The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), along with a network of community partners from across Belfast, is delivering the Community Empowerment Programme (CEP), which is 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).
This city-wide initiative is all about empowering communities across Belfast to shape the future of their local areas, strengthen relationships, and build lasting change through collaboration and leadership. Over the next three years, this programme will support individuals, community groups, and local leaders with opportunities for accredited training, networking, cross-border learning, and community-led action planning.
What the Programme Offers
The CEP will support people from all backgrounds to:
- Build cross-community relationships
- Work together on shared issues
- Design and deliver collaborative local projects
- Strengthen leadership and community voice
- Create lasting, positive change
Whether you're already active in your community or looking to get started, this programme gives you the tools, support, and opportunities to make a real difference.
Who Can Get Involved?
Anyone living or working in Belfast who wants to play a part in building stronger, more connected communities.
Delivery Partners
The programme is being delivered in partnership with:
- Forward South Partnership
- East Belfast Community Development Agency
- Marrowbone Community Association
- West Belfast Partnership Board
- Falls Community Council
- Greater Shankill Partnership
Programme Activities
Local Community Empowerment Programmes (LCEPs)
Running in each of Belfast’s 10 District Electoral Areas (DEAs), each LCEP is an 18-month journey through 3 key stages:
- Engagement – events and conversations to understand your area’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
- Planning – co-designing actions and activities that build capacity and improve cross-community connections.
- Social Action – delivering collaborative, cross-community projects that create visible change.
LCEPs are designed to build local ownership and ensure that community voices are central to the process.
Community Capacity Building Forum
- Brings together representatives from all 10 DEAs
- Meets 6 times a year
- Focuses on sharing learning, discussing emerging needs, and themes for the rest of the CEP activities
City-Wide Training Sessions
- 6 short (2-hour) sessions per year
- Focused on practical skills for community work
- Open to all Belfast residents
OCN Level 2 Award in Community Development
- Accredited 30-hour leadership course
- Delivered twice per year
- Builds knowledge on community leadership, good relations, collaboration and community transformation
Networking Events
- Two large events per year focused on relevant topics
- Brings together participants from across the city
- Includes keynote speakers, roundtable discussions, and showcases of local projects
Cross-Border Residentials
- One residential visit each year
- Explore shared challenges and solutions
- Collaborate with others working on similar issues across borders
Best Practice Visits
- Annual opportunity to visit another community or project
- Share learning, gather inspiration, and co-design new ideas
Register Your Interest
If you’re ready to:
- Get involved in your local area
- Gain skills and experience
- Work with others to make change happen
- Or just want to find out more...
Please contact the Programme Coordinator [email protected]
