The Community Empowerment Programme is being delivered by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and a network of community partners from across Belfast. It is one of the six key projects which are being delivered as part of the Belfast PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan. This project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Over the next three years, this ambitious initiative will support individuals, community groups, and local leaders with opportunities for accredited training, networking, cross-border learning, and community-led action planning.
Speaking at the launch Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of NICVA, said:
We are delighted to deliver this important programme on behalf of Belfast City Council as part of their Local Community Action Plan. At its heart, the Community Empowerment Programme is about enabling people to lead, to respond to challenges in their areas, strengthen connections between communities, and bring about lasting, positive change.”
“By working closely with our six community partners, we’re ensuring the programme is rooted in the real needs of each part of Belfast. We invite anyone who wants to make a difference in their area to get involved.”
The programme will offer participants a range of opportunities including accredited leadership training, a city-wide community forum, cross-border best practice visits, networking opportunities and locally tailored empowerment programmes. These activities will support residents and organisations in building skills, strengthening community ties, and promoting civic leadership.
The six community partners are:
- East Belfast Community Development Agency (EBCDA)
- Falls Community Council
- Forward South Partnership
- Greater Shankill Partnership Board
- Marrowbone Community Association
- West Belfast Partnership Board
Each partner will lead on local delivery in their areas, ensuring activities are relevant, inclusive, and community led.
The Community Empowerment Programme is open to staff and trustees of community organisations, as well as individuals living or working in the Belfast City Council area.
The first networking event will take place on Tuesday 24 June, and you can book here.
To register or find out more, contact Programme Coordinator Susan Glass at [email protected]
or visit: www.nicva.org/programmes/community-empowerment-programme-cep.
For more information on Belfast PEACEPLUS, visit the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk
