Transform for Change final event celebrates impact

26 Jun 2022 Sandra Bailie    Last updated: 28 Jun 2022

The Transformative Leadership Programme (TLP) has been running for over two and a half years in Belfast. It was part of the Transform for Change programme delivered by Belfast City Council and funded by Peace IV.

Belfast City Council's Transform for Change Programme included the TLP, project workshops, community projects, networking events, study visits and ILM accreditation. NICVA is proud to have delivered the TLP across Belfast with our partners since Autumn 2019 and the programme was celebrated with a final event on 27 June 2022.

The final networking event brought together participants from all over the city to reflect on what they learnt on the programme and share how it has impacted them and their communities. Real transformation - some examples - new relationships, fresh outlook, more involved in local community, new projects started, more confident as a leader. Participants reported on how they have collaborated with other, been creative in solving problems and planning projects and how their communities have improved.  

The TLP has built leadership skills and connections between people living and working in interface areas of Belfast and has had a real impact on individuals and communities. Local people, staff and volunteers  from community groups, public sector staff, and political sector representatives attended the 10-session leadership programme. NICVA delivered it along with locally-based partners across the city: Falls Community Council, West Belfast Partnership Board, East Belfast Community Development Agency and Forward South Partnership.

43 courses have been delivered across the 15 interface areas in Belfast with around 600 people participating. Over 200 people have registered to complete the ILM award in leadership and management. Approximately 20 projects have been developed and are being implemented across Belfast.

We have really enjoyed working with our partners on this project, inspiring and equipping people to make positive change in their local communities. The energy and enthusiasm during the sessions demonstrated how keen people are to engage and make a difference. 

This programme has made a genuine difference. Below is some feedback from participants on the programme:

I think that this course has provided a timely re-energising for me after the challenges of Covid-19 on my working practice over the past two years.  I do genuinely feel quite motivated to use the learning from this course in my work over the next couple of years.

I believe the programme has enabled and empowered participants people like me to become leaders in their community and champions for change, it has helped people connect and work together.

I really enjoyed the group activity where we had to design a community garden. Through this experience I learned that projects or events become so much easier when planning them with a team.

I will take forward the skills and ideas that I learned during the course with me. I will use them in planning and how I interact with other team members and service users we provide for.

The programme has been so engaging. It has gone beyond my expectations and I was so glad to have the opportunity to do one of the last courses available under this funding.

 

 

sandra.bailie@nicva.org's picture
by Sandra Bailie

Head of Organisational Development

[email protected]

Share your COVID-19 support service

Organisations providing support to people and communities can share their service information here

> Share your support

Not a NICVA member yet?

Save time, money and energy. Join NICVA and you’ll be connecting in to a strong network of local organisations focused on voluntary and community activity.

Join Us

NICVA now welcomes all small groups for free.

Topics