Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey Outlines Her Plans for 2021

6th January 2021 E-Zine Welcome to Supporting Communities 157th Edition of E-Zine, bringing you Best Practice from the Community Sector; Funding and Training Updates and Policy Developments in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Republic of Ireland

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey outlines her plans for 2021

Communities Minister Deirdre Speaking at Parliament Buildings, the Minister also Hargey has set out some of her paid tribute to Carál Ní Chuilín MLA for navigating the key priorities for the New Year Department for Communities through the challenges following her return to the of Covid-19. Department. The Minister said: “Covid-19 has resulted in drastic The Minister also committed to changes in people’s lives; I want to thank, Carál Ní delivering on the biggest Chuilín, for the vital support she has provided to transformational housing reform people and families across our communities. Carál’s in a generation; ensuring the social security system priority was to make sure support was provided to delivers for people most in need; to drive forward those most in need, including some of our hardest hits changes to gambling and liquor licensing; and to sectors like charities, arts, culture, heritage & progress the recently launched social and language language, sports, and social enterprises.” strategies. Congratulating Deirdre Hargey on her re-appointment Minister Hargey said: “I am delighted to be back as Carál Ní Chuilín commented on her time in the Minister for Communities and look forward to Department. She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time progressing work that I had started earlier this year. at the Department and I want to thank all the staff for “My goals remain the same and I am committed to their tireless work these past months. Their delivering for people and families. My Department will commitment to getting things done and ensuring the continue to work together with key stakeholders, delivery of services and support to those in need including grassroots organisations for a fair and throughout this pandemic was inspiring. They should inclusive society by transforming support for be justly proud of all they have achieved and the communities, people and places to improve lives and service they have provided the public during these deliver generational change.” most difficult of times.”

Concerns about long-term solution for parcels moving between GB and NI Consumer Council raises concerns Following the publication of temporary Kellin McCloskey, Head of Postal Services at The guidance for parcels moving between Consumer Council, said: “Whilst this new guidance Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland provides some level of reassurance for consumers (NI) from 1 January 2021, The particularly during the pandemic, it points to added Consumer Council has said it remains administration for many businesses ordering supplies concerned about the long-term solution over £135. It also does not provide the added for NI consumers and businesses. certainty for online retailers to continue to supply to NI consumers in the long-term. “The Consumer Council Guidance, published on the 31 December 2020, on remain concerned that any long term solution which parcels moving between GB and NI says there will be involves customs declarations and checks will impact a three month grace period for online orders and all on NI consumers in terms of additional cost, or a consumer parcels from GB. However, NI businesses reduction in the number of retailers selling to NI. receiving a parcel with goods valued over £135 will have to submit a declaration through The Trader “We will continue to work with UK Government to Support Service within three months. reinforce this issue.”

NICVA launches Community Wellbeing and Resilience Programme

NICVA has launched a new support package for NICVA Chief community and voluntary sector staff and volunteers Executive, Seamus working on the frontline of the coronavirus response. McAleavey said: Organised by NICVA, delivered by Inspire Wellbeing “We have been very and supported by the Department for Communities, conscious that lots of the project will provide access to specially developed staff and volunteers online webinars, programmes and resources tailored have been working to support individuals wellbeing. on the frontline during the COVID crisis helping others and some of them may need some support Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I’m themselves. People can hit a wall and are often in delighted to be supporting this initiative, which is part danger of ‘burn out’." of a wider programme of community wellbeing interventions that has been co designed with Kerry Anthony CEO of Inspire said “We are delighted grassroots partners. to be working with NICVA to deliver this important programme to our colleagues in the voluntary and The wellbeing of our frontline community workers is community sector. Volunteers, staff and activists an absolute priority for us, in the same way that the from right cross our sector were at the forefront of the wellbeing of those in need across our communities response to Covid19 in countless ways and it is only has been a priority for them since the pandemic right that we offer help and support to those people began. We are now supporting their resilience as we who continue to offer so much help and support to face into the continued uncertainty of 2021 when we others.” will meet the challenges that Covid may throw up, as we prepare for recovery together. This programme will be free to access and open to all in our sector. I look forward to hearing about the impact of this exciting initiative from community sector participants.” For further information and to access the programme click here.

NI ASSEMBLY UPDATE Assembly Business The most recent plenary sessions of the Assembly considered Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, Public Petition: Provision of Free Period Products in all Schools, Ministerial Statements on North/South Ministerial Council: Tourism and North/South Ministerial Council: Trade and Business Development, Summer 2021 Examinations: Contingency Arrangements and Independent Review of Education: Terms of Reference

The report of the plenary sessions of the Assembly are available at; http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/officialreport/officialreport.aspx

Committee for Communities The minutes of meetings of the Communities Committee are available at; http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/committees/2017-2022/communities/minutes-of- proceedings/session-2020---2021/

Most primary legislation that passes through the Northern Ireland Assembly is brought forward by the relevant Minister. However, bills can also be introduced by an individual Member or Assembly Committees. The Member is required to lodge their consultation paper with the Bill Office within 4 months of the date on which the initial proposal was lodged. A final proposal should then be lodged with the Bill Office as soon as possible after the end of consultation and in any case within 4 months of the consultation paper being lodged.

The Assembly has a number of Private Members Bills out for consultation at; http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/

PRS2020 Conference report: Future-Proofing Private

Housing Rights held its annual conference on the private rented sector on the 25 November 2020.

TDSNI sponsored this year’s conference, with support from PropertyPal and Electrical Safety First. The conference focused on future-proofing the sector and meeting Covid-19 challenges. The Minister highlighted the importance of both securing and sustaining tenancies. The day was grouped into 3 main sessions: • Sector Overview She also underlined her commitment to extend Notice • Major Challenges in the PRS to Quit to protect tenants, push forward intermediate • Landlords and Tenants rents to improve affordability, and build new homes to reduce pressure. Sector Overview Chair Paddy Gray and Housing Rights Director Janet Minister’s statement Hunter introduced the conference’s context and For a full report of the conference including the slides purpose in the Covid-19 period. Then, Minister for and materials from the presentations, go to the Communities Carál Ní Chuilín, gave an overview of Housing Rights website at; PRS2020 Conference her department’s plans to improve the private rented report: Future-Proofing Private Renting | Housing sector. Rights Consultations A Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations The Consultation took place in 2017 Summary This Consultation Outcome Report sets out feedback from consultees. 18 of the proposals for change will proceed as per the original 2017 consultation. Two of the proposals (intimidation points and interim accommodation points) will not proceed and options will be explored for alternative proposals. The report also sets out next steps and timescales for implementation by the Housing Executive.

To view the report, go to; Consultation Outcome Report- A Fundermental Review of Social Housing Allocations (communities-ni.gov.uk)

Small Scale Green Energy Bill The bill will incentivise the growth of micro renewable energy generation in homes, farms, businesses and community co-ops by requiring major electricity providers to pay a minimum price for electricity generated by small scale green generators.

John O’Dowd, MLA; Sinn Fein. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FCK26RR Closing Date; 15th January 2021

Consultation on Draft Northern Ireland Flood Risk Management Plan 2021-2027 The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is the competent authority for the preparation of the Northern Ireland Flood Risk Management Plan 2021 – 2027. This is the second cycle of flood risk management planning under the Floods Directive, as implemented through ‘The Water Environment (Floods Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009’ and amendments.

The Department would like your views on the published draft second cycle Northern Ireland Flood Risk Management Plan 2021-2027 and associated environmental reports, before they are finalised, and has opened a consultation on this information from 22 December 2020 until 25 June 2021. This draft Plan sets out Objectives and Measures for the second 6-year cycle, between 2021 and 2027, primarily focusing on Areas of Potential Significant Flood Risk in Northern Ireland.

The consultation documents can be viewed on the website https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/ consultation-draft-flood-risk-management-plan-2021-2027-second-cycle

Special Focus Important lessons from a traumatic year Nick Garbutt of NICVA writes; Pic: Unsplash The vaccination programme marks the beginning of the The support rapidly broadened to helping people with end of the pandemic just as the shortening days herald social needs, not just food – and those supported were the end of what has been an unforgettably traumatic not just those shielding but people with disabilities and year.2020 will be a year that most people will want to put those with more complex long-term needs. People who behind them. But we shouldn’t think like that – there were previously under the radar of support services in have been too many important lessons we can learn the public and third sectors were being identified and from the pandemic. helped.

This week a report from the Carnegie Trust was Everywhere a sense of community was growing. By published which seeks to capture some of them. June two in three people said it is important to live in an The COVID-19 and Communities Listening Project area with a strong sense of community, and more than states that as the first lockdown began: “We were struck before reported they can change things around them. by stories in the press, and in our local areas, of people, The report cites people falling back in love with their streets and agencies working together. We wondered if neighbourhoods and surrounding areas, places they had something very important might be happening: previously taken for granted. something that we could learn from in our quest to create a fairer and thriving society.” So it started a series However problems were mounting too. Within a few of conversations in widely different communities, from weeks of the start of lockdown Carnegie’s research team the Glens of Antrim to inner city London to hear about were hearing about how changes in work patterns, how local organisations were adapting and responding separation from loved ones, money worries, the impact to the emergency. of furlough and of isolation were corroding peoples’ feelings. The extent of the mental ill health crisis we now What emerges is a shared passion for the potential for face was beginning to emerge. change. Central to this is the need for a permanent reversal in the relationship between the state and During and after lockdown all sorts of services switched communities. Carnegie calls this an Enabling State to digital. For many it was a lifeline. The report has where people and communities gain more control over praise for the Nine Glens website in Cushendall which the public services they receive to improve their own became a focal point for local people. For example it ran wellbeing. a photography competition on young people’s experience of lockdown. The report is also an important document of historical record – charting how separate communities responded Whilst for many digital interaction was a game-changer it in remarkably similar ways to an unprecedented crisis. also had the consequence of escalating the digital It evokes the vast surge of energy within communities divide. For example 65% of children in Camden had no when the outbreak started as charities, local authorities access to a device at home or school. Similarly lack of and individuals adapted at pace to emerging needs. It digital access prevented many from accessing mental records the tiredness that many individuals were feeling health support and for claiming benefits such as by the summer as the toll of work and pressures on Universal Credit. personal lives were beginning to take their toll. The pandemic has served to emphasise how the means Then there was a phase when organisations prepared to access the internet and all the services it provides is for the Autumn resurgence of the disease – and all along now an essential utility, like water, electricity and there were worries about whether front line organisations sanitation and needs to be treated as such by the would even be able to survive: “For many, there was authorities. also an existential worry about funding and the viability of operating models: many organisations lost revenue, There was also a very painful reminder of just how some anticipated future cuts and closures, and others vulnerable so many of us are, especially those who have were concerned about the potential impact of losing no savings and depend on zero hours contracts. The community spaces.” fragility of our economy was brutally exposed. Per the report: “In one conversation, a member of the At the start of the pandemic the priority was to cater for VCSE in a rural area with pockets of deprivation said: basic needs. Those considered vulnerable to Covid-19 ‘people who used to donate to food banks now use their were told to stay in their homes for 12 weeks. services. They have no good quality jobs and the Government, local authorities and charities immediately community has low resilience.’” stepped in to help ensure people had access to food and other essentials. Yet even before that the response on Particular groups were shown to be especially at risk. the ground was astonishing. Support groups sprang up For example when schools closed it was difficult for everywhere to help vulnerable people in their areas. agencies to contact children who don’t feel safe at home Individuals offered to shop, take meals and pick up to check on how they were. The same also applied to prescriptions. The word kindness re-entered our victims of domestic abuse. vocabulary. All of a sudden new people were getting involved in community action Cont’d over

Throughout the report there is high praise for the VCSE Another big learning from the pandemic is the sector. It mobilised more quickly than public authorities effectiveness of true partnership working. As the severity and showed creativity, flexibility and its deep knowledge of the emergency became clear traditional boundaries of community needs. Sports clubs, church organisations broke down. and community groups were especially impressive. The ranks of charities were rapidly swelled with volunteers The report states: “A significant finding was the responding to calls for help with many reports of how strengthening of relationships between the VCSE sector much value new recruits got from helping their and local authorities. Virtually all people we talked to had communities. experienced growing local partnerships. One community arts organisation described how traditionally the local Fermanagh Community Transport provides one of the authority found it hard to let go and for communities to case studies in the report. During the emergency it take more control - ‘when something happens, you can’t switched from a transport provider to be at the forefront really push it without the local authority trying to either of the logistics, transport, and delivery of goods such as take it over or make it something different’ - but that food boxes and prescriptions to those in need. At the changed at the start of the pandemic, when the VCSE height of the pandemic, the charity delivered over 8,000 sector was able to act rapidly in a way that the council food parcels. Similarly the Fermanagh Trust reoriented could not.” its staff to develop a new befriending service, Connect Fermanagh, to support those who were vulnerable or Local authorities were seeing themselves as an isolated, and to establish friendships between residents empowering rather than controlling force. And during the emergency. Given the pivotal role that the partnerships flourished between charities too – even sector performed and the ingenuity that so many those that have traditionally competed for funding. organisations displayed it is hard to escape the Sadly by the Autumn the report sees all this co-operation conclusion that we should look to change the way we fraying at the edges, with reports of a decline in the fund the sector permanently – away from project funding feeling that all agencies were tackling shared issues. to a more sustainable model, supporting core costs. There are questions of how to maintain the high levels of energy displayed earlier in the year as exhaustion sets However this is resolved it is perverse that organisations in – and in the case of many VCSE existential fears of that were doing so much to support communities spent what the future holds for them. This is precisely why the most of the period fearing for their future existence. Carnegie report is so important – it tells a remarkable Whatever the route taken the sector has demonstrated story which should not be forgotten, and there are very its value on an unprecedented scale and requires the clear lessons of what needs to happen next. We cannot financial support not just to exist but to grow and just drift back to where we were before. flourish. Publications

Housing Executive Disability Action Plan The Housing Executive recently updated its Disability The Disability Action Plan is a working document and Action Plan. To inform the preparation of this revised will be subject to change as actions are completed and plan we discussed the plan with a range of new actions added during its lifespan. The plan, which is representative groups at the Housing Executive’s Full available on the Housing Executive’s website can be Consultative Forum on Equality in May 2019 and accessed at the link below. engaged with the Housing Executive’s Disability Forum in September 2019. NIHE Disability Action Plan If you require any further information about the action The measures which we propose to take cover the plan, please contact Tony Steed, Equality Unit Manager period 2020 to 2025 and are outlined in Appendix 1of at [email protected] the plan, together with performance indicators and targets.

Community Relations Council Monthly e-bulletin Each month CRC releases its e-Bulletin Please click the link below to access the December which contains news about CRC funded 2020/January 2021 edition of inpartnership – the groups, as well as events and activities happening around newsletter for PCSPs which highlights local events Northern Ireland for peacebuilding and good community and initiatives; relations. PCSP Inpartnership December2020/January2021 | https://mailchi.mp/nicrc.org.uk/crc-ebulletin-november-2020? Northern Ireland Policing Board e=03ab2c0383 (nipolicingboard.org.uk)

5 Publications cont’d Welcome to the CovidWellbeingNI online hub On this website you will find a comprehensive range of information, self-help guides and ways to access help to support your mental health and wellbeing. This resource is designed to be a wellbeing space. If you would like to find out more about Covid19 in It was created by CovidWellBeingNI a partnership of 15 Northern Ireland more generally you can get reliable leading mental health and wellbeing charities and the information from the NI Direct Website. Healthy Living Centre Alliance representing 28 Healthy Living Centres alongside the Public Health Agency, CovidWellBeingNI is an unprecedented partnership of Department of Health and the Department for 15 leading mental health and wellbeing charities and the Communities. Our focus is on promoting positive mental Healthy Living Centre Alliance representing 28 Healthy health and wellbeing during and after the Covid19 Living Centres alongside the Public Health Agency, pandemic. Department of Health and the Department for Communities. Our focus is on promoting mental health As the guidance around Covid19 changes and/or new and wellbeing during and after the Covid19 pandemic. ways of accessing support emerge we will be updating Our aim is to work together to ensure that mental health this resource weekly to reflect any changes and refresh information and support reach as many people as our information. For the latest news and up to date possible. developments click here.

NI Environment Link The Environment News, Research and Analysis newsletter is available at; https://www.nienvironmentlink. org/cmsfiles/ENRA-Oct-2020-1.pdf and the Assembly News Available online, includes a series of important round-up at; Assembly-News-November-2020.pdf articles on a range of matters includingCovid19 (nienvironmentlink.org). and childcare, workforce training needs, pre- school segregation and the problem of loneliness The NIEL Annual Report is also available at NIEL-Annual- in NI in the wake of the pandemic. Report-2019-20.pdf (nienvironmentlink.org) Scope can be accessed at; http://scopeni.nicva.org/ For other NIEL publications and events, go to; https://www.nienvironmentlink.org/

Catch up on what’s been happening at the Board in Policing Matters at the link below. Policing Matters Issue 13: December 2020 (nipolicingboard.org.uk)

In addition the Policing Board Engagement Strategy is available on the website at; nipb-engagement-strategy-2020-2023.pdf (nipolicingboard.org.uk)

Law Centre NI has launched a new quarterly Bulletin on Social Security Law and Practice in Northern Ireland The Law Centre NI has launched a new quarterly Bulletin on Social Security Law and Practice in Northern Ireland. In the first edition, Law Centre introduces a Social Security Hub and looks at recent Case Law and Legislation, including Policy issues that are grabbing attention at the moment. There is also information on upcoming Training and Events at Law Centre NI over the next few months.

If you know of someone who might like to receive this bulletin, feel free to forward it on to them. They can sign up to receive it by clicking here.

Northern Ireland Housing Statistics 2019-20 The Northern Ireland Housing Statistics report is an annual compendium of statistics containing information on a range of areas relating to housing.

The report is divided into sections covering: supply, energy, social renting demand, private renting demand, owner occupier demand and household characteristics.

To view the report and the digest of statistics by tenure, go to; Northern Ireland Housing Statistics 2019-20 | Department for Communities (communities-ni.gov.uk)

Events

Chartered Institute of Housing; Housing Awards 2021

Date 26 February 2021 Location Virtual Time15:00 - 17:00 There are 10 categories to choose from, which 2020 has brought some of the biggest challenges recognise a wide range of best practice from across we’ll face in a lifetime. But throughout the uncertainty, the sector. the housing sector has shone through, showing incredible dedication to communities, adapting So, whether you want to showcase your bespoke practices, rolling out amazing new organisation’s work, or celebrate the work of innovations and always endeavouring to work around colleagues or partners, there’s no limit to the number difficult restrictions. of categories you can enter.

To celebrate the fantastic achievements across Take a look and see which ones are best for you! housing in 2020, we are delighted to bring you this https://www.cih.org/events/cih-housing-awards-2021? year’s all-Ireland Housing Awards! We want to take utm_source=The%20Chartered%20Institute%20of% this opportunity to recognise the enormous effort of 20Housing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=119 housing professionals and organisations who have 66545_Ireland%20Awards% gone above and beyond the call of duty during these 20email&dm_i=YRX,74HG1,DOFQH5,STFXO,1 unprecedented times.

Supporting Communities’ Webinars a Success

Supporting Communities continued its series of webinars in December 2020. TPAS Scotland’s CEO, Lesley Baird, spoke with the audience about the Scottish Tenant Participation Model on During the second part of the webinar, Supporting Monday 7th December 2020. Communities’ Senior Community Development Officer, Sarah Harkness-Robinson was joined by The same framework and methodology have been Janine Freeman, Chairperson of Hill Street Residents adopted by Supporting Communities and will be Group. rolled out to housing associations in Northern Ireland this year. Martin Hamilton from Newington Housing They provided an overview of how Supporting Association said: “I got greater clarity on what to Communities has adapted the specific, offline service expect from the accreditation process and how to of estate inspections to the virtual world. prepare for it effectively”. As well as answering attendees’ queries, Lesley provided some great ideas “The virtual walkabout is a fantastic idea. This is not to deliver tenant participation during Covid-19! something we have done before, but it is definitely something we will look at after the session” said Ruth Digital Engagement: Montgomery (Rural Housing Association). Adapting Offline Services to an Online World was the Don’t forget to register your interest for the next topic on Monday session on Thursday 14th January 2021 at 14th December 2020. 10.30 am (see flyer over the page). Managing Director of Dunedin Canmore Housing The Consumer Standard will be the topic for Association, Hazel Young, discussion with the Housing Regulation Branch. shared her experience of developing a digital engagement strategy for her housing Email Siobhán at association. Attendees benefited from hearing about [email protected] the four-tier approach to digital engagement, the or phone 07974 263686 importance of co-creation when developing services, ideas to engage digitally, to name a few.

Training

Full details of each session available online! To register, contact Aidan Kearney: [email protected]

Training cont’d Housing Rights Training Courses Training & Events In light of government guidance in response to Covid-19, Housing Rights is no longer operating a face to face training schedule.

Instead the following online courses are offered as online options: The Essentials: The Four Homelessness Tests Webinar (recording): COVID 19: Assisting People who are Homeless Webinar (recording): COVID-19: Implications for the Private Rented Sector

Housing Rights has been providing the highest quality training to the public and private sectors in Northern Ireland for over 20 years. For more information and to keep up to date on Housing Rights activities, go to; https://www.housingrights.org.uk/training-events

Advice NI Training Courses

Level 4 Certificate and Extended Certificate in Providing Social Security Advice

Advice NI are proud to launch the new Advice NI Level 4 Certificate and Extended Certificate in providing social security advice. These new qualifications allow participants to meet the Northern Ireland Quality Advice Standard and feature a mixture of Live Online tutorials with pre-recorded Anytime Online content.

Learners will gain an understanding of social security benefits and how to advise clients regarding social security benefits’ issues, with fully up to date content for Welfare Reforms and legacy benefits.

For more information email [email protected] or visit the link below

https://www.adviceni.net/content/blended-online-adviser-ni-%E2%80%93-level-4-certificate-and-extended-certificate -providing-social

IiV Essentials – A new, free online tool for groups to help ensure that volunteers have the best possible experience

A new free tool is being made available to help ensure IiV Essentials is an introduction to the Investing in that your volunteers have the best possible experience Volunteers quality standard for good and can make the biggest difference. practice in volunteer management– it’s a simple and easy way to get started on enhancing volunteer IiV Essentials has been developed by volunteers and involvement in your organisation”. the staff who support them from across the UK. Volunteer Now (alongside NCVO, Volunteer Scotland Focussing on six core areas, you will be guided through and WCVA) are launching this tool to help those of you a series of questions that will help you define how you who want to get started on improving the volunteer support and engage your volunteers, how they journey at your organisation. contribute to your mission and how they enhance your services for the people who use them. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things people can do; helping people, contributing to the community It is a perfect first step for those groups who want to and changing the world around us. think about using the full Investing in Volunteers quality standard in the future. It can be truly transformative – both for the people that volunteer, and the organisations that benefit from their An IiV Essentials user involved in the piloting of the new time and experience. It is incredibly powerful when the tool shared that, “The tool has been useful to not only relationship works well for both the individual and the consider the processes and background support that is organisation. in place to support volunteers in their roles, but also to consider it from the other side of how the volunteers Denise Hayward, CEO Volunteer Now recognises why might experience their roles and what improvements we this new tool may be particularly useful at this time, could make to encourage more engagement and “Volunteer involving organisations are taking a good fulfilment.” hard look at how they deliver volunteering programmes in the current climate and reconsidering how they If your organisation would like to use the tool, you can involve volunteers across a range of service areas. find out more about IiV Essentials here https:// knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/tools-resources/investing-in- volunteers-iiv-essentials 10

Funding

Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has launched the £20.5 million Dormant Accounts Fund which will provide vital funding to the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors

The Dormant Accounts Fund will be delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund. Multi-year grants of up to £100,000 will be available to build organisations’ resilience and sustainability.

Visiting Footprints social enterprise in West Belfast Highlighting what the Dormant Account Fund will this morning, Minister Murphy said: “The support, Kate Beggs, The National Lottery establishment of the Dormant Accounts Fund is great Community Fund’s NI Director, added: “The launch of news for the community, voluntary and social this fund is a milestone for the community and enterprise sectors. While the Fund currently is voluntary sector in Northern Ireland. While 2020 has £20.5 million it will increase as further Dormant been a year of emergency funding, we know many Funds are made available each year. organisations are trying to plan for the long term and thinking about the changes they need to make to “Third sector groups are often limited to annual become more sustainable. Those changes require funding, causing constant uncertainty and hindering leadership, strategic planning, new skills and strong long-term planning. By offering multi-year funding, governance – and also time to stop and think. Those this Fund will give groups a bridge to become more are things for which funding often isn’t available and financially sustainable. Ultimately this allows them to that’s where the Dormant Accounts Fund comes in. It have an even greater impact on people’s lives.” will provide flexible, multi-year funding and allow a diverse range of organisations to plan for a more Alongside the grant fund, the Dormant Accounts secure future.” Fund will also support larger, strategic projects that will enable collaboration right across the sector and The Dormant Accounts Fund will open for develop new and creative approaches to applications at noon on Tuesday 12 January. sustainability. These could be NI-wide or sector specific proposals which might focus on a particular Further information is available at https:// issue such as diversity and inclusion, social finance www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/ or volunteering. dormant-accounts-fund(external link opens in a new window / tab).

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Community Support Grant 2021/22 opened Thursday 10th December 2020 The Community Support Grant Programme aims to financially assist community and voluntary organisations working within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area on the promotion and implementation of community development related programmes.

Further information and application forms will be available on the Council's website when the scheme opens. Hard copies of the application form can be obtained by contacting the Community Services team from this date at: Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn, BT28 1XP; Tel: 028 9244 7713, Email: [email protected]

Closing date for completed applications is 4:00 pm on Friday 15th January 2021.

INFORMATION WORKSHOP – via ZOOM

Organisations interested in applying to the Community Support Grant are invited to attend the information workshop to be held on:

• Monday 11th January 7.00pm

Places are limited, so please book in advance using the contact details above.

Funding cont’d Covid-19 Charities Fund reopens for applications

Fund Objective

The £11.7m Covid Charity Fund will provide financial support to charities who: • Have lost income due to the impact of COVID-19 and • Will be unable to cover unavoidable costs until 31/03/2021.

Maximum Grant Value Application Opening and Closing Dates: Funding requests of up to £75,000 to be spent within 6 months. (The amount awarded will depend on the · Opening Date: 6 January 2021 from 9am. assessment of need and the demand for the available · Closing Date: 22 January 2021 at 4pm. budget). Application Steps: Eligible Organisations: 1. Complete Application Form (Part A) via the Applicants should satisfy themselves that their charity online form hosted on is eligible for this funding in relation to all criteria 1-6 www.communityfinanceireland.com (live from as below: 6 January). Be careful, this online application must be 1. The organisation was formed prior to completed in one sitting before you press 31st March 2020 and is a lawfully operating the submit button. Please also print a copy charity as defined by the Charities Act (NI) for your own records. 2008; 2. Complete Application Form (Part B) to include 2. Charities that have at least two unrelated Charity Support & Impact of Covid-19. people on its board or committee; 3. Complete Financial Overview (Part C) to 3. Charities that have a UK bank or building include a financial overview, latest published society account in the legal name of the charity accounts (2019 or later), management with at least two unrelated people who can accounts (for current financial year), manage the account; organisation bank statement, reserves policy, 4. Charities that were financially stable prior to the state aid form (if applicable) and equality form. Impact of COVID -19 and where Community 4. Email your completed Application Form (Part B) Finance Ireland (CFI) have no concerns and Financial Overview (Part C) along with a regarding fraud or financial mismanagement; copy of a Photo ID and Proof of Address for 5. Charities that can demonstrate that their fund two trustees and the main contact listed on raising or trading income has reduced due to the application to [email protected] the impact of COVID -19 and they have unavoidable costs to cover up to 31/03/2021 Letter of Offer Process: and; 6. Charities whose unavoidable costs cannot be • During March 2021, expect to receive an email covered by existing grants or public funding and from the Covid Charity Fund team informing are therefore at risk. you of the grant decision, through a Letter of Offer. Ineligible Organisations: · If you are happy to accept the grant offer, you • Community Amateur Sports Clubs; have 10 working days to complete and return • Community Interest Companies; the letter of offer which must be signed by the • Non Charitable Social Enterprises and; Chair of your organisation. If you miss the 10 • Non Charitable Trading Arms. days window of opportunity, the application will be deemed withdrawn. Assessment Criteria: Please remember that it is your responsibility to The Assessment Team will determine: ensure that we receive the application form and emailed enclosures by the closing time and date. • What is the minimum amount of funding that is needed to cover unavoidable costs until 31/03/2021? The grant decision is final and we regret that there will be no appeal process. • The extent to which the charity has put in place credible measures to adapt their services and mitigate the loss of income. • The extent to which the community relies on the charity to deliver essential services. 12

Treasure Ireland project provides a new Community Grants Programme which offers your church or chapel funding of between £500 and £10,000 for church maintenance or urgent repair work

Status: Open Next Deadline: 25 January 2021 (Midnight) Decision Date: March 2021 Grant Size: £500 to £10,000 Works Cost: Up to £100,000 (incl VAT and fees)

Eligibility Criteria 2. Decision Process Decisions on all are grant applications are We will consider applications from listed and unlisted made by our Northern Ireland Grants Christian places of worship, of any denomination, that Committee comprised of experts from the are located in Northern Ireland. church and heritage sectors. The Committee meets three times a year. Decisions will be To be eligible to apply you must satisfy the following notified following the Grants Committee criteria: meeting. • You must have 50% of the funds required at the point of application From 2021 applications for projects under • Work must not have started £12,000 will be considered on a rolling basis • Any necessary permissions must be in place and you will know the outcome of your • The work must have been out to tender or you application within 6 weeks of submission. must have at least 2 quotes in place Applications for projects over £12,000 will still • Work must be to the main church building or an be considered by the Grants Committee in the attached hall normal way.

• The church building must have been constructed as a place of worship at least 30 3. More information and funding sources years ago Explore our Building Advice pages for information on other funding sources, • Places of worship must be open beyond fundraising tips and useful advice worship at least 100 days Find out more about the National Churches

Trust current Strategy here When to apply

Need help? Current deadline:

25 January 2021 (for a decision in March 2021) If you have any questions about the application

process please check our Frequently Asked Next deadlines: Questions or drop us an email at 1 June 2021 (for a decision in July 2021) [email protected] 27 September 2021 (for a decision on November

2021) For more information, visit our website

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/our-grants/ How to apply grants-northern-ireland?fbclid=IwAR3eD-

5Wnk_dIKOREUvIHMp164JRlyqVfRb_zb6OyNPrT1U 1. Before applying PvKu3PcEb2rI Be sure to first read the Guidance Notes. The

Guidance Notes contain notes on the scoring criteria, advice on completing the application form, a list of supporting documents that will be required from you, and details of the terms and conditions of any grant award made .

We can only accept applications made online. You can review the questions in advance here.