Collaboration

We offer practical advice to assist organisations involved in or considering collaboration or mergers. You can find out more on our CollaborationNI webpage.

  • Cultúrlann - sharing premises

    Last updated
    2 August, 2024
    Shared space can be the catalyst for community building. The formation of Cultúrlann as a second Irish language school in Belfast grew into a space to promote Irish arts and culture and attracted the many organisations that now reside there.
  • Viewfinder 10

    Last modified
    10 December, 2024
    This viewfinder survey focuses specifically on two key themes; collaborative working and the impact of public sector cuts on the voluntary and community sector.
  • PIPS Newry & Mourne - embracing a culture of collaborative working

    Last updated
    2 August, 2024
    More VCSE organisations are strengthening their offer to beneficiaries by working in partnership. This example highlights one organisation working with multiple partners to provide a broader range of services to beneficiaries than it could alone.
  • Alpha Housing - example of a VCSE merger

    Last updated
    2 August, 2024
    For a merger to succeed in the VCSE sector, finding a partner with a similar ethos and having a strong board leading and supporting the process are enormous assets. This case study presents the successful merger of two housing associations.
  • The Bytes Project - working in collaboration with Tides Training

    Last updated
    2 August, 2024
    This case study examines how collaboration grew from a simple enquiry to address staff training needs. A shared ethos and strong relationship between CEOs resulted in innovative training for staff and service users and new business opportunities.
  • Breakfast at Madison’s - VIM sharing back office services

    Last updated
    2 August, 2024
    MACS, Include Youth and VOYPIC have all embraced the spirit of collaborative working. This case study presents an example of the investment of time and relationship building that may be required to form a collaborative project in the early stages.

Mencap NI and Caring Breaks: Redefining shared spaces for innovation

NICVA Member Spotlight 

In Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword - it can be a gamechanger. Two NICVA members, Mencap Northern Ireland and Caring Breaks, are working together in a way that could reshape how support is delivered to families caring for individuals with learning disabilities.