Insight and latest updates from our team

Brian works for Limestone United Cross Community Project and did the TLP course in North Belfast in May-June 2021.

Jill works for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Involvement Team and completed the TLP in Spring 2021.

Christine works for Upper Springfield Development Trust and completed the TLP in Spring 2021.

Tiwa Lade volunteers with Storehouse NI and also ANAKA Women’s Group.

Conor works for Intercomm in North Belfast and is also a Sinn Fein councillor.

The Parent Rooms is a perinatal mental health charity based in Northern Ireland supporting parents and their families through the provision of peer support, wellness education and awareness raising.

What's the latest on the Peace Plus programme and how will voluntary and community organisations be involved?  NICVA  meets with SEUPB to get an update

Young at Art is one of Northern Ireland's leading children's arts not-for-profit companies and home of the Belfast Children's Festival and Young at Art Events.

The voluntary, community & social enterprise sector provides huge benefit to NI society, encouraging growth in social capital and the economy. Also, through community transport, the sector helps reduce the isolation felt by many.

Sports, arts and culture are intrinsic to how people feel about themselves and their place within society. Connecting past to present or providing goals for the future, these activities can enrich, improve and inspire communities.

Education is not confined to the classroom. Learning and teaching starts at birth and can continue throughout our lives. 60% of NICVA members provide education, skills, and learning opportunities to people of all ages throughout our society.

The work of VCSE organisations is vital in helping to ensure the protection of our natural environment with more than 1 in 10 members delivering services that promote a healthy natural environment through 5,000+ volunteer hours per year.

Our sector has a long and successful record of helping policy-makers find solutions for a whole range of social needs.

The Minister for Communities introduced the Charities Bill to the Assembly on 21 June 2021.  

On 23rd June, the first full meeting of 2021, of the Government and Voluntary & Community Sector Joint Forum (JF) was held online.  

For decades the voluntary and community sector has led many difficult discussions and forward thinking decisions with regards to community, rights and inclusion. It also provides services to enable a shared and inclusive society.

"Poverty is when a person’s resources are well below their minimum needs, including the need to take part in society." Joseph Rowntree Foundation

From providing face to face services, to advocating for those with specific health related conditions, organisations who promote health and wellbeing make up the largest part of the voluntary and community sector.

As The Fundraising Regulator approaches its fifth anniversary, Gerard Oppenheim reflects on its impact on Northern Ireland in this latest FR blog.

Michelle Magee, is Office Manager at The Scout Foundation NI based in North Belfast. Here, she talks about her experience of working with NICVA.