Community Development
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.
To be eligible for funding, we have to prepare a Community Support Plan that describes how we will deliver services that help to achieve these goals.
| Title | Size | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Community Support Plan 2016-2017 | 68.79 KB | Download |
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.
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.
Money Management Programme of Events
Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, are delivering a programme targeted at households severely impacted as a result of the Cost of Living Crisis. The programme will incorporate the following themes;
- Money managment
- Debt management
- Practical support and guidance through online/in person workshops and mentoring.
See details on a series of workshops scheduled with details on how to register.
Capacity Building Programme
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are offering a range of online workshops through their Capacity Building Programme. The programme provides opportunities for both new and emerging groups as well as established community groups to come together and develop their skills, knowledge and resources in Community Development practices in an enjoyable and engaging environment.
| Workshop | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| How to set up a Community Group | Thursday 6th October 2022 | 7-9pm |
| Good Governance | Wednesday 26th October 2022 | 7-9pm |
| Successfully Completing a Funding Application | Thursday 10th November 2022 | 7-9pm |
| Being an Effective Chair | Wednesday 23rd November 2022 | 7-9pm |
| Managing Group Finances | Thursday 8th December 2022 | 7-9pm |
| Introduction to fundraising | Wednesday 11th January 2023 | 7-9pm |
This course will be delivered via Zoom (online platform) and you will need access to a laptop / PC, tablet or smart phone for delivery reasons. We will provide the online link to all participants when registered onto the programme.
BOOKING
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to Community Groups within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area.
Only 2 spaces per group can be registered to ensure as many groups as possible avail of the opportunity to take part. Council Officers reserve the right to increase the number of spaces available for each workshop based on the need of each group. If you believe that your group need more spaces for a particular workshop then please get in touch for more information. Should demand be high, a subsequent course will be organised.
Spaces are limited so if you are no longer able to attend the workshop(s) can you please email to advise so the space can be reallocated.
If the workshop(s) you are interested in are fully booked please email to be added to the waiting list.
For further information relating to any of the workshops, contact Sophie Casey on or 07583019887
*Capacity Building Programme is now closed
