Member Spotlight: Clanrye Group

Last updated
6 June, 2025
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At the heart of every thriving community is a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and hope. Clanrye Group embodies this spirit, empowering people from all walks of life to overcome barriers and build brighter futures. Through a range of programmes focused on skills development, employability, and well-being, Clanrye Group walks alongside individuals every step of the way, providing not just support, but belief, connection, and real opportunities for lasting change.

Read on to discover their inspiring journey and the impact they’re making in Northern Ireland.

What is your goal? And how have you been working towards it?

At Clanrye Group, our journey began with a belief — that everyone, no matter their ability, background or starting point, deserves the chance to thrive. That belief became our mission: to empower individuals to break down barriers, develop skills, and improve their quality of life through training, employment and well-being support. 

Every day, that mission comes to life. Whether it's a young person building their confidence through our Skills for Life & Work programme, or someone rediscovering their purpose through Employ Me or Get Work Ready, we’re walking alongside people at every step of the way. Our programmes are more than services — they’re springboards to brighter futures.

From wellbeing initiatives like our Social Supermarket and Carers First, to personal development support woven into everything we do, we don’t just offer support — we offer belief, connection, and the tools for real, lasting change.

 

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Any success stories to share?

One of our most powerful stories started small — with a bag of groceries and a listening ear.

Our Social Supermarket was born out of a need we couldn’t ignore. What started as emergency support has now become a thriving community space in Ballybot House, offering more than just food. For many, it’s the first step toward reclaiming hope and dignity.

We’ve seen families who once felt invisible now walk in with heads held high, knowing they’re not alone. 

We’ve watched people who doubted their worth land their first job in years — through our employability programmes — and discover that they are more capable than they ever believed. Every CV completed, every workshop attended, every “I didn’t think I could, but I did” — that’s the real success.

We’ve watched individuals reclaim their lives following unthinkable hardship and we take great pride in seeing them offer peer support to others who are walking similar paths. 

Our success stories come in all shapes and sizes but all revolve around individuals improving their lives. 

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What motivated you to join NICVA?

We joined NICVA because we know the power of collaboration, connection, and collective voice. As a community organisation and charity deeply rooted in our community, we wanted to be part of a wider network advocating for the voluntary and community sector, sharing best practice, and accessing the tools and support we need to grow and adapt.

Becoming part of this network was about aligning with others who share our values: making a difference, people first and inclusiveness. It meant stepping into a space where learning is shared, advocacy is collective, and challenges are faced together.

NICVA has become a vital part of our ecosystem — a place where ideas grow, voices are amplified, and impact stretches further than we ever could on our own.

How have you benefited from NICVA membership?

NICVA has been a fantastic support in terms of training, policy updates, funding guidance, and advocacy. Their events and webinars have helped us stay ahead of sector trends and challenges, while their representation of the sector’s voice in government and policy discussions ensures we’re not going it alone.

Being part of NICVA also reminds us that Clanrye Group is part of a wider movement — one that’s working tirelessly to build a better Northern Ireland for everyone.

How can people support you?

Right now, the need in our communities is growing — and so is our response. Our Social Supermarket is more than a food hub; it’s a lifeline. But we can’t do it without help.

Here’s how you can stand with us:

  • Donate non-perishable food, toiletries, or baby essentials
  • Support us financially to help keep our shelves stocked and our doors open
  • Partner with us as a local business or volunteer your time

You can also spread the word, share our mission, and help connect us to those who need a hand — or those ready to lend one.

Find out more or donate at clanryegroup.com

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Shauna
O'Neill
Communications Officer