NWCN E-bulletin: 29 October 2025
- Kevin Burns
- Oct 29
- 9 min read
In this edition:
NWCN Funding Fair Strabane
Tuesday 18th November 2025
10:30am – 1pm
Fountain Street Community Development Association, Fountain Street, Strabane
Join NWCN on Tuesday 18th November for a festival of funders where you will have the opportunity to hear about the latest funding on offer from a range of funding bodies. Meet with them face to face and receive guidance and advice.
Register your interest: info@nwcn.org
Gender Budgeting Workshop
Friday 14 November
10.30 to 12.30
Holywell Building, Bishop Street
NIAPN, North West Community Network and Foyle Women's Information Network have partnered to deliver a workshop on gender budgeting on Friday 14 November.
The workshop will explore what is gender budgeting and how it can be used as a tool to tackle poverty. Additionally, the workshop will hear about a gender budgeting pilot in the Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Places are limited.
Please contact becca@niapn.org to book your place.
Health Minister opens 2026/2027 Core Grant funding scheme
The scheme is open to community and voluntary sector organisations and is intended to support them with core operating costs.
Under the 2026/2027 scheme, eligible organisations are invited to apply to one of four policy funds, each totalling £450,000. They are:
Public health, including reducing health inequalities;
Supporting adults, including those with disabilities, to live independent, healthy and inclusive lives;
Supporting children and young people, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, and their families;
Improving the mental health and wellbeing of the population.
Organisations have until 12pm on Friday 28 November 2025 to apply for funding from the scheme.
Further information, including the application form and guidance, can be found online at: Core Grant Funding Scheme 2026-27 | Department of Health
The Equity in Action Fund
The Equity in Action Fund will support small-scale, innovative, and community-based initiatives that actively address and counter:
Hate crimes and hate incidents
The spread of misinformation and disinformation (particularly online)
The intersection of both, including how false narratives contribute to prejudice and violence
Projects should address one or more of the following:
Prevention of Hate Crime
Countering Misinformation and Disinformation
Support for Affected Communities
Digital Resilience
Youth Engagement
Closing Date: Nov 12, 2025 13:00
Further information available here
US/NI 250 funding programme is open for applications
Applications are now open for £150,000 to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776. This funding is to support organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland to celebrate the anniversary next year.
The fund will be administered by the Ulster-Scots Agency on behalf of the Department for Communities and will provide financial support for a wide range of projects. This includes community events, cultural exhibitions, educational programmes, storytelling that reflect the shared history and links between Northern Ireland and the United States.
Applications are now open and more information can be found here.
Deadline for applications: Monday 17 November at 12 noon.
EuroBorderWalks Project
Are you interested in participating in a cross-border research project? The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of people living along the three borders and borderlands. EuroBorderwalks is a project funded by the Irish Research Council Advanced Laureate. It is a collaborative project between University College Cork (Ireland), University of Lodz (Poland) and University of Zagreb (Croatia). A report will be produced, as well as a digital exhibition of art works and a second level curriculum offering for schools on this topic.
As a participant you will take part in a walking interview and you will be invited to take part in an arts-based workshop to share your experiences of the border, through art forms that includes photography, sound works, collage or mapping. The research will be participatory with communities along the three European borders outlined above: Poland/Ukraine, Bosnia-Herzegovina/Croatia and Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland.
If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact Roisin – roisin@nwcn.org
Free CPD Workshop on the All-Ireland Standards for Community Work
The All Ireland Endorsement Body for Community Work Education & Training (AIEB) was established in 2010 by community workers, educators, and other stakeholders from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to support and promote Community Development education and training and ensure quality and standards in practice.
This 90-minute workshop is an opportunity for anyone involved in Community Development in Northern Ireland to:
Gain an Introduction to the Standards framework and AIEB's key areas of work.
Understand how the Practical Application of the Standards can directly support and enhance day-to-day Community Development practice.
Benefit from Continuing Professional and Practice Development (CPD) approved by AIEB.
Date: Friday 21st November 2025
Time: 10.00 am - 11.30 am
Location: Zoom link to follow
To attend, please register here
Exploring the Co-operative Advantage
Title: You are Invited: Exploring the Co-operative Advantage
Venue: Hive Studios (first floor), Rath Mor Centre, Bligh’s Lane, Derry BT48 0LZ
Date: Wed 5th November
Time: 11.00am to 1:00pm lunch included
Are you curious about co-operatives and how they might align with your vision for community-led change?
Join us for a hands-on workshop with co-op practitioners to explore what co-ops are, the many forms they take, and why they are known for being inclusive, democratic, and transformative. Whether you're nurturing a new idea or already part of a local initiative, this is a chance to:
Learn about the co-operative model and its values
Discover different types of co-ops in different type of sectors: from food and energy to housing
Connect with others and test whether the co-operative approach fits your goals
This workshop is open to all, dreamers, doers, and those simply curious. Let’s explore how co-operatives can help us build fairer, more resilient communities.
This workshop is delivered by Tiziana O’Hara, Co-op Alternatives with Alice McLarnon, Trademark. The workshop is part of the project ‘Discover Learn Start Co-operatives’ funded by Department for the Economy.
Please register here https://shorturl.at/hAIeE
Any questions email tiziana@coopalternatives.coop
Sam McBride & Fintan O’Toole to take part in Forward Thinking Workshop
As part of Holywell Trust’s Forward Thinking Project, we are pleased to welcome Fintan O’Toole and Sam McBride to join us to discuss their new book, ‘For and Against a United Ireland.’ The publication was commissioned by the ARINS Project. Signed copies will be available to purchase on the night.
The event is at 6pm on Tuesday 9th December at Holywell Trust. It is free to attend, but you must register to attend as tickets will be limited.
The event will be chaired by Freya McClements, author and Northern Editor with The Irish Times.
Fully funded Community Development course via PEACEPLUS Projects
Course details- OCN NI Level 2 Award in Community Development
Start date- Wednesday 5th November
Time- 6.30pm-9.30pm
Duration- 18 weeks
Location- Waterside shared village
To register interest please email- inspire.enthuse.equip@nwrc.ac.uk
Fully funded Volunteering Skills course via PEACEPLUS Projects
OCN NI Level 2 award in Volunteering Skills
START DATE Wed 29th October evenings- 6.30pm-9pm
LOCATION The Grassroots Cafe (Strabane)
DURATION 8 weeks
For more information or to register interest email: inspire.enthuse.equip@nwrc.ac.uk
OR scan the QR code attached
Awareness Walk to End Violence Against Woman & Girls
City of Derry Inner Wheel Club in association with International Inner Wheel
Awareness Walk to End Violence Against Woman & Girls
Join us on 30/11/25 at 12pm
Walk starting from Sainsbury's Car Park going to the Guildhall
Unite in Action. Her Safety, Our Priority
Everyone Welcome
Launch of the Third Annual Victim Survey
This important initiative is designed to capture the experiences and views of victims of crime across Northern Ireland, helping to shape future policy, improve services, and ensure that victims’ voices are heard at the highest levels.
The survey is open to anyone who has been a victim of any type of crime in Northern Ireland, regardless of whether it was reported to the police, and it is completely anonymous. It can be completed by anyone over the age of 18 on their own behalf, or on behalf of a child who has been a victim.
The survey closes on 22 December 2025.
Mobuoy Community Inquiry
The Gathering, CAJ, PILS, FoE and EJNI have come together to initiate a public inquiry into Mobuoy dump site in Derry, in the absence of a public inquiry. A series of community meetings to help inform the Terms of Reference has been organised:
Mon 10 Nov, Eglinton Community Centre, 7pm - 9pm
Tues 11 Nov, Strathfoyle Community Association, 7pm-9pm
Weds 12 Nov, Drumahoe YMCA, 7pm - 9pm
Thurs 13 Nov, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 7pm - 9pm
Please see the attached poster for further details
Northern Ireland Census User Needs Consultation
NISRA is seeking your views to help shape the content of Census 2031. This consultation is your opportunity to tell us what information you need from the census and how it can best support planning, policy, research, and services across Northern Ireland. Census 2031 will build on the success of Census 2021 and aims to reflect the changing needs of society. We want to understand:
how you used Census 2021 data
what topics you need included in Census 2031
your views on using alternative data sources to support the census.
Ways to respond
Respond online by selecting the respond button below; or
download and return the questionnaire (PDF or Word version) by email or post.
Post: Census Office, NISRA, Colby House, Stranmillis Court, Belfast, BT9 5RR
Online consultation event
Date: Wednesday 12 November 2025
Time: 11am
Platform: Microsoft Teams
Duration: 1 hour
Job Opportunity with Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG
Project Development Officer
The Project Development Officer will play a key role in the delivery of the LEADER Rural Development Programme 2023-2027 in county Sligo. Working as part of a dedicated team, the Officer will support communities, enterprises, and individuals to develop and implement projects that contribute to the sustainable social, cultural, and economic development of the county.
The role is open to both full and part-time applications.
All applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@sligoleader.com no later than 16th November
Click here for further information
Foyle JBO Upcoming Events- November
Barclays Local Specialist Drop In
Foyle JBO
Wednesday 5th November
10am-12pm
Leon, the Barclays Local Specialist will be in Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office on Wednesday 5th November 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.
First Housing Clinic
Thursday 20th November
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.
Volunteering Eco Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity new Restore in Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre, Derry. They are looking for volunteers to help prepare the store for opening. If you can help, please contact info@habitatireland.org
Repair & Share Foyle are seeking volunteers in a variety of roles from Fixers to Laptop Doctors and Social Media Masters or Tool Librarians
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Shaping textile waste solutions through storytelling - webinar
Boosting Youth Work & Local Action
Youth Participation Toolfair - Sharing and Connecting Ideas
Beyond Words
The Hero’s Journey – Storytelling as a Tool for Transformation
Woodturning Workshops at Eden Place
Handturned Christmas Tree Workshops
These workshops are suitable for both beginners and those with previous experience. The workshops will cover: tools, techniques and finishes within a creative and enjoyable environment. Each participant will leave with their very own hand turned Christmas Tree. All materials will be supplied.
Woodturned Christmas Trees Workshops will be available to purchase on our website on Monday 3rd November from 9.30am via the 'Upcoming Courses' page on our website.
Workshop Times:
Monday 24th November @ 7-9pm
Monday 1st December 1-3pm
Cost: £20
Energy Strategy E-Bulletin
Please find below link for the 32nd edition of the Energy Strategy E-Bulletin, which aims to keep stakeholders informed about progress on the Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland.
In this edition:
REPG FINAL SCHEME DESIGN
ENERGISING OUR ECONOMY
LOW CARBON HYRDROGEN CONSULTATION
CLOSURE OF THE NON-DOMESTIC RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE SCHEME
HAVE YOUR SAY:MEASURING ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND RENEWABLE GENERATION
IN FOCUS:ENERGY RESEARCH
Halloween Road Closures Bishop Street Within
Please see the attached document from Derry City & Strabane District Council regarding the road closures for the Halloween period.
Kindly note that there will be no access to Bishop Street Within daily from 12 noon until 10 p.m., from October 28th to October 30th, 2025.
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.
