Council’s Community Planning team has highlighted the important role community and voluntary sector leads have within the local Community Planning Strategic Partnership; and is encouraging members of the public to ensure their voices are heard.
Council officers are delighted to have the expertise of Ann McNickle and Briege Conway, who both act as Community and Voluntary Sector representatives on the Community Planning Strategic Partnership.
Their roles play a crucial part in ensuring that community feedback reaches local decision makers in the right way, thus enabling citizen voices to be heard and positive changes made as a result of feedback collated.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: “It’s really important that we as a Council listen to our residents’ voices and take on board community feedback. I would encourage members of the public to speak to Ann or Briege about local issues that are important to you within our Council area.
“Your feedback will help shape the Community Planning Strategic Partnership, and by listening to your voices, will be able to work with others to help implement changes for the benefit of us all.”
As representatives of the community and voluntary sector (CVS), both Ann and Briege are acutely aware that the sector is currently navigating a period of significant challenges. These include securing sustainable funding, responding to the increasing demand for services and addressing inequalities that continue to persist within our communities.
Alongside this is, the need for effective collaboration across sectors is now more important than ever, to ensure the delivery of meaningful and lasting impact for our communities.
Ann McNickle commented: “Community planning plays a vital role in fostering partnerships that prioritise local needs and deliver tailored solutions.
“Within the Borough, this process enables us to address complex social challenges through collective action. It creates a space where voices from all sectors - public, private and voluntary - are heard, ensuring that everyone has a stake in shaping the future of our community.”
Breige Conway added: “As the Community Planning Partnership Community and Voluntary representatives, we are committed to championing inclusion, transparency and collaboration.
“Our goal is to ensure that every voice, particularly those from underrepresented groups, is amplified and considered in decision-making processes. Together, we can build stronger networks and develop innovative approaches to local issues.”
Groups are being encouraged to proactively engage with Ann and Briege, whether it’s to raise concerns, share ideas, or discuss local needs via email - ann@crun.org & info@nacn.org.
Both emphasised that ‘our communities’ input is invaluable; we are here to listen and act. Strong communities are built on the foundation of partnership, trust and collective action. By working together, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future for everyone across the Borough.”
Ann McNickle has been involved in community development for nearly 40 years, which started when she joined playschool committees, then PTA committees and local community groups. She has been manager of Causeway & Rural Urban (CRUN) for 25 years, overseeing the running of their purpose built multi-functional Community development Hub, which houses Age Concern Causeway, CAC (Community Advice Causeway) and providing a space for hire for various groups and individuals.
CRUN is involved in running a wide range of activities including youth programmes, women’s activities, social prescribing workshops, mental health activities and many more. Ann sits on several partnerships assisting with the development of new strategies with the aim of helping to improve our sector.
Breige Conway, as the Manager of Northern Area Community Network, is dedicated to supporting community development and driving impactful initiatives across the Northern Area. Breige has extensive experience in community engagement, strategic planning and programme management. Her role involves working collaboratively with stakeholders to address challenges, create opportunities and build a stronger community.
| Pictured at a Community Planning event held in the Bushtown Hotel in Coleraine are (l-r) Gary Mullan and Bebhinn McKinley, Causeway Coast and Glens Community Planning team, Breige Conway, Northern Area Community Network, and Ann McNickle, Causeway Rural Urban Network. |