Supporting Communities

Supporting Communities Supporting Communities has worked for over 40 years advising, supporting, enabling and ultimately empowering Communities in all four corners of our province.

We are an independent charitable organisation that champions tenant and community participation by developing groups, supporting active citizenship and building cohesive communities in Nothern Ireland. As the only independent body in the social housing sector, Supporting Communities can deliver essential services to all sectors of the community at the highest level without prejudice. We are extrem

ely proud of our dynamic team. As experts in the field of social housing, we are held in high esteem by professional partners and customers alike. Supporting Communities holds our team of fresh thinkers in high regard. Always seeking to develop innovative ideas to solve problems, they are confident, dynamic and enthusiastic. Our team are responsive, dedicated, and prepared to go the extra mile for customers. We are a growing and ever-evolving organisation, but we never forget that the behaviours that set us apart are our friendly manner, our inclusive approach and our personal touch. We are unique, one of a kind. Find out more about our services and projects at www.supportingcommunities.org.

A huge well done to our Funding and Social Value Officer, Anita Doonan, who took part in the Chartered Institute of Fund...
18/06/2026

A huge well done to our Funding and Social Value Officer, Anita Doonan, who took part in the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland mentoring programme this year!

The programme provided valuable opportunities for fundraisers across Northern Ireland to meet, learn, and grow through meaningful mentoring relationships, strengthening both individuals and the wider fundraising community.

Anita had the chance to connect with experienced professionals across the sector, and she's keen to give a special shout-out to her mentor, Linda Parker from Christian Aid, for her brilliant support and guidance along the way.

Anita says she'd highly recommend the mentoring programme to her peers for professional development, so check it out if you are a fundraiser!

Investing in our people means investing in stronger support for the communities we serve. Well done to Anita and to all the programme's participants🎉

Our community development team members Conor and Orla attended an estate inspection in Drumalane, Newry, last Friday aft...
17/06/2026

Our community development team members Conor and Orla attended an estate inspection in Drumalane, Newry, last Friday afternoon with this terrific group of folks!

Thanks to Liz Kimmins MLA who joined us along with reps from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Housing Executive, and the Confederation of Community Groups Ballybot House.

Plenty of issues picked up for action! Let's get to work!

Our trainer, Aidan, was thrilled to have "the shortest commute ever" last week when he walked to the Portglenone Enterpr...
16/06/2026

Our trainer, Aidan, was thrilled to have "the shortest commute ever" last week when he walked to the Portglenone Enterprise Group to deliver a session on Risk Assessment to several local HCN groups.

Thanks to Mairead Myles for inviting us and to all the reps who came out to get skilled up about assessing risk!

(Aidan is always telling us Portglenone is the centre of the universe, maybe he's right!😉)

Make sure your community group is up to speed and covering all your bases when it comes to governance! Walk yourself thr...
15/06/2026

Make sure your community group is up to speed and covering all your bases when it comes to governance!

Walk yourself through our online course to check in, refresh your knowledge, or to introduce new members to the essentials of 'Good Governance'.

Find it anytime you need it here on our website: https://supportingcommunities.org/governance-training

We had another great Housing Community Network meeting this week in Newry, bringing together local community groups, the...
12/06/2026

We had another great Housing Community Network meeting this week in Newry, bringing together local community groups, the Housing Executive, and other key partners.

Members heard all about Bolster Community's fantastic "Star Bites 57" social café, a brilliant example of the kind of grassroots initiative making a real difference in people's lives.

It was also a great opportunity for some valuable networking, with groups from across the area connecting, sharing ideas, and building relationships that help strengthen community work on the ground.

That's exactly what HCN meetings are all about - bringing community groups together by area with the Housing Executive and other partners to share knowledge, build connections, and create stronger, more supported communities.

Did you get your copy of Ezine yesterday? If you're not on our mailing list, you can get a copy on our website now - and...
11/06/2026

Did you get your copy of Ezine yesterday?

If you're not on our mailing list, you can get a copy on our website now - and while you're there, sign up to get your copy delivered straight to your inbox every two weeks!

We'll help you keep up to date on important news, training, events, and funding curated for community groups by the staff at Supporting Communities 👍

Get it here👉https://supportingcommunities.org/e-zine

Following on from our earlier post about the Causeway HCN meeting, we are delighted to share that Frankie Cunningham of ...
10/06/2026

Following on from our earlier post about the Causeway HCN meeting, we are delighted to share that Frankie Cunningham of Dervock Community Association was also presented with the NIHE Rural Community Champion Award by Causeway Area Manager Mark Alexander - a well-deserved recognition! 🌟

For many years, Frankie has been the beating heart of community life in Dervock. From running the community house almost around the clock, to providing informal transport for isolated residents, to celebrating the area's Ulster-Scots heritage through photography and reminiscence events, his voluntary contribution touches every corner of the village and beyond.

A long-standing and deeply respected member of the Housing Community Network, Frankie consistently speaks up for residents and has played a key role in delivering capital renovation projects that have improved facilities for everyone in the community.

Frankie's dedication, kindness, and tireless work have enriched the lives of so many people. This award is a small reflection of the enormous difference he makes every day. We were so glad to see him celebrated! Congratulations, Frankie!

Housing Executive

It was a full house at the Causeway Area HCN meeting last week, hosted by Loughgiel Community Association at the Loughgi...
10/06/2026

It was a full house at the Causeway Area HCN meeting last week, hosted by Loughgiel Community Association at the Loughgiel Millennium Centre. Our CDO, Marie-Louise, was joined by a full complement of NIHE and community representatives for a busy and inspiring programme.

The busy agenda included:
✅ BCRC Ethnic Communities Project - highlighting vital diversity programmes supporting both ethnic and local communities across the area
✅ NIHE Grounds Maintenance - sharing exciting new biodiversity methods being introduced to our green spaces
✅ NIHE Causeway Area Manager Mark Alexander - presenting the annual performance review for 2025–26
✅ SC's Carla Mulholland - showcasing the HCN Online Forums and its benefits for the Housing Community Network members

In fact, following Carla's presentation on digital inclusion, many community groups are now eager to book digital skills training for their volunteers and residents. We love to see it!

The Causeway HCN is flourishing and is a great example of communities and statutory partners working together. Well done to everyone involved!

Housing Executive Building Communities Resource Centre

Address

Balmoral Hotel Belfast
Dunmurry
BT10 0NF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+442825645676

Website

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