NICVA say farewell to outgoing Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey

David Sterling, former Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, paid tribute as did Sir Kenneth Branagh, Honorary President of NICVA who sent a personalised video message.

Celine McStravick, NICVA’s new Chief Executive, said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many people gather to say thank you to Seamus for his decades of hard work in our sector.

He has worked tirelessly on behalf of communities for over 30 years, and we at NICVA are determined to carry on this work.

The Voluntary and community sector holds the fabric of society together, providing vital support to people when they need it the most, but we have tough times ahead.”

Here at NICVA, our focus is on helping the sector with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Another key priority is drawing attention to the funding cliff edge the sector will face when the European funding that has bolstered our sector for decades comes to an end in March.

We are working with the sector to highlight the potential crisis and the lasting impact on the most disadvantaged, as well as working with those who receive funding to target it and make sure they’re achieving maximum impact for the communities they work with.

NICVA will continue to work with government and the sector to ensuring we don’t miss the opportunity to think strategically and work collaboratively to make a difference in people’s lives in communities all across Northern Ireland."