Community Network Network News April - June 2008 The latest news from Lisburn Community Network

IN THIS ISSUE Developments at the Network

Question Panel Event ...... Pg 2

A Community Worker’s Guide to… Strategic Planning ...... Pg 4

Small Change ...... Pg 5 Panel & LCN Directors: Back row Care for the Family (L-R) Cllr Brian Heading, Paul ...... Pg 6 Butler MLA, Trevor Lunn MLA, Noel Thompson (BBC), Edwin Poots MLA: Disability Group Art Exhibition Front row (L-R) Basil McCrea MLA, Theresa Brady (LCN Chairperson), ...... Pg 6 Gary McMichael (LCN Director)

Dairy Farm & People 1st ...... Pg 7 There is much to report on in this issue residential. The group involved are Small of Network News. Lisburn Community Change, and you can read more about Lisburn Volunteer Centre Network has been busy over the past them and their activities on page 5. The ...... Pg 7 couple of months, both with special events, two days created opportunity for lots of and in continuing to develop and expand group discussion and learning, and we all Derriaghy Over 50 Group its support services to community and surprised ourselves by coming away with ...... Pg 7 voluntary groups throughout the greater much more than we had even anticipated. Lisburn area. As one Small Change member said, the Hills residential became a ‘launchpad’ for all that ...... Pg 8 On Tuesday 4 March, LCN held its first would follow: the group left the residential Question Panel event in the Island Civic with much excitement about what lies Social Economy Lisburn Centre. This was an opportunity for ahead...... Pg 8 community and voluntary groups in Lisburn to put their questions and issues before LCN have had some changes within the a panel of political representatives from board of directors. Gary McMichael stepped across the board. LCN seeks to strengthen down as chair after almost two years, the linkages between the community but remains a director. We would like to and voluntary sector, and the decision- thank Gary for his time and commitment Lisburn Community Network makers in Stormont. With the New Plan as chairperson. Theresa Brady was elected Unit 2 The Sidings Office Park for Government seeming to exclude the as the new chairperson in January. Theresa Antrim Road Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 3AJ sector, it is more important than ever that brings a wealth of experience, knowledge Northern community and voluntary groups get the and enthusiasm to LCN, and the board are opportunity to speak with their political looking forward to moving forward with her Julie Jamieson, Network Coordinator representatives, and ensure that local issues leadership in coming months. Pamela Neill T: 028 9267 1515 remain high on the political agenda. The stepped down as Vice Chair, and is replaced [email protected] event was a great success, and we hope it by John Bradbury; Eilis Mulholland remains Emma Keenan, will be the first of many to come. For full as Vice Chair. Sarah Jane Patterson and Mark Network Support Worker details on the Question Panel event, please Black remain as Treasurer and Secretary T: 028 9267 1532 see the report on pages 2&3. respectively. [email protected] February saw another first for LCN, as we www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com facilitated our first two-day action planning

www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com Lisburn Community Network

Northern Ireland’s New plan for Government…

The political system in has changed and Trevor Lunn significantly since the formation of the NI Assembly in May 2007. Northern Irish people now have the opportunity to have a direct influence on policy, and on the day-to-day decisions made by those in political power, but which affect the man on the street. Northern Irish people control the purse strings now – we can affect change at the local level, and in the corridors of Stormont.

The NI Assembly’s New Plan for Government covers education, health, the economy – aspects that affect us all on a day-to-day basis. However, it is widely acknowledged that the community and voluntary sector has been overlooked in the Assembly’s plans. As Peace II Funding comes to an end, and we enter a difficult period for funding in the sector, it is more important Our panel consisted of the following: than ever that our political representatives both acknowledge • Edwin Poots MLA (DUP) the work and commitment of those in the sector, and that they • Cllr Brian Heading (SDLP) pledge to act on our behalf to ensure that this valuable work is • Trevor Lunn MLA (Alliance) able to continue. • Paul Butler MLA (Sinn Féin) • Basil McCrea MLA (UUP) It was for this reason that Lisburn Community An outline of the responses of the panel when questioned Network decided to host about funding: its first Question Panel event. We wanted to There are well over 100,000 people active in either paid or give Lisburn people an voluntary capacity in the community and voluntary sector in opportunity to speak face Northern Ireland, yet there is little mention with the New to face with their political Programme for Government as to how the community and representatives, from all voluntary will be funded to carry out crucial community parties. The democratic development work. Can you comment on this? process is all about dialogue and debate, and Question asked by Eilis Mulholland (Vice-Chair of LCN & BBC Newsline’s Noel Thompson making sure our views are Network Co-ordinator of Disability Network) heard by the people who have the authority to carry them forward. We hope that this Trevor Lunn (AL): I agree with the statement. The New event will not be a one-off, but that there will be opportunity Programme for Government is weak in this area. The Alliance for similar such events in the future, enabling the community Party didn’t have a formal input into the programme for and voluntary sector in Lisburn to maintain and develop crucial government, and it is part of our manifesto to address this links with our political representatives. particular issue.

We would like to express our thanks to BBC Newsline’s Noel Paul Butler (SF): There was no mention in the draft of the Thompson, who chaired the debate. Given the timing of Ian community and voluntary sector. Sinn Fein wanted it to be Paisley’s announcement of his intention to resign as First mentioned in the final version. Minister, Noel was having a particularly busy evening, so we are especially grateful to him for taking the time for our event. Noel Thompson: Was it an after thought? Noel chaired the event very ably, and with much humour. He knew all of the members of our panel well, and pushed them Basil McCrea (UUP): What we have got is a bland document for answers – often difficult to get from politicians! While few that doesn’t tackle real issues. Some very big issues have been straight answers were forthcoming, Noel created opportunities missed, and we are in for a tough 2-3 years with issues like for all the panel members to give their responses fully, and was water, roads, hospitals, voluntary supporters. sure to keep them on the topic concerned!

 www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com Lisburn Community Network

…What’s in it for the community and voluntary sector?

Edwin Poots (DUP): We need efficiency savings. I am angry that Roy Hanna (Aghalee & District Development Association): the first thing the South Eastern Trust did was suggest closing Is anyone going to propose a solution? The community and the maternity unit at Lagan Valley Hospital. We have 7% more voluntary sector needs to be put on a par for what it does in senior managers and 35% more admin staff that we did 10 society – it needs political prestige. The government won’t years ago. We need efficiency savings – people are engaged in commit to it, but it won’t replace it either. work that is not needed. The government cannot afford to pay for all the work that volunteers do – this needs to be recognized. Noel Thompson: Perhaps the problem is that the people who We need more capital funding for the community and voluntary work in this sector are too nice! They are committed to the work sector – it needs to be supported. they do, and they won’t just stop it when the money runs out!

Brian Heading (SDLP): Peace II is ending – this is going to have Basil McCrea (UUP): There are inefficiencies in the system. £1 a big impact. The onus is on politicians to replace Peace II. Peace billion is spent on policing each year. The solution to this issue in III will not sustain all the work that came from Peace II. We will Northern Ireland isn’t about increasing taxes – it’s about choices lose the experience of people currently working in the sector. on how money is spent. Community development will be rolled back, and a vacuum will be created. The government is not able to deal with all the Trevor Lunn (AL): It is a legacy of division – we have always needs of senior citizens, for example, or deal with anti-social provided dual services in Northern Ireland. behaviour. More funding is needed – the government must pay for the value it gets from the community and voluntary sector. Brian Heading (SDLP): Look at the amount of money being The government needs to prioritise. used by the government to pay for consultants. I am worried that community and voluntary services are being used by the Noel Thompson: Does the government to provide much-needed services on the cheap. community and voluntary sector need to sort itself out?

Trevor Lunn (AL): It would be disrespectful to volunteers to insist they sort themselves out.

Eilis Mulholland (LCN & Disability Network): There is no commitment Basil McCrea & John Maxwell being shown in the (Citizens Advice Bureau) responses. Edwin Poots & Brian Heading Gary McMichael (LCN & Ascert): Many government responsibilities are actually met by the community and The debate around the funding crisis being faced by the voluntary sector, and are funded by non-governmental sources. community and voluntary sector is one that could have Once that funding dries up, there will be public services not been debated all evening – hopefully this gives you a being delivered – who is going to pick it up? The government is feel for the style of debate which we enjoyed, and the getting away with these services being delivered for free. range of issues raised. Other topics discussed on the night included educational needs, recycling, the landfill site at Edwin Poots (DUP): You have got to make the argument about Mullaghglass, and the proposed plans for the Maze. It was a why this should be a government priority – that needs to come wonderful opportunity for members of the community and from the community and voluntary sector. voluntary sector in Lisburn to raise their issues and concerns with our political representatives, and we hope that Lisburn John Maxwell (Citizen’s Advice Bureau): DSD have funded paid Community Network will facilitate more such events in the staff – if it stops, it will leave people in trouble as they lose their future. jobs.

www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com  Lisburn Community Network

A Community Worker’s Guide to... Strategic Planning

goals; it shouldn’t be limiting to strategies or sectors of the community that may become involved in the project

Why should you create a mission statement?

• It helps you focus on what is really important. Although you know and understand what you are trying to do to improve your community, it is possible to lose sight of this when dealing with the day-to-day hassles that constantly pop up. Your mission statement can help Some of the Small Change committee members discuss their aims and objectives. members keep sight of what is important as you go about doing your daily work. Why should your group develop a strategic plan? • It allows other individuals and organizations to have a quick • It grounds your dreams. It makes good ideas possible by overview of who your group is, and what you seek to do. laying out what needs to happen in order to succeed. It does People can easily learn about your organisation without this by giving structure and direction to your initiative. having to work hard for the information. • It allows you to build consensus around your focus, and the necessary steps you should take. • It helps in having members who are focused and bound • It allows you to focus on short-term goals, while always together in a common purpose. Not only does it serve as a keeping sight of your long-term vision and mission. constant reminder of what is important to your organization, but the process of developing the mission statement allows There are a number of aspects involved in strategic planning. people to have a sense of ownership of the organisation. We will look briefly at three main aspects – mission, aims and People will believe in something more completely if they objectives. have had a hand in developing it.

Mission Statement AIMS

A mission statement will ground your vision in practical terms. An aim is a general statement of intent about what you will do. An organisation’s mission statement describes what the group It states what your goal is. Generally, community groups will is going to do, and why it’s going to do that. It looks at the big have a number of aims, ensuring that all aspects of their work picture, but is concrete and action-oriented. It may start to hint are covered. An aim is not specific about details – the specifics broadly at how your organisation might try to fix the issue. Your are covered in the objectives. mission statement should inspire people to action. OBJECTIVES The following are some guiding principles for designing mission statements. They should be: In order to obtain long-term results, we need to know • Concise: they should put the point across in a single specifically what immediate goals will take us there. sentence Developing specific objectives will help to make your mission statement a reality. An organisation’s objectives will generally • Outcome-oriented: a mission statement should explain lay out of will be accomplished by and the fundamental outcomes your organisation is working to how much what when by whom. Each of your project aims will usually have a number achieve of objectives within it. • Inclusive: a mission statement should broadly state your key

 www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com Lisburn Community Network

A Community Worker’s Guide to... Strategic Planning (continued)

The best objectives have several characteristics in common. They Julie and Emma took the group through a number of steps in are all S.M.A.R.T. this process. Beginning by outlining a timeline of events since the group’s inception, the committee members then went on • Specific: That is, they tell how much (eg, 40%) of what is to to consider the positive aspects of what had been achieved, be achieved (eg, what outcome) by when (eg, by 2010). and the areas in which development or change was required. • Measurable: Information concerning the objective can be By doing this, the group were able to define four key areas of collected, detected, or obtained from records. activity, which were then developed into specific aims. Building • Achieveable: Not only are the objectives themselves on these defined aims, Small Change then went on to outline a possible, it is likely that your organisation will be able to number of objectives for each aim, giving them a clear outline achieve them. on what they must do as a committee to take their project • Relevant: Your organisation has a clear understanding of forward. how these objectives fit in with the overall mission of the group. The residential was an extremely enjoyable two-day event • Timed: Your organisation has developed a timeline by which – the sessions were very interactive, involving lots of group they will be achieved. work activity, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to contribute. In between sessions, there was ample opportunity Why should you develop specific objectives? to enjoy all the hotel had to offer. Small Change achieved more in the two days that they had anticipated – they left with a • Developing objectives helps your organization to create completed set of aims and objectives, and with newly elected specific and feasible ways in which to carry out your office bearers to the committee. As one member said, the mission. residential had become ‘the launchpad’, which would propel • Completed objectives can serve as a marker to show them forward. members of your organization, funders, and the wider community what your initiative has accomplished. Having defined aims and objectives is a valuable tool, both in • Creating objectives helps your organisation set priorities for providing direction to your organisation or community group, its aims. and in showing funders how you intend to use your resources to • Objectives help individuals and work groups to set guidelines benefit your community or target group effectively. If your group and develop a task list of things that need to be completed. would like support in developing your aims and objectives, or • It re-emphasises your mission throughout the process, which indeed a full strategic plan, Lisburn Community Network staff helps to keep members of the organisation working toward are available to provide support and facilitate the process if the same long-term goal. required. Please feel free to contact us or pop in for a chat. • Developing your list of objectives can serve as a check list, to ensure that your organsiation is attacking the issue on all appropriate fronts.

SMALL CHANGE

On 26-27 February 2008, Lisburn Community Network facilitated a two-day residential for local community group, Small Change, at the Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle (funded by Lisburn Partnership). Small Change is a cross-community project for adults with physical disabilities living in the area. The purpose of the residential was for the committee to take a fresh look at what they had achieved since they began two years ago, and to make some decisions about what they hoped to achieve in the future. The ultimate goal was to set out some aims and objectives, which would provide Small Change with a structure and direction for moving forward. Small Change committee at the end of a successful residential.

www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com  Lisburn Community Network

A Rough Guide for Dads

‘Laughter is a key part of being a great dad’ never dull being a dad, even though you sometimes wish it A special event for dads run by a national family charity is was!’ telling dads that they need to be silly and have a laugh with Issues covered at A Rough their kids more often! Care for the Family’s A Rough Guide for Guide for Dads will include: Dads hits the road in the spring of 2008. • Confessions of a struggling Dad Richard Hardy, the presenter of A Rough Guide for Dads, • Getting over getting it wrong believes that having fun with your kids is one of the most • Kids need dads ~ its official! important things you can do as a dad. ‘Every father finds • The challenge of two families it difficult to juggle life’s priorities and things seem to be • It's never too late to start getting tougher’, explains Richard, himself a dad with two children. ‘So we need to take the time out to enjoy time with A Rough Guide for Dads will our kids - be a bit daft, make them laugh and teach them run from 7.30pm to 10.00pm in: Richard Hardy, Presenter the important things in life’. NEWTOWNABBEY Tuesday 15 April 2008 However, finding the time to play an active role in a child’s life Carnmoney Presbyterian Church is not always easy. Richard’s experience as a father will form 258 Carmoney Road the basis of the evening, which has already been enjoyed Newtownabbey, BT36 6JZ by hundreds of dads across the country. Richard will outline COLERAINE Wednesday 16 April 2008 practical advice, and explore times when he has got things The Lodge Hotel wrong. ‘It’s very important that as fathers we realise that Coleraine we will make mistakes’, he says. ‘It’s then we have the Co Londonderry, BT52 1NF opportunity to show our true character as dads - by learning from our mistakes, by apologising for them and by teaching Tickets to A Rough Guide for Dads cost £6 per person and can our children to accept responsibility and act with integrity’. be ordered by phoning 028 9262 8050 by writing to Care for the Family, 3 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn, BT27 4AA or online at www. The main aim of A Rough Guide for Dads is to encourage careforthefamily.org.uk/dads fathers to give being a dad their best shot. The evening will include practical ideas of how to connect with their kids and Care for the Family is a national charity dedicated to build the best relationship possible. ‘I want to give a bit of a strengthening family life and helping those who are hurting due boost to every dad who sometimes feels that he’s bitten off to family breakdown. Further information about the work of Care more than he can chew’, says Richard. ‘Being the best dad for the Family can be found at www.careforthefamily.org.uk or you can takes a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it. Life is by phoning 028 9262 8050. Disability Group Exhibit Artwork

The Network Club, a group A launch for the of people with disabilities exhibition has in the Colin area, present been organised by Louise their second art exhibition. Smith, Community Arts Officer, This event will take place for the 17th June. Why not on the Community Arts come along and enjoy this Walkway at Island Arts Centre for two weeks from the 16th visual display? June 2008. It is an opportunity for the group to show the excellent work produced. The exhibition will be available to view during Anyone interested in purchasing one of the artworks will be Arts Centre opening hours of able to do so by contacting Disability Network 92667227. All 9.30am-10pm Monday-Friday sales from the exhibition will help raise funds for the group. and 9.30am-5pm Saturday.

 www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com Lisburn Community Network

Putting People 1st in Lisburn!

DFPF Ltd, (trading as Dairy Farm Training and People 1st), opportunity that premises in Lisburn offer to the organisation have recently opened their latest branch at 40 Railway Street, and is confident that People st1 will be committed to Lisburn, previously the home of Graham Training. continuing the very high standards of training that Graham’s had been providing. Whilst Graham will continue to develop their various other highly successful operations, the training division, ‘We have had very close links with Lisburn over the past 15 incorporating Lisburn, Belfast and Banbridge, will now be years through our facility at Dairy Farm Training, and have owned and managed by DFPF Ltd under the People 1st name. worked in partnership with a number of training providers in the area, including Grahams, on several key projects. Having With successful offices already operating in West and South a visual presence in the city centre now allows us to continue Belfast as well as Banbridge, People 1st have an extensive to bring what we believe is a first class service to a much range of training and development programmes which they wider audience’. believe will add and complement the strong training ethos already held in the Lisburn City Council area. Government All enquiries are welcome at the office in Lisburn on 028 programmes such as Apprenticeships, Training 4 Success, Job 9266 5100 or visit www. people-1st.co..uk for information Ready, New Deal and Core Gateway will continue to exist on available programmes. alongside tailored training programmes for the small and medium businesses in the city and throughout NI. Contact Patricia Moley 028 9266 5100 [email protected] Managing Director, Bernie Daly is delighted with the

Lisburn Volunteer Centre’s Longest Serving Volunteer

Hilda Hughes (right) one of Lisburn Volunteer Centres Rachel continued, ‘If you want to find out more longest serving volunteers proudly displays her Certificate of about becoming involved in volunteering or you are a Excellence in Volunteering for 2007. Hilda has been involved volunteer involving organisation in need of support or an in many various caring roles for over 30 years now and is still application for Community Volunteering Scheme funding, going strong. Hilda really enjoys her voluntary work, she said, please do not hesitate to contact me’. ‘I can’t imagine a future were volunteering isn’t a feature of my daily life’. Rachel Boyle Lisburn Volunteer Centre Hilda was especially pleased to receive her certificate from 52a Bachelors Walk the Centre Administrator Rachel Boyle. Rachel is the newest Lisburn and one of the youngest members of Lisburn Volunteer BT28 1XN Centre, a fact which Hilda found very entertaining, she herself Tel: 028 9266 8740 being one of the oldest members. Rachel said, ‘Hilda is great Fax: 028 9266 8741 person whom I really respect, I was honoured to present her Email: [email protected] with the certificate’. Web: www.volunteer-lisburn.org

Derriaghy Over 50 Group

Derriaghy Over 50 Group was formed in 2006 to provide included the Story of Percy French in Music and Verse. There a forum for persons over 50 years of age living within the has been a guided historical tour of Armagh and Dan Winter’s Derriaghy area to become involved in a range of interesting, cottage. Team quizzes each month also provide some light informative and enjoyable activities. The Group, which is hearted banter and enjoyment. interdenominational, meets in Derriaghy Parish Church Hall from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on the fourth Thursday of each In April the speaker will be Isobel Anderson, a well known month from September to the following May. Belfast tour guide, whose talk will be “Belfast - Yesterday and Today”. In May the Group’s annual outing is to the Famine Since the formation of the group the meetings have been Village at Doagh Island, Donegal followed by a meal on the well attended. Emphasis is placed on the quality of the way home in the Magnet Inn, Derry. speakers and their subjects. Topics covered have included the Andrews Brothers of Comber, Life in the Glens of Antrim, Five For more details on Derriaghy Over 50 Group, please contact Royal Schools and Women in Irish History. Entertainment has Emma at LCN offices.

www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com  Lisburn Community Network

‘Wild about the Belfast Hills’ booklet is launched

Taking a walk in the wealth of work being done by local farmers, residents, councils stunning Belfast Hills has and conservation organisations to protect our wildlife from the become even more exciting threats of habitat loss, pollution and disturbance. with the launch of a major new publication from the From damselflies, peregrine falcons, bats, Irish hare, butterflies Belfast Hills Partnership. and even salmon, the Belfast Hills provide an abundance of wildlife to recognise and even record in order to chart vital Entitled Wild About the information about wildlife populations. Belfast Hills, this beautiful colour booklet is the first The initiative is funded by the Environment and Heritage Service of its kind to feature the and RPS Planning and Environment. wildlife, flora and fauna - also known as biodiversity Belfast Hills Partnership Manager Dr Jim Bradley said the booklet - in abundance in the hills. was the first definitive educational and recreational tool to feature exclusively the rich biodiversity of the Belfast Hills. It is aimed at enhancing the user’s experience of the ‘This booklet describes some of the special habitats and wildlife hills as well as delivering in the Belfast Hills. We hope people will be inspired to visit the an important educational public sites in the hills, see something, record something that is tool for schools situated in rare and witness the amazing wildlife for themselves’. the surrounding area of the Belfast Hills. Anyone wishing a copy of the booklet should contact Dr Lizzy Pinkerton, Projects Officer at Belfast Hills Partnership. Tel: 028 Schools will shortly receive 9060 3466 or email [email protected] the booklet and it is envisaged that teachers • Biodiversity is an abbreviation of ‘biological diversity’ and will make the most of literally means the total variety of life on earth. the resource with their • In Northern Ireland we have lost 50 species in the last geography, biology and century, with many more species and habitats in danger of even art students. disappearing, especially at local level. • The rate of loss now requires international action. Within its pages all the • Within Northern Ireland the Environment and Heritage habitats found among the Service is producing Habitat and Species Action Plans as well sites of Divis and Black as raising people’s awareness through campaigns such as Mountain, Cave Hill and ‘It’s in our nature’. Carnmoney Hill as well as • The production of this booklet forms part of the bigger other managed sites within biodiversity picture and links closely with Local Biodiversity the hills, are featured. Action Plans. It also helps to promote biodiversity in the The resource also shows the minds of the people who live in and visit the Belfast Hills. Date for the diary

Social Economy Lisburn will be holding an end of programme More details will be released soon. conference on Wednesday 28 May 2008 at the Beechlawn See www.socialeconomylisburn.org for further programme Hotel in Dunmurry. If you or your organisation would like to information. exhibit at the event please contact Lynsey Cameron at Work Social Economy Lisburn is funded by Lisburn Partnership West on 028 9061 0826 or email [email protected] under the Peace II Extension Programme.

Lisburn Community Network Unit 2 The Sidings Office Park Julie Jamieson, Emma Keenan, Antrim Road Lisburn Network Coordinator Network Support Worker Co. Antrim BT28 3AJ T: 028 9267 1515 T: 028 9267 1532 Northern Ireland [email protected] [email protected] www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com

 www.lisburncommunitynetwork.com