Shauna O'Neill

Communications Officer
Information Management
Communications

Shauna's Latest content

Title Type Summary
Charities Host Conference on Combating Xenophobia, Racism, and Islamophobia in Northern Ireland Article The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Africa House, NICVA, and Social Change Initiative (SCI) held a major conference on Thursday 30th and Friday 31st January 2025 at Belfast Castle to address the rise of xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia in Northern Ireland. Published
150+ community and business leaders make connections at major Belfast conference Article NICVA in partnership with responsible business network Business in the Community (BITC),today hosted a half-day conference bringing businesses and the voluntary and community sector together to explore the pivotal role that effective partnerships play in addressing critical societal challenges. Published
Supporting Vulnerable Individuals After Storm Éowyn Article Storm Éowyn has left over 63,000 homes across Northern Ireland without electricity. While local councils have established support centres providing essential services, and many organisations in our sector have opened their facilities where possible, there are still vulnerable individuals who cannot access these resources. Published
Upcoming conference aims to strengthen business and community partnerships for positive impact Article Responsible business network Business in the Community (BITC), in partnership with NICVA, is hosting a half-day conference in Belfast on 29 January that will bring businesses and the voluntary and community sector together to explore the pivotal role that effective partnerships play in addressing critical societal challenges. Published
Member Spotlight: Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership (Agewell) Article When a group of passionate older adults came together in 2011 to form the Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership (Agewell), their vision was to connect the three areas in the newly formed Mid and East Antrim and form strong networks. Published
Northern Ireland's Voluntary Sector Faces Critical Financial Pressure from NICs Increase Article New research from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) reveals devastating impacts of the UK Government's planned increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the voluntary and community sector. Published
NICVA AGM 2024: New trustees and end of year reflections Article Our annual general meeting (AGM) took place on Friday, 6 November 2024. The AGM provided an opportunity for members to come together, hear about our work over the past year, and vote on important decisions. Published
Member Spotlight: Kith & Kin Financial Wellbeing Article At NICVA, we love to highlight the amazing work of our members. This month, we’re focusing on Kith & Kin Financial Wellbeing, a Social Enterprise making a big difference by helping people manage their finances better. Published
Relive NICVA's Future Thinking SUMMIT 2024 Article On 22 October 2024, NICVA brought together 370 representatives from Northern Ireland’s voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector for a day of inspiration, connection, and collaboration at the W5 Belfast.  Published
Health Minister opens 2025/26 Core Grant funding scheme Article Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today launched the Department of Health’s Core Grant funding scheme for 2025/2026. Published
Impact of Employer National Insurance Contributions Increase on the Voluntary and Community Sector Article UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the Autumn Statement on 30 October 2024 that Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will increase, affecting costs for organisations in the Voluntary and Community Sector. Published
NICVA partners with Business in the Community NI for Community Connections Conference and workshop series Article In advance of the Community Connections Conference taking place on 29 January 2025, NICVA and Business in the Community NI are delighted to offer a series of pre and post-conference workshops, funded by Halifax Foundation for NI. Published
Community Connections Conference 2025 Event This half-day conference will bring together VCSE organisations, charities and businesses to explore partnerships with purpose, social value and sustainable futures. Draft
NICVA, SCVO, NCVO, and WcVA letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer: Autumn Budget 2024 – employers’ National Insurance contributions Article A joint letter from NICVA, SCVO, NCVO and WCVA to Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer about the potential impact an increase to employer National Insurance contributions could have on the voluntary and community sector. Published
FactCheckNI: Fighting Misinformation and Strengthening Critical Thinking Article FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland’s first and only dedicated fact-checking and training service.  Published
Member Spotlight: Cancer Lifeline Celebrates 25 Years Providing Vital Support Services in North Belfast Article This October marks a major milestone for Cancer Lifeline, as the organisation celebrates 25 years of delivering vital cancer support services and programmes to the community of North Belfast and Newtownabbey.  Published
Hundreds gather to discuss ‘Future Thinking’ for Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector at first NICVA Summit Article Over 300 representatives of Northern Ireland’s charities, community groups and social enterprises came together at W5 Belfast on Tuesday (22nd October) to learn, share, and celebrate the value and diversity of the voluntary sector. Published
Good Relations Awards 2025 – Now Open for Nominations Article Recognising how Good Relations work is transforming communities in Northern Ireland. Published
New multi-million pound National Lottery programme targets communities in greatest need Article The National Lottery Community Fund has today launched a major new funding programme, ‘Strengthening Communities,’ to support people in greatest need, investing £20 million each year across Northern Ireland. Published
NICVA Launches 2024 Voluntary and Community Sector Workforce Report Article A new report by NICVA highlights the challenges faced by Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector workforce, examines the implications of these challenges, and reflects on potential solutions to mitigate these difficulties. Published
Cyber Security Basics: Staying Safe in the Digital World Event This session delivered by the NI Cyber Security Centre, is designed to provide an introduction into cyber security for a non-technical audience. Draft
NICVA to encourage ‘Future Thinking’ at upcoming landmark Summit Article NICVA's highly anticipated Future Thinking Summit will be held at W5 Belfast on Tuesday 22 October, bringing charities, community groups and social enterprises together to learn, share and celebrate the value and diversity of NI’s voluntary sector. Published
Department of Health Future Core Grant Scheme Design Workshop (Belfast) Event Join us to have your say on how on how Department of Health Future Core Grant Scheme can be designed and delivered. Draft
All Party Group on the Voluntary & Community Sector Meeting September 2024 Event The APG provides a platform to advocate for the future role and sustainability of our sector and provide meaningful opportunities to engage directly with local MLAs on a collaborative basis. Draft
Standing Together Against Violence: Supporting Northern Ireland's Communities Resource NICVA rejects and condemns the actions of those involved in the recent wave of violence in our communities. As well as voicing our unwavering support, we want to provide and signpost to whatever practical support we can. Published
Department of Health - Future Core Grant Scheme - Help Shape the Process (online) Event Join us for this collaborative event, which will focus on developing the engagement process required to improve the Core Grant Scheme run by the Department of Health. Draft
CANCELLED: Department of Health Future Core Grant Scheme Design Workshop (Dungannon) Event Join us for this collaborative event, which will focus on developing the design process required to improve the Core Grant Scheme run by the Department of Health. Draft
NICVA and trade unions unite to hold anti-racism rally at Stormont Article Hundreds of people from the voluntary and community sector and trade unions gathered outside Parliament Buildings at Stormont yesterday (8 August 2024) in opposition to the rioting and racist attacks. Published
New government, new opportunities Article The election results and a new government bring a sense of optimism. It provides an opportunity to reset our relationship with government and ensure the voluntary and community sector is understood and valued. Published
Job Start 50+ scheme – a guide for VCSE employers Article A new scheme aimed at boosting the employment opportunities of the over-50s has been announced by the Department for Communities. Published
Core grant funding allocated Article Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced that DoH core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year. Published
General Election 2024: New Cabinet and NI's new MPs Article A landslide victory for Labour, a new Prime Minister and some shock results in Northern Ireland. Here’s a recap of the Election results, and who NI’s new MPs are. Published
iCommunity’s All Island SDG Symposium – A Look Back Article iCommunity’s recent All Island SDG Symposium featured a range of expert speakers and workshop hosts who shared their insights and experiences related to the achievement of the 2030 agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Published
NICVA Executive Committee Member Recruitment Article We're looking for a new trustee with accountancy expertise to join our board. Draft
Tackling Economic Inactivity: Voluntary and Community Sector Leading the Way Article A conference held in Belfast today (Wednesday 12 June) has highlighted the key role of the voluntary and community sector in building an inclusive labour market, exploring the strategies needed to ensure continued support for vulnerable groups. Published
Volunteers’ Week celebrates 40th anniversary this summer Article This year marks the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week – a UK-wide celebration that shines a light on the incredible impact that volunteers make in communities. Published
Building an Inclusive Labour Market: The Role of the Voluntary and Community Sector Event Building upon the Labour Market Partnership and NICVA’s Employability and skills conference at Ulster University on 22 January 2024, this conference will explore and inform how the VCS can build a more Inclusive Labour Market. Draft
iCommunity all-island SDG Symposium Event Join us learn and to discuss how SDG partnerships across the voluntary and community sector are working to help make positive local and global impacts. Draft
The Experience of Cross-border Working in NI and ROI Event Thinking of working Cross-border? Hear how organisations in the Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprise sector are doing it. Draft
Self-directed training and assessment qualifications arrive at NICVA Article Introducing our anytime anywhere TQUK Training and Assessment qualifications ready for registrations from today. Published
New All-Party Group launches to champion the interests of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland Article Thursday 2 May 2024 marked the launch of a new All-Party Group (APG) on the Voluntary and Community Sector, established to highlight the value of the sector and to ensure the issues affecting organisations are recognised in the Assembly. Published
TQUK Level 1 Award in Mental Health Awareness (RQF) Event The course equips learners with an introductory level of knowledge and understanding in relation to mental health issues. Learners will look at what mental health means, the effects mental health can have on individuals and on society, the current responses to mental health and the relationship between cultural diversity and mental health issues. Draft
Persistent sensitive information breaches failing people living with HIV says Information Commissioner Article Information Commissioner John Edwards has condemned data protection standards at health services for people living with HIV and called for urgent improvements. Published
The Experience of All-Island Organisations Event Thinking of working All-Island? Hear from organisations in the sector on the practicalities and their personal experience of working All-Island. Draft
Human Resources Manager vacancy - Deadline Extended Article NICVA is recruiting a HR Manager to manage and deliver the full range of HR services internally and provide HR advice and guidance to organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland. Draft
Can we bank on the banks? Voluntary sector banking challenges survey 2024 Article Over the last few years banking has been cited as one of the most frustrating challenges that voluntary and community organisations experience. Published
Winners of the Good Relations Awards 2024 announced Article Local communities across the region are celebrating as the five award category winners of the Good Relations Awards 2024 are announced. Published
NICVA responds to confirmation that part of Shared Prosperity Fund is to be reallocated within UK Government Financial Settlement for NI Article NICVA believe the decision to roll £22.6m of Northern Ireland’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund into the financial settlement between the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, is both disappointing and short sighted. Published
Free Lenovo devices available to help close the digital divide Article AbilityNet’s ConnectingU digital inclusion scheme is open for applications, aiming to support those facing difficulties accessing digital services by providing a free device. Draft
Organisations helping most vulnerable in society offered free cyber security support Article Small charities are being offered free cyber security assistance from the nation’s leading experts to help them protect the vulnerable people they support. Draft