economic analysis and skills development
free practical support and resources for collaborative working in the voluntary and community sector
Policy and public affairs support
A website for networking, sharing news, events, jobs and ideas across the sector
Development and support for Connecting Older People grantholders
Find over 1,000 funding schemes and fundraising advice
NICVA's business services consultancy
Training and support for community leaders
Join our campaign to stop unfair cuts to voluntary and community services.
Find suppliers of goods and services and deals for the voluntary and community sector.
Vital Links
The aim of Vital Links is to increase the interaction and understanding of the key institutions, the voluntary and community sector and foster and promote positive engagement.
Who is it for?
The Vital Links programme is aimed at political institutions including local councils, government departments and political parties, and voluntary and community organisations.
What do I get?
Over the duration of the three year project, Vital Links will deliver a programme of free training, seminars, conferences and publications to two main audiences:
- Political institutions including local councils, government departments and political parties
- Voluntary and community organisations
Vital Links will enable you to explore, build capacity and engage with others.
Meet the Team
Lisa McElherron - Head of Public Affairs
Lorraine Boyd - Policy Co-ordinator
Colm Burns - Policy Officer (Training and Skills Development)
Patricia Stewart - Policy Officer (Government and Participation)
Elizabeth Hamill - Head of Fundraising
Caroline Magee - Communication Lead
Latest news
For the latest news from the Assembly, sign up to Assembly Monitor, a weekly eNewsletter with all the latest information relevant to you. To sign up, see http://www.nicva.org/policy/assembly-monitor
For all the latest developments on the project, visit the Vital Links web page
Get involved
If you are representing a voluntary or community organisation you can:
- Gain weekly updates on what's happening in the Assembly by signing up to Assembly Monitor.
- Avail of free training on Getting to know the Assembly, Making Policy Work for You, Successful Lobbying and Campaigning and How Government Department get and spend their Budgets.
- Join one of the specialist policy fora, and help participate in policy development, and influence decision making.
- Provide your views for the next Policy Manifesto or upcoming consultations.
If you are representing a political institution including local councils, government departments and political parties, you can
- Avail of free training and a work placement within a voluntary and community organisation. Get to know the Sector is aimed at helping civil servants and politicians understand the different roles within, and the contribution of, the voluntary and community sector. More information to come.
- Sign up to eNews, a weekly roundup of news and events for the voluntary and community sector.
- Visit CommunityNI for the latest in what is happening in the sector.
Visit the Vital Links web pages for further information on the project.
Meet the funder
The Vital Links project is part-financed by the European Union's European Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The Special EU Programmes Body is the Managing Authority for the European Union's PEACE III Programme.
The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU structural funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IVA designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society. The programmes operate within a clearly defined area including Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and in the case of INTERREG IVA, Western Scotland.
The PEACE III Programme is worth €333 million and is aimed primarily at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation. It focuses on helping Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland to reconcile communities and contribute towards a shared society.
For more information on the SEUPB please visit www.seupb.eu.
