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Community Development

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Community Development

The community development department is responsible for a range of services and activities.  Services and activities that assist the council in providing a better way to engage with local people, communities, and agencies; and support their involvement to improve our borough and neighborhoods.

Community development is a way of strengthening civil society by prioritising the actions of communities.  It seeks to:

  • Empower local communities
  • Strengthens the capacity of people as active citizens
  • Strengthens the capacity of agencies (public, private and non-governmental) to work in partnership with citizens

Good community development is action that helps people to recognise and develop their ability and potential and organise themselves to respond to problems and needs which they share.  It is a long-term, value-based process which targets positive social change.

The role of the community development department is fundamental in supporting and shaping how the council plans and delivers its services.

Much of our community development work is done through our community development officers, our community centres and town halls and grant programmes.

This work is partly funded by the Department for Communities’ Community Support Programme, which aims to strengthen local communities, increase participation and promote social inclusion through community groups, community activity and local advice services.

We look after four main areas, based on themes outlined in our Community Support Plan, and also deliver a range of community funding opportunities.

  • Community Capacity – to build and develop skills, knowledge and experience which will assist in increasing involvement in community life
  • Community Renewal –improvements in the physical social and economic life of local people
  • Connected and Cohesive communities –communities which display positive relationships and give people a sense of belonging
  • Rural Development

More information on funding and accessing funding can be found in the Grants and Funding section.

Digital Connections Summer Programme & STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Maths) Summer Programme

Unlock creativity and innovation with our Digital Connections Programme and STEAM Programme this summer- an exciting, hands-on experience designed for young minds ready to shape the future. These dynamic programmes blend artist expressing with modern technology, offering participants the chance to explore a wide range of activities such as animation, coding, digital arts, film, digital comics and more.

Through engaging workshops, young people will develop valuable skills in creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and digital arts. Whether designing their own comic, building structures or experimenting with digital arts tools, participants will gain confidence and technical knowledge that can inspire future study or careers in the creative and tech industries.

No prior experience needed- just curiosity, imagination and a passion to explore the possibilities at the intersection of art and technology.

Please note: There is a charge of £10 per person to take part in each of the programmes.

For any queries in relation to either of these programmes please contact Sophie Lester on 07909004666 or 

steam workshop
digital connections

Community Development Toolkit

Welcome to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Community Development Toolkit.

The Toolkit is a vital resource for both new and established community groups across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. It aims to support local community groups to develop their skills, knowledge and resources in Community Development practices. It also aims to help community groups recognise their existing skills and knowledge, gain new information and support groups to identify challenges and gaps in their communities.
It will support your community group by providing access to clearly defined areas of guidance and help your community group to become more knowledgeable in key areas of what makes a successful community group. It will assist your group in identifying solutions that address the challenges and issues you face in your local communities, thus improving relationships within the community and creating a sense of purpose while working with other community members and service providers.

The Community Development Toolkit has been designed primarily for online use. Throughout the document, there are links to websites and documents providing more details and in-depth guidance. Clicking on the links will bring you to all of these.