when received.
Good Relations Awards 2026
For the 2026 Good Relations Awards, the Community Relations Council will be working in partnership with The Executive Office, NICVA, NI Youth Forum, Volunteer Now, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, NI Housing Executive, and Sported. There are seven Award categories. We would particularly welcome nominations from the T:BUC family of programmes.
Community Relations Council Exceptional Achievement Award (peacebuilding)
Good Relations Volunteer of the Year Award
Good Relations Community Champion Award
Good Relations Youth Award (Under 25)
Good Relations Connecting Communities Project of the Year Award
Good Relations ‘Housing for All’ Award
Sport for Good Award
Deadline for Nominations 19/12/2025
Claude’s Christmas Day Dinner
For 20 years, Claude’s Christmas Day Dinner has brought the people of Derry together — offering a warm meal, friendship, and kindness to those who are homeless, elderly, isolated, or struggling.
This year, we have a little good news, bad news, and good news to share.
The bad news: Our usual home, the City Hotel, is closed for renovations this Christmas. Numbers cut by 66% sadly.
The good news: The renovations are temporary, and we hope to be back there next year — for Christmas 2026!
And for this year: We’re still going ahead, but in a more modest way. We’ll be hosting 50 guests for dinner in the original Claude’s Coffee Shop; we normally have 250 and delivering 200 dinners to homes around the city; we normally do 450.
It may be a smaller operation this year, but the heart of Claude’s remains the same — community, compassion, and care for people who need it.
However, as you can imagine, there will be a scramble for places in Claudes and also for the delivered dinners. We will be selecting names across a representative selection of all our agencies and the 50 number will be hit very quickly.....there will be disappointment unfortunately.
We need your names and numbers etc URGENTLY and we will be closing it off as soon as we hit 50 inside and 200 delivered.
Please fill in the attached spreadsheet, fill in every cell please even if its a n/a and check each cell for dropdown selection. I will revert to confirm who is ok to come in and who is getting a delivery....please dont promise places until confirmed. dermot@itsa-doddle.com
Unlock Public Sector Opportunities – Join Our Tendering Workshop!
Are you part of a community & voluntary group or a social enterprise looking to explore new opportunities within the public sector and grow your impact?
The North West Community Wealth Building Partnership invites you to join us for an interactive workshop designed to introduce you to tendering for public sector contracts. Learn how to navigate the process, understand requirements, and position your organisation to win contracts that align with your mission and support the sustainability of your organisation. Build the knowledge, confidence and skills to apply for public sector contracts after attending this workshop.
What you’ll gain:
A clear understanding of public sector procurement landscape
Practical steps to get started with tendering
Insights from experts and real-world examples
Date: Thursday 27th November 2025 Location: Gasyard Centre, 128 Lecky Road, Derry BT48 6NP Time: 1300 - 1500
Spaces are limited – reserve your spot today! Email brian@enterprisenw.com to reserve a place on this workshop
Inciting A Pogrom? Information Session and Discussion
Museum of Free Derry Saturday December 06, 1:00 -2:30pm Free Entry
Published by the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) in partnership with Rabble Cooperative, the report follows 'Mapping Far Right Activity Online in Northern Ireland' and examines the racist violence that began in Ballymena in June 2025 and spread across the north. It explores how social media narratives amplified fear and hostility, fuelling offline attacks, and how local organising and political responses shaped the escalation.
The event will include an information session with Shannon Doherty (CAJ) and Dessie Donnelly (Rabble Cooperative), followed by a Q&A. - Feel Free to circulate amongst your networks.
Book via Eventbrite here or RSVP directly to: constance@bloodysundaytrust.org
Forward Thinking workshop: Dr Shelley Deane, ARINS Project
Holywell Trust's next Forward Thinking workshop will take place on Wednesday 3rd December at 7pm in Holywell Trust. The guest contributor will be Dr Shelley Deane.
Shelley will be discussing the findings of a new ARINS Research Project- Constitutional visions from the grassroots.
“The debate over a possible united Ireland polarises nationalists and unionists and leaves many people disengaged. ‘Constitutional visions from the grassroots’ uses deliberative democracy to move beyond identity politics and find a shared vision for our constitutional future. Working with groups of women in deliberative cafés across the border, the project set out to allow communities to identify shared problems and values, and articulate convergent visions for the future.”
Principal Project Investigators: Jennifer Todd, UCD; Joanne McEvoy, U Aberdeen; Shelley Deane, DCU. Report summary available here: ARINS Project: Constitutional visions from the grassroots- summary report
To find out more please visit: www.holywelltrust.com/forward-thinking
The Plan Ahead Workshop
Delivered By Compassionate Communities NI
The Plan Ahead Workshop is a key initiative from Compassionate Communities NI, created to empower individuals and families to make informed choices about their future care.
It is taking place in Derry Central Library on Thursday 20th November from 2.00pm.
In this 1.5-hour session, participants are introduced to the four essential components of Advance Care Planning: Personal • Legal • Clinical • Financial
The workshop offers practical tools and guidance to help people think about, record, and communicate their wishes with clarity and confidence — ensuring their values and preferences are respected.
To register your place please email sharon@compassionatecommunitiesni.com
Free OCN Level 1 - Community Development Practice
Start Date: 13th January 2026 Time: 10-12 noon (fortnightly) Duration: 8 weeks (4 sessions) Location: The Churches Trust Office, Limavady Road
For more information or to register, please email margaretbonner@thechurchestrust.org.uk
Re-launch of Foyle Racial Equality Forum (FREF)
We would like to invite you to the re-launch event for the Foyle Racial Equality Forum (FREF) which is taking place on Saturday 29th November at 3pm, in the Rathmor Shopping Centre, Blighs Lane, Creggan, Derry, BT48 0LZ.
FREF is an umbrella organisation which brings together many of the minority ethnic community groups based in the Derry/Londonderry area. Please RSVP to foyleracialequalityforum@gmail.com
RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026
RNIB Northern Ireland Technology Fair 2026 - Wednesday 11 February - 10am to 4pm at Foyle Arena, Derry/Londonderry
The biggest showcase of the latest assistive and adaptive technology for blind and partially sighted people in Northern Ireland is back bigger than ever. Bringing you skills and tools for modern living - an event like no other on the island of Ireland.
Visitor registration now open via Eventbrite: https://RNIBTechFair26.eventbrite.co.uk
You can also Request an Exhibitor Space for your organisation
Join us in connecting blind and partially sighted people and their friends and family with products, services and tech solutions to help maintain and increase confidence and independence.
Whether it's learning more about using technology at home, at work, to travel, to stay in touch, or enjoy social and leisure activities, save the date - this is the event for you.
Boys and Young Men Online Survey
This is a reminder for you or the young men and boys that you work with to take part in a short online survey as part of important research to inform the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Programme.
The Survey will close on 30 November 2025!
What is this about? Queens University Belfast is conducting a study about masculinities and what boys and young men think about violence against women and girls.
The study is focused on boys and young men aged 16–24 from all backgrounds
We want to know what you think because your voice matters
The Study has been commissioned by the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Team at The Executive Office (TEO)
Why is this important? Results will shape future campaigns, programmes, and policy to end violence against women and girls
Taking part is a great way for boys and young men to make a real difference.
Share the anonymous survey with boys and young men you work with - https://tinyurl.com/QUBmasculinities and encourage them to take part
The survey takes 10 minutes—it can be done as part of a group activity or individually
If you want to know more or have any questions please contact the research team: Aoibheann Brennan-Wilson – a.brennan-wilson@qub.ac.uk
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Step Into Branding
You Are Storyteller
From Podcasts for Youth to Partnerships for Youth
Youth Worker Forum "Radicalization"
Ulster-Scots Language Week 2025
24-28 November 2025
Ulster-Scots is all around us, and Ulster-Scots Language Week provides us with a unique opportunity to learn more about the language and to celebrate the contribution which Ulster-Scots makes to life throughout the city and district.
This year, Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to offer a week-long programme of events including talks, events for children, film screenings and walking tours. Our programme features a diverse range of voices, including Ulster-Scots writers, poets, film-makers and performers.
So, whether you just have a wheen o words, speak tha hamely tongue daily, or are just curious about the Ulster-Scots language, this year’s programme has something for everyone.Derry City and Strabane District Council’s programme is kindly supported by The Ulster-Scots Agency
To book your place at any of the in-person events please contact ulsterscots@derrystrabane.com or call us on T: (028) 71376 579.
North West Migrants Forum is recruiting
We are delighted to be announcing two new job vacancies, in our finance department
We are looking to recruit a Finance Officer and a Finance Assistant. If you are passionate about making real change in the community and want to join a busy, grassroots charity organisation, then this is your chance.
Here are the all-important links: Job Advertisement – Finance Officer - North West Migrants Forum Job Advertisement – Finance Assistant - North West Migrants Forum
Recruitment Competition - Legal Services Oversight Commissioner
The way in which complaints against members of the legal profession are handled is changing, to be led by lay people rather than legal professionals themselves. An exciting opportunity now exists to be at the forefront of that change, in the role of Legal Services Oversight Commissioner.
The Commissioner will oversee complaints handling systems and have a statutory consultative role in relation to other aspects of regulation. That includes inputting to all new rules or regulations made by the Law Society or the Council of the Bar, and acting on Departmental requests to examine any matter relating to the regulation or organisation of the relevant professions.
The Department of Finance, in consultation with the Lady Chief Justice, is now seeking to identify a person for appointment as the Commissioner.
Completed application forms must be returned to arrive not later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday 5th December 2025.
Further information available here
The Commissioner for Older People launches Annual Christmas Card Competition
The theme for the 2025 competition is ‘Connection’, and it will showcase the moments, connections and shared experiences that bring happiness and a sense of belonging to our community. The Commissioner is looking for entries from anyone aged 60 and over.
This photography competition invites older people to explore the theme of 'connection’ whether that is through nature, hobbies or important relationships with friends and family.
The COPNI Christmas card competition is open to everyone living in Northern Ireland aged 60 plus and up to three entries per person can be submitted.
Entries must be submitted via email to communications@copni.org or via private message on COPNI’s Facebook page.
You can also post a hard copy to The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, BT2 7DP. However, digital copies are recommended.
Please include your name and contact details (including phone number), a short description of your photograph and ensure you have the permission of anybody featured in the photograph prior to submission.
A shortlist of entries will be chosen, and the winner will receive a £100 voucher of their choice, with the winning image being featured on COPNI’s virtual Christmas card, social media channels and newsletter.
The competition will close 12 noon Friday 5 December 2025.
Host a Big Christmas Cuppa for Autism NI
Get together with your friends, family, work colleagues, school or club and host a Christmas inspired coffee morning for a good cause. We are asking for your much needed support to raise money for local autism services this festive season.
Christmas can be a challenging time for our families, and we need additional support during this time of the year to deliver much-needed services. In particular, the Autism NI Helpline receives over 7,000 calls a year, and provides vital support to parents, carers, autistic adults, and professionals. By taking part in the 'Big Christmas Cuppa', you will be helping fund vital services such as our Helpline.
To receive a 'Big Christmas Cuppa' fundraising pack visit our website or email events@autismni.org for more information.
Santa Paws is coming to town
Action Mental Health brings Santa Paws to the Garden of Refection on Thursday 4th December from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bring your pet along with a discount voucher (which can be collected from any shop in the Cathedral Quarter) to get your pets photo with Santa; only £10. While you wait for the print, visit our Mini Craft Fair for homemade cards, crafts, gift ideas, decorations, & 2026 Wellbeing calendar. Give a socially conscious gift this year.
All funds raised will go towards Action Mental Health Foyle recovery programmes & activities
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