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NWCN E-bulletin: 8 October 2025

  • kevin7809
  • Oct 8
  • 9 min read

  1. NWCN Coffee Morning for The DEEDS Project

You are very welcome to join us for a Coffee Morning Fundraiser in support of DEEDS!


Wednesday 22nd October, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Holywell Building, Bishop Street


Come along for a cuppa, some sweet treats, and even sweeter company — all while helping raise vital funds for your local dementia support service.


Every cup makes a difference! All proceeds going to the DEEDS project to support those living with and experiencing dementia.


Let’s brew up some kindness together!


  1. New Fund for NI charities and community projects

Belfast design agency The Foundation has launched The Foundation Fund – offering 25 days of free professional creative support to help local organisations tell their story, reach more people, and make a bigger impact.


The Fund is open to registered charities, community projects and third-sector initiatives in Northern Ireland, with projects that align to themes of People, Planet and Place.


Deadline: 31 October 2025

Find out more & apply here


  1. LFT Charitable Trust - Nurtured by Nature Grant Programme

LFT Charitable Trust is a family foundation based in Belfast. Our priority is to fund partner organisations which make a lasting difference to people’s lives; focus on reducing isolation, inequality and stigma; and inspire and empower individuals to realise their potential and share in the life of the whole community.


In this Nurtured by Nature Grant Programme, the aim is to promote and harness the well-established links between the natural environment and wellbeing, and to support organisations to increase community engagement and connectivity with nature, for mutual benefit. 


Proposed projects should demonstrate how they will advance the health & wellbeing of participants through engagement in the outdoors or natural environment, and how this impact will be measured.


LFT particularly encourages applications from rural areas and projects that have an intergenerational element to them. 


Please visit HERE for more information and to learn how you can apply for a grant of up to £7,000 for your project. 


Submissions must be made by 12 noon, Tuesday 4th November 2025. 


  1. Intergenerational Christmas Small Grants Launched!

This funding aims to create festive connections across generations and between organisations that wouldn’t normally work together.  Christmas and the festive season spirit offers a great opportunity to develop connections and make a difference in our communities.  LGNI’s vision is that these connections and relationships will continue into the future.


Activities can be a one-off event or a project delivered over a number of sessions promoting the value of intergenerational connections at a time of year that so many may feel lonely and disconnected.


The small grants are £125 and  open to a range of groups across Northern Ireland including: older people's groups, care homes, schools, community groups, youth groups etc.  All activities must take place during December 2025 and be mutually beneficial for all involved. 


Applications will close for submissions on the 28th October at 12 noon. Further information available here


  1. Calling all sports clubs in Derry & Strabane

Join Sport NI for a funding workshop to learn more about their new Creating Opportunities Fund – supporting projects that boost participation, accessibility and inclusion in sport.


Foyle Arena, Thursday 9 October 2025, 7.00pm


Clubs can apply for up to £5,000 to create opportunities not just for playing, but also for coaching, officiating and leadership. 


Spaces are limited – register now by contacting: Karen Tracey – karen.tracey@derrystrabane.com



  1. Community Wealth Building Conference

Community Wealth Building Conference, taking place on 15th October 2025 at The Playhouse, Derry.


The conference will bring together community leaders, policymakers, local and central government departments, and social economy practitioners from across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and Scotland. Keynote contributions will include Dr. Neil McInroy, architect of Scotland’s groundbreaking Community Wealth Building Act, and Dr. Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy. The day will showcase best practice, stimulate discussion, and highlight opportunities for embedding Community Wealth Building principles across our region.


We are also delighted to share that on the following day, 16th October, we will host a dedicated workshop with Sarah McKinley. Sarah is a leading global expert on Community Wealth Building and co-authored the Department for Communities’ report on commissioning for CWB. This interactive session will work specifically with the community, voluntary, and social enterprise sector to explore the core concepts of CWB and the benefits it can bring for your organisation.


Please save both dates in your diary:

  • Community Wealth Building Conference – 15th October 2025, The Playhouse, Derry

  • CVSE Workshop with Sarah McKinley – 16th October 2025 (Gasyard Centre)


To register for the conference, please use the following link: DTNI 15 Conference Registration


To register for the workshop on the 16th, please use this link: Workshop Registration – Sarah McKinley


Spaces for the workshop will be limited, so we encourage early registration.


  1. New training dates for Elevate

Elevate offers free, interactive full-day training programme focusing on community development as a way to reduce health inequalities.


What will the sessions cover?

  • What are health inequalities and what do they look like in your work or community?

  • The social determinants of health

  • Understanding community development values

  • Understanding the role of community development in reducing health inequalities


28th & 29th October 2025, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Online Via Zoom


17th November 2025, 10am - 3.30pm St Columb's Park House, Derry


For further information and to register click here

 

  1. Menopause event

Our Primary Care Multi-disciplinary Teams and supported by the Derry Federation of General Practices is encouraging local women to attend a Menopause event on Thursday 16 October 2025, 6:30 - 9:30pm in the Ebrington Hotel.


Speakers on the night include:


  • Roisin Ferry- Introduction speaker- Roisin Ferry WHSCT/Derry Federation

  • Niamh Doherty- Overview, symptoms, red flags, nights sweats- WHSCT

  • Pamela Magee- Nuitrition- University of Ulster

  • Liz Simpson- HRT and Complimentary Therapies- University of Ulster

  • Anne Marie Campbell- Pelvic Health- WHSCT

  • Mary Dooher- Mood, sleep, anxiety- WHSCT


This is a great opportunity for local women to access menopause advice, support and resources to help them through the complex transition of menopause.




  1. Action Mental Health 'The Power of Support Trail'

The Power of Support Trail marking World Mental Health 2025, will run from Mon 6th Oct to 10th. Action Mental Health Foyle are creating a dynamic ‘ Power of Support’ trail around the ‘Cathedral Quarter’. Clients testimonies will be displayed in Shop fronts, Businesses, Organisations highlighting the benefits of accessing mental health support. QR codes will provide additional info on Action Mental Health, how to access, along with (PHA) & Health and Social Care single point link on accessing local support.   https://www.amh.org.uk/power-of-support-trail/


The trail will finish up in the Garden of Reflection on Friday 10th @ 10:30 a.m. where we will be having a Mental Health celebration. (You are all invited J )


Support us by displaying the templates and make the Cathedral Quarter a Mentally Aware area. Each business/organisation will also receive mental health resources to hand out to customers.


  1. Good Relations Week 2025

Good Relations Week 2025, will taking place from 13th to 19th October, embraces ‘Connect’ as its theme – recognising that the foundation of a better community is built on People, Planet, and Prosperity, all connected by the goal of Peace. 


By showcasing the dynamism, creativity, and dedication of local groups, organisations, and individuals, we can highlight the transformative power of working together and connecting with one another to address key challenges such as sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty, and education. Get involved in Good Relations Week 2025, and help create a future where peace is not just an aspiration, but a reality. 


There are many interesting events on in the council area which are listed in the brochure. Have a look and see what interests you.


  1. David McCann - Guest speaker, Forward Thinking Workshop

Dr David McCann will be the first guest speaker at Holywell Trust’s Forward Thinking Workshop, taking place on Wednesday 8th November at 7pm.


This event is free and open to all, you do not need to register.


David will be discussing his research undertaken as part of Holywell’s Future Relationship Conversations project, and also outlining his report on the role of the media in the constitutional debate in Northern Ireland, commissioned by the Constitution Society. 


To find out more about our Forward Thinking Project, visit: www.holywelltrust.com/forward-thinking


  1. Developing Women in the Community Programme

The Churches Trusts Developing Women in the Community Programme recommences on 23rd September in their Waterside office (10am-12noon) and 25th September in Strabane Ethnic Community Association (10am-12noon) and in The Churches Trust Cityside office at the Diamond (7-9pm).


Contact Margaret now on 02871311322 or margaretbonner@thechurchestrust.org.uk for more information. 



  1. Health Literacy Baseline Survey

As part of Health Literacy Month this October 2025, the Western Health Literacy Working Group (WHLWG), supported by the Western Trust, launched a Health Literacy Baseline Survey.


The survey aims to gather responses to understand patient and service user’s carer’s confidence in accessing, understanding, and using health information. Findings will help inform service improvements, reduce barriers to care, and promote more effective health communication.


Complete the survey here - https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx... Hard copy version of the survey is also available by contacting: 02871865127



  1. Africa in the Spotlight

A series of short films platforming bold new voices from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Reunion Island will be screened in Derry this week.


As part of #UKKenyaSeason2025 in partnership with Africa Centre, these captivating films will be shown in the city’s Nerve Centre this Friday, October 10, at 6pm.


During this, Black History Month, expect intimate, brave, and visually stunning stories exploring identity, desire and mortality across comedy, action, and drama genres.


The screenings will be followed by a Q&A with the curating team of Hawa Essuman and Fibby Kioria of Manyatta Screenings and Wanjeri Gakuru of Mengi Mengi Film Club. Moderating the discussion will be Dr John Kavanagh from Ulster University.



  1. NIHRF 2025 Call for events

We’re excited to announce that we are now open for event proposals for this year’s Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival, taking place from 7th–13th December 2025.


Each year, we’re inspired by the creativity and passion of local and international organisations, community groups, activists, and artists. From thought-provoking panel discussions to joyful performances and interactive workshops, the festival is an opportunity to showcase the many ways people engage with human rights through culture, education, and activism.


This year, as communities continue to navigate complex social, environmental, and political challenges, the festival offers a space to reflect, connect, and take action. It’s a time to celebrate resilience, amplify underrepresented voices, and explore new ways of defending and promoting human rights in a rapidly changing world.


We welcome submissions for event proposals and media that explore human rights themes in innovative and inclusive ways. These could include podcasts, webinars, training sessions, exhibitions, performances, and more.


Submissions are open until 14th November 2025 Submit an Event 


For any questions, feel free to contact us at nihrf@humanrightsconsortium.org


Let’s come together to inspire change, spark dialogue, and celebrate the power of collective action.


  1. Physical Activity in Later Life: Staying Active in an Online World

The Institute of Public Health (IPH) is hosting a free online webinar on ‘Physical Activity in Later Life: Staying active in an online world’ on Thursday, 23 October, from 10am to 12 noon.


The event will focus on the theme of getting and staying active in a digital world, particularly as we age. Digital technology has become an integral part of our society with many of us working, learning, shopping, socialising and accessing services online.  This webinar will explore the latest trends on physical activity levels,  what the evidence tells us about getting and staying active in an online world and insights from online physical activity programmes.


The webinar will hear from experts in the field of ageing, physical activity, online interventions and providers and users of online physical activity programmes for older people.



  1. Latest Offers from Salto Youth

Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:


  • LEC (Love Every Challenge)

  • Playing for Sustainable Change

  • Evidence To Action: Empowering Communities Through Planet Youth

  • Call for Trainers


  1. Job Opportunities with The Lifestart Foundation

The Lifestart Foundation is seeking: (1) An Executive Officer to manage the Lifestart Foundation’s Northern Ireland Office in Derry/Londonderry.  Salary: £27,000 per annum for a 24-hour working week Closing date:  5.00pm Friday 31st October 2025


 (2) a family visitor to work in the Strabane, Omagh and Enniskillen areas.  Salary £22,932 for a 30 hour week.  Closing Date 12.00 Wednesday 22nd October 2025


For further information and application form for posts contact Dr Pauline McClenaghan pauline@lifestartfoundation.org


  1. Job Opportunity with The Churches Trust

Charity Shop Supervisor – The Churches Trust


We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Charity Shop Supervisor to lead the day-to-day operations of our shop.


In this role, you’ll:

  • Manage the shop and support our volunteers.

  • Develop and grow our online shop.

  • Deliver excellent customer service.

  • Maintain high standards for stock rotation and merchandising.

  • Oversee sales and shop performance.


Why join us? You’ll be part of a value-driven organisation, making a real difference in people’s lives while enjoying opportunities for growth, development and training.


Location: 121 Spencer Rd, BT46 6AE Closing date: 10th October @ 2pm Apply now: recruitment@thechurchestrust.org.uk


  1. Europe’s LARGEST Halloween Festival Returns!

28th - 31st of October


Witness ghosts, banshees and mystical Celtic creatures as they come out to play in the Home of Halloween. Marvel at stunning light shows, acrobats and circus performers in the Awakening the Walled City Trail, treat your little horrors to lots of fun arts & crafts and dance alongside thousands of costumed revellers, under a sky filled with fireworks. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Samhain!


Find out more here



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