Free training programme for community groups in Causeway Coast and Glens
Mon, September 05, 2022
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has unveiled an extensive free training programme for the community and voluntary sector.
The sessions will run from September to March, covering a variety of themes which will ensure participants can easily pick and choose the training most suitable to them. They will take place on Tuesday evenings via Zoom while a small number of in-person training will take part in venues across the Borough.
Encouraging groups to take part, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace said:
“Council is in awe of the incredible contribution community and voluntary organisations make in our area.
“The support they offer is needed now more so than ever and we are acutely aware that accessing the necessary funding and training can be difficult. We are delighted to be able to offer a comprehensive and accessible programme that will equip committees, volunteers and community workers with the skills to sustain their valuable work and improve their practices and procedures for years to come.”
The programme begins in September with Health and Safety Month and groups can avail of Basic Safeguarding and Designated Officer Training as well as Fire Safety Awareness and General Health and Safety for Community Buildings.
Please note, the Safeguarding workshop on Tuesday 6th September is now fully booked but a second date may be arranged if there are sufficient numbers. Please contact communitydevelopment@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk to express an interest.
Throughout October, there will be range of support related to ‘good governance’ along with a session on ‘clever committees’ which will provide an overview of the various roles and responsibilities for management committees. For groups who recruit and manage staff and volunteers ‘human resources’ training will be particularly relevant while ‘good financial practices and policies' will provide valuable guidance on how to manage and monitor funds.
November will focus on ‘engaging with your community and funding' while in December the Community Development team will be on hand to provide guidance to organisations on applying to Council’s annual grants.
January’s theme, ‘promoting services and facilities’, will invite groups to develop their digital marketing skills with a focus on maximising their use of social media. Additionally, accessibility and equality training will offer an opportunity to consider ways to make community facilities more welcoming and inclusive to promote increased usage.
The programme will draw to a close in February and March with a chance to develop skills in evaluation via a session on ‘reflective practice and measuring impact', along with ‘understanding local Council processes’ and a special ‘meet the funder' event with groups invited to Cloonavin to meet various funders face-to-face to discuss their projects and ideas.
Training will be facilitated by a range of expert providers with additional ongoing support offered by Council Officers. One-to-one bespoke mentoring may also be available through Council's Alchemy Programme for eligible social enterprises who attend the training.
The Training Calendar has been developed by the Council’s Community Development team and is part funded by the Department for Communities.
You can browse the calendar belor or download and save a version for future reference.
Places can be booked by e-mailing communitydevelopment@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.
