SCNI News Winter 2014

SCNI News‘Helping Communities Help Themselves’

ʻEngaged, Confident, Sustainable and Inclusive

Communitiesʼ

December 2014

Opening Address Mr Donald Hoodless

Chairman, Housing Executive

Mr Hoodless opened the Conference by reminding delegates that one of his first tasks on appointment as Housing Executive Chairman was meeting with the Central Housing Forum; he continued by expressing his admiration and wholehearted support for the work which local groups do in their communities and the contribution they make in transforming local neighbourhoods for the better.

In referring to the theme of this year’s Conference, Mr Hoodless outlined the programme for the day and a brief overview of the presentations to follow.

Delegates were reminded that the Annual Report of the Housing Community Network was also being published at the conference and was available to all in the conference packs. As well as reporting on the progress of the Housing Community Network, Mr Hoodless pointed to the many inspiring examples of social enterprise projects from across the province that are highlighted in the report.

As Chairperson of the Housing Executive, Mr Hoodless paid tribute to and offered his thanks to SCNI for the support and assistance given to the Housing Executive, the various tiers of the Housing Community Network and local communities over the last 12 months.

Setting the SceneColm McDaid

Chief Officer, SCNI

In setting the scene for this year’s Conference, Colm McDaid thanked the Board and Senior Management of Housing Executive for all their support over the last year. Colm pointed to the fact that this is very much a time of change and that great efforts are being made across Northern Ireland to ensure that SCNI’s services to groups and communities remains at a very high standard whilst SCNI continues to manage the challenges of change.

Colm expressed his appreciation of the partnership working that typifies the relationship between Housing Executive, SCNI and the Central Housing Forum and outlined the role played by Central Housing Forum members in the planning and organisation of this year’s Conference. Thanks were expressed to all the members of the Conference Working Group, including Community, Housing Executive and SCNI Staff.

Conference Report 2014

2 www.supportingcommunitiesni.org

http://www.supportingcommunitiesni.org


Colm explained the theme of this year’s Conference was actually decided by delegates at last year’s Conference and it has become clear over the last 12 months that ‘Social Enterprise’ is playing an increasingly important role in sustaining groups and local communities across Northern Ireland.

He set the scene by offering a definition of Social Enterprise and provided the context for social economy within NI. Delegates noted that 12% of the voluntary sector was comprised of social enterprises employing 30,000 people and supported by 46,600 volunteers. The annual turnover of the social economy sector in Northern Ireland is around £1.2 billion (PWC Report May 2013).

Colm suggested that one of the outcomes of this year’s Conference could be research into the role and contribution of social enterprises to our local communities and how SCNI and the Housing Executive can continue to support, guide and provide capacity building for social economy activity across Northern Ireland.

Laura O’Dowd , Support Services Manager

with John Kelly, SSE Airtricity

Conor Flanagan, Operational Services Manager with Robert Morrison, Playdale

Colm McDaid, Chief Officer, SCNI with David Abrahams, Marsh Insurance

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Colm McDaid, Chief Officer, SCNI with Patrick Minne, Charity Bank



North Down & Ards Area

Rathgill SolutionsHome solutions for

Rathgill and beyondKaren Worrall from Rathgill Community Association outlined the developmental process for this community business which was formed in 2007 after research by the community association identified significant numbers of local people requiring help with maintaining their home. Funding from the Local Community Fund meant the community association was able to purchase essential equipment to start the enterprise and further support from the Housing Executive’s Small Pockets of Deprivation (SPOD) fund meant a part-time Business Development Worker could be employed to kick start sales and marketing for the social enterprise.

From a small beginning, Rathgill’s Social Enterprise Project ‘Rathgill Solutions Ltd’ has developed to offer a wide range of services including; garden tidy ups, power washing, gutter cleaning, painting and decorating, car-valeting, computer maintenance, media services and others.Karen provided a number of examples of the practical work undertaken by the enterprise and explained the value and worth of the mini-bus service and the Jeep and trailer which is used for estate clean-ups, house removals, delivery service and general transportation.

Karen went on to explain that the community association, through the social enterprise, is also able to help young people with work placements giving them valuable experience. It has an agreement with

the Youth Justice Agency and the Probation Board to help those wishing to pursue this. Karen provided an outline of the training opportunities that are available through the community business, such as; IT and administration, grass-cutting and gardening, hedge-cutting and power-washing, car maintenance and MOT checks, basic plumbing and health and safety.

Causeway AreaIncredible Edible Cloughmills

Vegucating Cloughmills and the Incredible Edible Mushroom Company

Patrick Frew set the context by explaining that the Village of Cloughmills consists of 650 houses including those in the rural area and the population amounts to roughly 2,500

people of who, around one third are under the age of 16 years. Patrick went on to explain that the project, Incredible Edible Cloughmills, began life in 2009 in response to the problems of anti-social behaviour, gaps in service provision and alienation between the generations.The first phase of the project involved the creation and the development of a community garden, a growing space where a co-operative approach was adopted in the cultivation of vegetables and other produce. The site in question is adjacent to a local pub and 15 young people aged 14 to 18 contributed over 700 hours in just over a year to clear the site and to construct the raised beds, planting and growing areas. The work in tending the crops and harvesting produce is undertaken by local people and their families and the young people deliver boxes of produce to 70 older and vulnerable people in the village.The second phase of the initiative is the Happiness Project, involving ‘Peas and Love’. Patrick explained that the Project is a serious attempt to address issues which contribute to happiness. These include: connecting with people, being active, taking notice of the world around you, learning new skills/

Karen Worrall, Richard Tanswell and Les Nelson from Rathgill

Group Presentations




rediscovering old ones and giving time to yourself or others. A further string to the Association’s bow involves cultivating high end mushrooms. Patrick explained that a section of land will be cleared and an attempt will be made to source shipping containers from Belfast Harbour, one to insulate and heat for germination and another for propagation. It will all be powered by solar power and a small wind turbine to heat the container enough to get the mushrooms to grow. Six young people will be recruited annually to oversee the business as well as undertake budget projections and selling at markets.The project also hopes to initiate a ‘Feel Good about Food’ programme promoting the social and therapeutic value of becoming involved in growing and using food. It will target those who find it difficult to participate in community life through illness, family circumstances or other reasons. There will be day and evening or ‘twilight’ gardening sessions as well as open ‘drop in’ sessions where up to 100 people will learn new skills which they can transfer to the home environment.

West AreaResource Centre - Derry

Kenny McAdams opened his presentation by explaining that Resource Centre Derry is now in its 40th year and is one of the largest employers in the Outer North Area of the City employing 65 people.He went on to explain that through a number of contracts with public bodies a range of services are provided to the local community, including:

• SureStart; working with families with children under 5

• Information and Advice, with an average of 400 clients per month

• Training; delivering training to 300 unemployed people per year

• Day Care; 60 people attend daycare service per week

• Meals on wheels; 12,000 meals are delivered to peoples homes per year

In addition to the aforementioned services, Resource Centre Derry has a number of Social Enterprises providing a range of products, services and opportunities to local people. These include:

• Turn2Us Home Maintenance Service providing painting and decorating and joinery for local residents

• The Charity Shop which sells low cost household goods to local people

• The 4Rs Social Enterprise has a contract with Derry City Council to reuse household Bulk Waste providing training and e m p l o y m e n t opportunities to 30 trainees, 9 volunteers, young people with learning disabilities and people recovering from mental health

Kenny showed how social enterprise underpins the Home Maintenance service providing a much needed affordable service to the local community. The new Back Yard allotment project will support older people, local residents, people with disabilities and single parents grow their own vegetables in their back yard and the Charity Shop sells donated household goods at very low prices to local people.In support of social enterprise, Resource Centre Derry has a strong volunteering ethos with over 30 people directly involved in local activities.Kenny also demonstrated how Resource Centre Derry maintains its commitment to its core aims of community, job creation, local economic benefits and environmental improvement and how social enterprise activity is central to its planning for the future.

North Belfast AreaNorth Belfast Women’s Initiative

and Support Project (WISP)Joanne Clokey explained the background and the aims of the Evolve Initiative and played a short video presentation to provide background to the project.


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WISP was established in 2001 as a support and meeting group for women in the Upper Ardoyne area in North Belfast. The project was constituted in 2002 when it delivered its first therapies programme and health information event.Joanne explained that WISP became a registered charity in 2006 and in 2007 the Social Enterprise Project was launched.Joanne further explained that in 2012 a survey was carried out in the area to see what people thought of when they heard the name ‘JJ’s’ and found that 90% of people asked associated the name to a sandwich shop. The group decided on the back of that survey to relaunch and rebrand the service and…after much thought and deliberation…Evolve was born!

From the relaunch, Evolve now employs 7 part-time therapists and provides a range of services, including; holistic therapies involving Rieki, massage, crystal healing, hot stones, acupuncture, hairdressing, a nail bar, five health events per year offering free advice, health checks and therapies.Evolve believes that by offering these services within the local area, it is helping to build a stronger sense of community.The aim of the project is to continue to promote services to deliver improved mental health and well being. It also hopes to redress the effects of drug and alcohol dependency by offering alternative therapies to vulnerable people by providing them with better awareness of health related issues.Joanne demonstrated how the income from the project has increased over the period since the relaunch and outlined some of the plans for the future, including refurbishment and extension work to the current premises.Joanne then led the audience through some quiet m e d i t a t i o n a n d contemplation which was received very well by all in attendance.

South West AreaKesh Enterprise Co Ltd/

Kesh Development Association

Nevil le Armstrong e x p l a i n e d K e s h Development Association was founded in 1965, with Kesh Enterprise Co Ltd being set up in 1991. The Enterprise Company was established with a number of goals and objectives, ie: to

stimulate economic activity in North Fermanagh, to encourage and develop opportunities for young people to set up businesses; to bring economic investment through enterprise and tourism into the area, to provide the opportunity to network with other parts of Northern Ireland to learn and share good practice and to financially support Kesh Development Association. Nine directors from the community were involved in setting up and overseeing the work of the company, which was established with funding from LEDU and IFI.The project has been a great success, with the outputs to date including:• Approximately £3.5m funding

• Two Enterprise Centres always full with a waiting list

• Over 300 people employed since 1991 indirectly

• Glendurragh Childcare Services Ltd based in the Enterprise Centre

• Killadeas Day Care with contract from local Health Trust

• Kesh Marina Millennium Project - £1.6m

• Kesh Community Property Development Scheme £950,000 shops/offices and 5 holiday cottages




• Northern Bank building – formerly Danske Bank There have been a number of positive outcomes of the project including; a vibrant economic centre in North Fermanagh with a significant tourism focus on the village and the river, a river clean up and environmental scheme, strong links with Fermanagh District Council, sustained employment through work space provision and tourism development, support for social development locally through Kesh Development Association as well as the wider economic benefit, a thriving local Primary School and other local services.

South & East Belfast AreaSkainos Project, East

Belfast MissionPeter Tomlinson provided an outline of the extent of social economy and social enterprise initiatives undertaken by the East Belfast Mission based on the Newtownards Road in

Belfast. Founded as a charitable enterprise in 1985 the East Belfast Mission currently employs 100 staff complemented by 200 volunteers and has a annual turnover of £4 million with some £2 million coming from trading activities.The Mission provides a range of services including:• Homeless Hostel

• Employability Project

• Family & Community projects

• Counselling

• Meals on Wheels

• Community Garden

In the last 9 years, the East Belfast Mission has moved from being an organisation which derived nearly 95% of its income from direct funding to one which now generates its own income from social enterprise businesses. At present some 59% of its income comes from social enterprise activities.

The business activity involves a range of concerns which include: refurbishment and sale of furniture, recycling clothes, prams and nursery items and second hand bicycles and re-usable paint.

The flagship Skainos building located on the Newtownards Road also plays host to a range of activities including; office and meeting spaces, conference facilities, Refresh Café and Brightsparks Childcare.

Peter outlined the social impacts of the East Belfast Mission’s activities:

• Provide leadership to the community - giving people hope, vision and direction for their area

• Provision of a 26 bed homeless hostel with an average occupancy rate of 97%

• Ongoing tenancy support for 57 individuals that have been homeless

• 123 clients were directly assisted back into employment and 192 obtained qualifications and training through our Stepping Stone employability project

• Deliver 20,000 Meals on Wheels

• 250 young people attend regular weekly programmes

• 150 clients received free counselling

• 200 males and females of all age groups attended a wide variety of Community Development Programmes

• Provided training placements within the Restore Programme for 60 unemployed individuals

• Diverted 650 tonnes of household goods and bicycles from landfill and provided them at low cost to families on low income

• Provided 68 children with low cost childcare to enable parents to return to work




Keynote SpeakerMags Lightbody,

Acting Chief Executive, Housing Executive Mags Lightbody reminded the conference that her first day in post was spent at last year’s Community Conference and reflected on not just the last 12 months but the last 40 years of success on the part of the

Housing Executive. Mags stressed the value and the worth of the Conference to the Housing Executive staff as it typifies a strong motivation in their work.She highlighted the changes for the Housing Executive and the ongoing process of change to refocus priorities and services to the needs of customers and their communities. In doing so, the financial challenge facing NI will have a significant impact on the Housing Executive and present a range of other challenges as the organisation strives to make the investment it needs to peoples homes and their communities.

Mags reflected on the problems facing many young and homeless people and those in temporary accommodation and stressed the importance of the work of local groups in making the lives of these young people ‘a little less harsh’.In recognising and celebrating the work of communities highlighted at the Conference, Mags restated the ongoing commitment of the Housing Executive to supporting this work. She stressed her admiration of the ‘can do’ attitude demonstrated by the local community groups and in the creative and learning and innovation as reflected in the presentations.Mags also expressed a heartfelt view that there is ‘nothing better across the water than what was on show today’ and also expressed her thanks to SCNI, to the Housing Community Network and to all the projects on display at the conference.

Closing RemarksColm McDaid

In closing the conference Colm thanked Mags for her contribution and offered encouragement to all to make contact, to visit and to learn from the many projects outlined in the Conference Booklet.

He thanked everyone who had played a role in the event from the staff at Tullyglass Hotel, to the presenters, to SCNI Staff, to Housing Executive Staff, to the sponsors and those partner organisations who provided information and displays.

Colm offered his own personal thanks to the members of the Conference Working Group and the Partnership approach which members brought to that work and in particular Patricia McQuillan, Linda Watson and Valerie Rooney who played such an active part in the running of the days event.

Colm concluded by paying tribute to Lorraine Campbell, South Regional Manager who was attending her final Community Conference as a member of Housing Executive staff and for all her hard work, support, enthusiasm and contribution to tenant and community participation and her role in building the Housing Community Network as ‘a jewel in the Housing Executive’s crown’.




Before and After Photos of the Regeneration of a derelict wall and entrance to the picturesque Cullybackey to Galgorm Manor Riverside Path

The Cullybackey Development Association has just completed their Village Renewal Project funded through the Rural Development Programme and Ballymena Borough Council. With the assistance of SCNI, a total of £33,000 was raised for the project which included; street furniture, signage, planters, renewal of derelict areas, hanging baskets and visitor information points. The project was identified through the Village Plan process which was applied for with the assistance of SCNI and facilitated by SCNI and other consultants. SCNI Liaison Officer for the area, Stephen Marks said; “It has been a long and

sometimes difficult process for the group in Cullybackey and all credit must go to the volunteers of the Association who gave their time and energy to the project. Large projects like this are the product of many hours of planning, labour and dedication and can produce significant environmental, social and economic benefits.” Cullybackey Development Association Secretary, Margaret Murphy commented; “The help and support of SCNI has been invaluable, from the planning to the application and implementation process, SCNI has been there to advise and assist us all the way.”

GOOD PRACTICE Cullybackey Village Renewal Project

Supporting Communities NI were delighted to exhibit their work within Northern Ireland at this prestigious event and support work that Social Housing Providers are doing within Northern Ireland. The event, which had presentations from Housing Associations, Housing Executive, Bromford Housing, Community Restorative Justice to name but a few on areas such as Shared Future, Delivering Homes that NI needs and engaging with colleagues, customers and partners was attended by Housing professionals and tenants alike.

Colm McDaid, Chief Officer, SCNI, who facilitated a breakout session which looked at the benefits of engaging and empowering tenants stated that “The conference brought to life the ‘real’ work being carried out by Social Housing Providers in Northern Ireland and clearly demonstrated the benefits of engaging with tenants in a way that goes beyond bricks and mortar. Congratulations to NIFHA on an excellent and informative conference”.

NIFHA ANNUAL CONFERENCE ‘GREAT HOMES, THRIVING COMMUNITIES’ (23RD AND 24TH OCTOBER 2014)

SCNI’s Conor Flanagan, (Operational Services Manager) and Theresa Patton, (Administration Manager) with

Jennie Donald, NIFHA Deputy Chief ExecutiveColm McDaid, Chief Officer, SCNI presenting a workshop

with Chris Symmyton and Bill Jeffrey, OakleeTrinity




Our Training Team Welcomes Our Newest Member Beverley Todd

Beverley joined the Training Team in the Summer and brings with her over 15 years experience in the community development and training field. Previously Manager of the Carrick and Newtownabbey Peace III Mapping Meaningful Solutions Programme, Beverley has a wealth of experience around Capacity Building. Currently she is helping to design the OCN Level 3 Award in Community Development and has also launched new courses in Principled Negotiation Skills, Focused Conversation and Group Facilitation Skills.

Community Capacity Building Level 3 Running as a Pilot in Lisburn

It is with great anticipation that SCNI are launching our redesigned CCB Level 3 course in January 2015. The first pilot will be run in the Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn with a view to running the programme out across Northern Ireland in 2015. This course will build on the knowledge and experience that participants have gained in Level 1 and 2 of the programme and will seek to develop greater skills in community development and practice. It will include many opportunities to share skills, knowledge and experience and will also include a good practice visit.

If you are interested in more information about the CCB Level 3 contact: [email protected]

Scrutiny TrainingAs part of the Housing Executive’s Service Level Agreement, SCNI has delivered a series of Basic Scrutiny Awareness training sessions to the 12 Scrutiny Panels across Northern Ireland. The sessions provided an opportunity for participants to get an overview of what scrutiny actually means within a housing context. As demonstrated from both discussions and evaluations, it is clear there is an appetite to move forward with some of the panels eager to learn more about scrutiny processes. The enthusiasm to get started on the scrutiny journey is further augmented as 96% of panel members expressed a desire to undertake more indepth training with over three quarters indicating they would be interested in completing accredited training on this subject.

The Scrutiny Panels have a valuable role to play in examining housing services provided and importantly making recommendations for improvement with the overall aim making the experience for you the tenant much better.

Digital Inclusion Leading the Way

Supporting Communities NI’s Digital Champion Initiative enhances the GO ON NI programme working in partnership with the NI Direct Digital Inclusion Unit by encouraging a self help approach to community development by providing free support, advice, information and training. We have recently completed training in The Hub, Cookstown, The Community House, Omagh and Grosvenor Hostel, Belfast. We continue to support our existing Champions and attend Library Road Shows throughout NI.

If you would like more information on this Initiative please contact Stephanie Brolly at:[email protected]

TRAINING NEWS


mailto:[email protected]





RESTRUCTURING OF SCNI TAKES EFFECT FROM 1ST JANUARY 2014Just over 12 months ago, SCNI’s then Executive Committee decided, like many organisations, that SCNI needed to restructure in light of and in line with many ‘drivers for change’ influencing both the statutory and voluntary/community sectors at that time.

These ‘drivers’ included, and still include to a large degree, the Social Housing Reform Programme, Universal Credit, Welfare Reform, the Review of Public Administration (RPA) as well as the review and subsequent publication of the Housing Executive’s Community Involvement Strategy 2014-17.

As a result of this restructuring process, a new Senior Management Team was put in place from 1st January 2014.

SCNI’s Senior Team is made up as follows:

Chief Officer - Colm McDaid Operational Services Manager - Conor Flanagan

Administration Manager - Theresa PattonSupport Services Manager - Laura O’Dowd

Colm McDaid, who has worked with SCNI for over 20 years, commented: “I was both honoured and privileged to have taken up the position of Chief Officer of SCNI from January 2014.

When I first joined the organisation it was then known as NITAP and it has gone through various phases since then, including a name change

in 2008. However, the quality of service provided to the community and partnership bodies, such as the DSD, the Housing Executive as well as the voluntary housing movement, has remained at a very high level over the years and I believe that this is well recognised in the sector. It is my intention to ensure that this level of quality of service continues as the organisation moves forward into the future.”

He added, “My first year as Chief Officer of SCNI has been a very busy but productive year for the organisation. We set a number of goals at the beginning of the year and thankfully we, as a Staff Team, have met all of them through a lot of hard work, determination and dedication.”

The first year’s achievements have included:

• The establishment of a new Board of Directors with a broad mix of skills and experience;• The production of a Draft Strategic Plan for the

next 3 years involving all staff; • The completion of an Organisational Review;• Re-accreditation as an Investors in People (IiP)

organisation;• Completion of various training for all staff on

Tendering and Measuring Impact;• Obtaining contracts from Housing Associations to

either develop or review their Tenant Participation Strategies as well as provision of staff and tenant training on the subject of tenant engagement.

The above has been achieved whilst meeting the annual SLA targets, as laid down by our core funder - the Housing Executive, but also against a backdrop of playing a vital role in enabling community representatives to become involved in an extensive Engagement Programme with Housing Executive and DSD officials as part of Tranche 2 of the Social Housing Reform Programme, which commenced in July and which will conclude in February 2015.

Colm concluded, “2015 is going to be just as busy for SCNI, particularly in light of the very recent publication of the DSD’s ‘Draft Tenant Participation Strategy for Northern Ireland: 2015 - 2020’. The consultation process for this Draft is going to run from January 2015 through to April 2015 and I hope SCNI will play an important role in enabling all social tenants to ‘have their say’ in response to this important Strategic Document. Finally, I would like to pay my thanks to the SCNI Staff Team who have excelled during the past year, going well beyond what they are asked to do and to the new SCNI Board for their support and encouragement during this transitional year for the organisation and of course to the Housing Executive and the voluntary housing sector who have shown great confidence in our work and in going forward.”

Senior Management Team



Donald Hoodless

NEW SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES NI LIAISON OFFICERS 2014

Anita Doonan commenced employment with SCNI at the start of January 2014. She is based in Enniskillen and is the Liaison Officer for the Omagh, Dungannon and Cookstown areas.Anita graduated from Queens University, Belfast in 2010 with

a Masters in Sustainable Rural Development and Project Management. Since graduation she has completed a year’s voluntary work in her local Development Association in Kesh as a Project Worker and a further 2 and a half years as a Project Co-ordinator for Families Moving on based in Omagh. She states “It has been an ‘enjoyable challenge’ since January 2014 and I look forward to the future at SCNI!”

Sarah Harkness joined the SCNI team as a Liaison Officer in Mid-September and will be covering Bangor, Newtownards, Dairyfarm and Lisburn. Since graduating from University, Sarah has worked with a wide range of Community Groups, gaining a background in good relations and conflict transformation.

Prior to her appointment, she was employed as the NE Peace III Cohesion Officer for Ballymoney Borough Council and has also worked as a trainer. Sarah is delighted to be joining the SCNI team and is looking forward to engaging and supporting communities as part of her new role.

SCNI Headquarters - (028) 25645676

Belfast - (028) 90604399/ (028) 90482956/ (028) 90749609

North Down - (028) 91454289

Craigavon - (028) 38342792

Search for Supporting Communities NI

Base Contact Numbers

SupportComNI


Supporting Communities NI would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful 2015

Gerard Lewsley, graduated from the University of Ulster in 2013 with a degree in Housing Management and took a gap year. He then joined the SCNI team in the Summer of 2014. Gerard currently covers the North Belfast and South Antrim area, the job entails aiding Community Development by providing support, advice, information and training to new and existing community/residents groups, statutory and voluntary organisations.

Ballymoney - (028) 27665596

Fermanagh - (028) 66329677

Limavady - (028) 77740722

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.supportingcommunitiesni.org









SCNI News Winter 2014

Documents

Transcript of SCNI News Winter 2014