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STATEMENT OF PROGRESS – JANUARY 2025

CONTENTS Introduction............................................................03 Foreword.................................................................04 ‘Love Living Here’ Community Plan.....................06 Advocacy and Engagement...............................08 RAG Assesment......................................................10 Employment and Skills...........................................13 Families and Wellbeing Support...........................15 Energy Support.......................................................18 Food Support..........................................................19 Financial Support...................................................22 Advancing The Anti-Poverty Strategy.................26

INTRODUCTION The Antrim and Newtownabbey Anti-Poverty Strategy continues to make progress through targeted partnership working and initiatives designed to reduce economic disadvantage, improve employability, and increase access to sustainable income opportunities. April 2025 to March 2026 establishment of a stakeholder group and delivery of a wide range of activities including, community fridges, toy schemes and oil stamp scheme to support residents across the Borough. The council has strengthened collaboration through the Labour Market Partnership, delivered skills and employability support via Labour Market Academies, and promoted entrepreneurship and business growth through the Go Succeed programme. Collectively, these actions are improving awareness of local labour market opportunities, supporting residents into employment and self-employment, and contributing to the long-term reduction of poverty across the Borough.

FOREWORD THE MAYOR OF ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY As Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, I am proud to introduce this Statement of Progress on our Anti-Poverty Strategy. At the heart of our work is community — our residents, local organisations, schools, and businesses all play a vital role in supporting those facing economic disadvantage. Over the past year, we have seen the positive impact that can be achieved when communities come together. By working collaboratively, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we are helping to create opportunities, build resilience, and ensure that everyone in our Borough has a chance to thrive. While challenges remain, I am encouraged by the dedication and commitment of our communities. Together, we can continue to make a real difference in people’s lives and build a Borough where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

COUNCILLOR LEAH KIRKPATRICK Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTI-POVERTY STEERING GROUP This Statement of Progress reflects the tangible impact that can be achieved through stronger, more coordinated partnership working across Antrim and Newtownabbey. Building on the strong sense of community and shared commitment across the Borough, there has been a clear step forward in how community and voluntary organisations, and local stakeholders, along with statutory agencies, are working together to address poverty in a more joined-up and effective way. A key area of progress has been the growing consensus among partners on the importance of collective action. Engagement through initiatives such as the Community Connect event, which brought together over 40 organisations and was attended by more than 400 residents, alongside ongoing work through the Labour Market Partnership and wider programme delivery, has reinforced the value of collaboration. There is a clear and shared recognition that a stakeholder-led approach provides a strong platform for coordination, alignment of services, and delivery of support at a local level. This strengthened partnership approach is supporting the delivery of measurable outcomes. Through partnership working, residents are benefiting from access to welfare and debt advice services delivered by organisations such as Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey, including support for over 18,000 client queries and more than £1.7 million secured in financial gains. Employability and skills initiatives delivered through the Labour Market Partnership and associated programmes have supported residents to progress towards employment and training, alongside wider engagement through jobs fairs and employability events. Across the Borough, a range of initiatives are also supporting those experiencing financial pressure. Energy efficiency programmes have

provided advice, referrals and practical support to households, while schemes such as the Oil Stamp Scheme have helped residents manage the cost of home heating. In addition, food support initiatives including community fridges, the social supermarket, and foodbank provision continue to provide important support to individuals and families, while also linking people to wider services. Crucially, these supports are increasingly being delivered in a more coordinated and accessible way, reflecting stronger collaboration between partners and a shared focus on outcomes. The continued development of local delivery structures and a Borough-wide stakeholder approach provides a solid foundation for further progress, ensuring that efforts remain aligned, responsive, and focused on those most in need. While challenges remain, the progress made demonstrates that a collective, partnershipled approach is the most effective way to deliver meaningful and lasting impact for communities across Antrim and Newtownabbey.

ALDERMAN JULIAN MCGRATH Chairman of the Anti-Poverty Steering Group

‘LOVE LIVING HERE’ COMMUNITY PLAN In 2023 the existing Love Living Here: Community Plan underwent a strategic review (2017- 2023). This provided the platform to evaluate the successes achieved by the Partnership as well as to look to the future in supporting and refocussing our priorities, given the changing environment since the original plan was launched. The review provided the opportunity to explore the current structures, thematics, principles and more importantly the deliverable actions to ensure that the plan was both future proofed allowing for the development of new and emerging needs and trends. Through the consultation work which was carried out as part of the strategic review, Anti-Poverty emerged as major theme for inclusion in the revised Love Living Here plan. Tackling poverty is an extremely complex and varied under-taking, which has many, factors and involves numerous stakeholders at all levels. As such, the Anti-Poverty agenda is cross cutting across a number of the key actions in the revised plan. The following Anti-Poverty Action Plan recognises this and has identified 5 key pillars. These 5 pillars will impact on multiple Actions contained within the Love Living Here plan and are highlighted in the diagram on the right.

ANTI-POVERTY STAKEHOLDER GROUP In the initial period, Anti-Poverty Local Delivery Groups have been created based on thematic and geographical need. These Delivery Groups will bring together a local network with a shared common purpose to address the challenges in a localised format. This will ensure greater connectivity and cooperation, in partnership with the communities they serve. In conjunction with these, a Borough-wide stakeholder group has been established. The group is representative of these Locality Groups. It will provide representation from those organisations whose core business is tackling poverty in the Borough. This will deliver a coordinated and collaborative approach that will in turn inform the overarching aims and objectives of the action plan.

PLANET

PROSPERITY

PLACE

PEOPLE

Anti-Poverty is such a wide ranging and cross cutting thematic area that it has an impact on numerous actions within the Love Living Here Community Plan. The main Actions which are impacted by the work on Anti-Poverty are highlighted below

ACTON 1.1

ACTON 1.2

ACTON 1.3

ACTON 1.4

Creating a strong and vibrant community and voluntary sector – advocate, champion and maintain volunteering across the Borough.

Championing physical and mental wellness.

Improving the quality of life for our aging population – commitment to being an age friendly Borough following the world health organisation’s eight domains.

Integrated approach to tackling poverty.

ACTON 2.1

ACTON 2.2

ACTON 2.3

ACTON 2.4

Improving access for all – supporting additional provisions for play and recreational facilities for all, including disabled people, across the Borough.

Increasing road safety – promoting safe travel across the Borough.

Sustaining safe, clean and vibrant places.

Developing housing led regeneration – supporting the delivery of additional social and affordable housing.

ACTON 3.1

ACTON 3.2

ACTON 3.3

ACTON 3.4

ACTON 3.5

Antrim and Newtownabbey is a leading and competitive place to start and grow a business.

Our Borough has a culture of entrepreneurship, skills development and vocational training.

Our Borough is a place to do business, developing transport, energy and broadband infrastructure.

Our Borough provides opportunities for all to enable and support people to reach their full potential.

The built heritage of our Borough is protected and sustainably regenerated to support economic prosperity.

ACTON 4.1

ACTON 4.2

ACTON 4.3

ACTON 4.4

Promoting greater sustainability sustaining and resourcing a more resilient society through conscientious practices.

Improving education and awareness – creation of learning and upskilling that supports the green economy and environmental protection.

Tackling climate change – minimising our environmental impact across the Borough.

Improving access to green spaces – promoting regeneration and access to green spaces across the Borough.

ADVOCACY AND ENGAGEMENT As part of creating lasting change the Anti-Poverty Steering Group will seek to influence policy decisions where possible. Influencing policy in government involves a multifaceted approach that includes advocacy, research, and collaboration. Effective influence often relies on building strong relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, providing evidence-based recommendations, and mobilising public support. There are a number of key areas that the Steering Group will seek to influence change through; 1. Research and Data: Presenting well-researched data to highlight the need for specific policies and their potential impacts. 2. Grassroots Advocacy: Engaging the community to raise awareness and demonstrate public support to impact policymakers’ decisions. 3. Coalition Building: Partnering with like-minded organisations to amplify efforts and resources, creating a stronger voice. 4. Direct Engagement: Meeting with policy makers, attending public hearings, and participating in consultations to create opportunities to directly influence discussions. 5. Clear Communication: Crafting clear, compelling messages that resonate with both the public and policymakers. 6. Long-term Commitment: Policy change requires sustained effort and adaptability to shifting political landscapes. By employing these strategies, the Anti-Poverty Steering Group can help to shape policies that align with the goals of this strategy and subsequently the needs of the community.

KEY PILLARS

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS SUPPORT

FAMILIES AND WELLBEING SUPPORT

ENERGY SUPPORT

FOOD SUPPORT FINANCIAL SUPPORT

RAG ASSESMENT OF ANTI-POVERTY ACTIONS

Achieved / on track Partially achieved Not started.

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS Action 3.4 Our Borough provides opportunities for all to enable and support people to reach their full potential. Promote employment opportunities through key stakeholder groups.

Signpost to support programmes across the Borough.

Collaborate with devolved administration where possible and appropriate.

Signpost to Antrim Enterprise Agency and Mallusk Enterprise Park to support development of new businesses.

FAMILIES AND WELLBEING SUPPORT Action 1.1 Creating a strong and vibrant community and voluntary sector – advocate, champion and maintain volunteering across the Borough. Action 1.4 Integrated approach to tackling poverty. Better support for families and people in need across the Borough by working in more efficient and collaborative ways with key stakeholders.

Liaise with key stakeholders to develop affordable ways for families to access wellbeing facilities and resources.

Through the Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group, work collectively to provide wrap around services to families and people in need.

Develop a key central resource which contains all relevant information for families in need as well as links to support services and groups (online and print).

Promote the work of key stakeholder groups across the Borough.

Develop better links to people/families with additional needs/disabilities.

Better support community and voluntary stakeholders to build confidence to have money conversations with families/people and offer safe effective guidance in the unregulated space, through the use of MoneyHelper and the aim of the Money Guiders Programme and MoneyHelper resources.

ENERGY SUPPORT Action 4.1 Promoting a greater sustainability – sustaining and resourcing a more resilient society through conscientious practices. Action 4.3 Tackling climate change – minimising our environmental impact across the Borough.

Signpost families to appropriate programmes to support with fuel poverty.

Collaborate within the Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group to identify and support people/families who are in need, and reduce the number being missed.

Build capacity with the sector to better support families in need.

Promote the messaging around sustainability and the link to reducing waste and better household budgeting.

FOOD SUPPORT Action 1.4 Integrated approach to tackling poverty. Action 4.1 Promoting a greater sustainability – sustaining and resourcing a more resilient society through conscientious practices. Through the Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group, promote a holistic approach to Food Support across the Borough.

Promote and support groups in working towards more sustainable means of food production.

Identify and signpost those in need of support to appropriate agencies.

Help develop financial resilience by building financial foundations.

Promote the concept of food security across the Borough.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Action 1.1 Creating a strong and vibrant community and voluntary sector – advocate, champion and maintain volunteering across the Borough. Action 1.4 Integrated approach to tackling poverty. Signpost appropriate people to new Universal Credit applications

Collaborate with devolved administration where possible and appropriate.

Collaborate with Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group to address the range of issues, creating the needs for financial support.

Better support community and voluntary stakeholders to build confidence to have money conversations with families/people and offer safe effective guidance in the unregulated space, through the use of MoneyHelper and the aid of the Money Guiders Programme and MoneyHelper resources.

EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS Action 3.4 Our Borough provides opportunities for all to enable and support people to reach their full potential.

Labour Market Partnership The Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership supported delivery of the AntiPoverty Strategy through coordinated action to address local employability barriers and improve access to sustainable employment. During the reporting period, five partnership meetings, one Business Sub-Group meeting were held, informing the development of a local Action Plan, approved by the Regional Labour Market Partnership. An evaluation of LMP activity is ongoing. Engagement levels remained positive, with 46% attendance at LMP meetings and 81% attendance at sub-group meetings, supporting collaborative decision-making. Survey feedback shows 56% of responding members felt their views were reflected in the Action Plan and evaluation, the same proportion reported contributing to delivery and felt the LMP is making a positive difference. Increased awareness of local employability and labour market issues was reported by 56% of LMP members and 12% of sub-group members, strengthening the partnership’s capacity to deliver targeted poverty-reduction interventions.

Labour Market Programmes Labour Market Programmes supported 110 residents through targeted Pathway, Employment Academies and Upskilling initiatives, helping individuals facing barriers to employment progress towards sustainable work and improved income. A further 2581 residents engaged through Jobs Fairs, Wellness and Employability events, and a Careers and Apprenticeship Fair, improving access to employment, training and employability support. Engagement with 13 post-primary schools, 102 employers, and 35 employability and skills providers strengthened alignment between local labour market needs and training provision.

Go Succeed Programme The Go Succeed enterprise support programme continues to contribute to local economic inclusion and anti poverty objectives by supporting new and existing businesses and creating pathways to sustainable income within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. In 2024/25, 241 applications were received locally to the Go Succeed service, resulting in 145 jobs promoted through business start up interventions in the Council area, exceeding performance targets and reflecting strong local entrepreneurship engagement. Across Council operated and funded business support activity, 362 local businesses were assisted to develop or expand operations through Go Succeed and other initiatives. The programme also achieved high regional reach and impact, contributing to the creation of around 2,500 new businesses and over 3,500 new jobs across Northern Ireland since launch (data region wide), supporting enterprise growth and income opportunities in the borough context. Go Succeed helps reduce barriers to economic participation by providing tailored advice, mentoring, masterclasses, peer to peer networks and access to grant support, strengthening local entrepreneurial capacity and supporting the Council’s anti poverty and economic development objectives.

FAMILIES AND WELLBEING SUPPORT Action 1.1 Creating a strong and vibrant community and voluntary sector-advocate, champion and maintain volunteering across the Borough.

Action 1.4 Integrated approach to tackling poverty.

9 community based school uniform schemes 7 x Keep Warm and Well events 250 people reached 3 x organisations registered on MoneyGuiders Programme Community Connect Event The Community Connect Event, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at Antrim Forum in August 2025, was a highly successful engagement initiative designed to connect residents with a wide range of local support services in an accessible and welcoming environment. The event brought together over 40 exhibitors from the community and voluntary sector, charities, and statutory agencies, collectively representing the full spectrum of actions set out within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Anti-Poverty Strategy. This included services focused on income maximisation, welfare benefits and debt advice, employability and skills development, health and wellbeing, housing support, food and fuel poverty, and wider community-based assistance. Support relating to school uniform provision was also available at the event, offering timely assistance to families during the back-to-school period and helping to ease financial pressures.

The event was attended by over 400 members of the public and achieved a 100% satisfaction rate, demonstrating strong community engagement and a high-quality user experience. Feedback from attendees highlighted the benefit of being able to access multiple services in one location, receive timely and trusted advice, and engage directly with service providers in a supportive setting. Exhibitors also reported positive outcomes, including increased awareness of available services, improved referral pathways, and strengthened cross-sector relationships. Overall, the Community Connect Event showcased the strength of partnership working across Antrim and Newtownabbey and reinforced the Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling poverty through collaboration, prevention, and meaningful community engagement.

Christmas Toy Support The ANBC Christmas Toy Scheme, delivered in partnership with Habitat ReStore, was successfully delivered through a pop-up shop model in December 2025 at Muckamore Community Centre. The initiative aimed to support families experiencing financial hardship during the Christmas period by improving access to gifts for children in a dignified and community-focused setting. The pop-up shop approach enabled families to select toys appropriate to their children’s ages and interests, helping to reduce financial pressure at a particularly challenging time of year while promoting choice and inclusion. The scheme achieved a strong level of community engagement, with over 3,500 toys donated through the generosity of local residents, partners, and organisations. As a result, more than 30 families were directly supported with toys, contributing to positive outcomes for children and helping to alleviate seasonal financial stress. In addition to the main scheme, two significant independent donations were received from Marks and Spencer’s Newtownabbey and Scott Wilson, known locally as “The Legendary Santa.” While not formally part of the scheme, these donations were directed to Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey and provided further support to local families in need. Overall, the initiative demonstrated the value of partnership working, community generosity, and flexible delivery models in responding to poverty-related pressures and supporting families during the festive period.

Mums on the Move The Mums on the Move programme, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, continued to support women’s health, wellbeing, and social connection through a series of structured and informal physical activity sessions delivered across the borough. The programme was designed to reduce social isolation, promote mental and physical wellbeing, and provide accessible opportunities for women—particularly mothers—to engage in regular activity within a supportive peer environment. Participants were women aged between 20 and 45, reflecting the programme’s focus on early intervention and preventative wellbeing support. During the reporting period, six sessions were delivered at Antrim Castle Gardens and three sessions at the Valley Leisure Centre, providing a mix of outdoor and indoor settings to maximise accessibility and engagement. In addition, a Mums on the Move Winter Wellness Event was held on 14 February 2025 at Mossley Mill, attracting 25 attendees and offering a dedicated space for connection, reflection, and wellbeing-focused activity during the winter months. A key outcome of the programme was the strong peer connections formed, with participants in both Antrim and Newtownabbey independently

establishing WhatsApp groups to continue meeting for walks and social activities beyond the planned sessions. This demonstrates the programme’s success in fostering sustainable social networks and longer-term wellbeing benefits. Building on this positive engagement, future instalments of Mums on the Move are scheduled to take place in Ballyclare and Randalstown in March and April, extending the reach of the programme and supporting women in additional local communities.

Winter Woolies The ANBC Winter Woollies programme was delivered between September and November 2024 as a targeted seasonal initiative aimed at supporting individuals and families most affected by cold weather and fuel poverty. The programme focused on improving access to essential winter items, such as hats, scarves, gloves, and warm clothing, while strengthening partnership working with organisations supporting vulnerable residents across the borough. Central to the initiative was the creation of a Wool Drive, which mobilised community generosity and enabled the coordinated collection and redistribution of winter essentials. Through the Wool Drive, support was provided to 10 organisations located within the top 20% most deprived areas, ensuring resources were directed to communities with the highest levels of need. In total, 1,662 donated items were distributed to 22 statutory and community organisations for onward distribution during the winter months. The programme demonstrated the effectiveness of a simple, low-barrier intervention in addressing seasonal hardship, while also reinforcing collaborative working between the Council, statutory partners, and the community and voluntary sector. Overall, the Winter Woollies programme contributed to wider anti-poverty and wellbeing objectives by helping to reduce the impact of cold weather on vulnerable individuals and supporting frontline organisations in their winter response efforts.

ENERGY SUPPORT Action 1.1 Promoting greater sustainability – sustaining and resourcing a more resilient society through conscientious practices.

Action 1.4 Tackling climate change – minimising our environmental impact across the Borough.

Energy Efficiency Education The ANBC Energy Efficiency Programme continued to support residents to reduce energy costs, improve household warmth, and increase awareness of practical energy-saving measures. The programme focused on a combination of information, advice, and practical support to help households better manage energy use and access available assistance, contributing to wider fuel poverty and cost-of-living objectives. As part of the programme, four energy efficiency videos were developed and shared through social media platforms, achieving a total of 4,427 views and extending the reach of key energy-saving messages. An Energy Saving Tips booklet was also produced and distributed at health fairs, community events, and local talks, ensuring information was accessible to residents who may not engage online. Direct engagement with residents resulted in 267 calls received, leading to 50 referrals to the NIHE Energy Advice Line and 38 referrals to open Energy Efficiency grant schemes, supporting households to access longer-term improvements. In addition, 40 heaters were loaned to residents in need, and 572 Keep Warm Packs were issued, providing immediate practical support during colder periods. Overall, the Energy Efficiency Programme delivered a balanced, preventative approach, combining awareness-raising with tangible interventions to help residents stay warm, reduce costs, and improve energy resilience.

FOOD SUPPORT Action 1.1

Integrated approach to tackling poverty.

Action 4.1 Promoting greater sustainability – sustaining and resourcing a more resilient society through conscientious practices.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Foodbank Antrim and Newtownabbey Foodbank continues to play a critical role in supporting individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the borough, contributing directly to the delivery of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Anti-Poverty Strategy. During the 2024/25 reporting period (or latest available data), the Foodbank worked in close partnership with statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations, and referral partners to provide emergency food support to households facing financial hardship, crisis, or unexpected life events. During this period, the Foodbank distributed approximately [INSERT NUMBER] food parcels, supporting [INSERT NUMBER] households across Antrim and Newtownabbey. This support included provision for both adults and children and reflected continued demand for emergency food assistance linked to cost-of-living pressures, low income, and rising household costs. The Foodbank’s work not only addressed immediate food needs but also acted as a gateway to wider support, with many households signposted to advice services, income maximisation support, and longer-term interventions aimed at reducing repeat crisis. Overall, Antrim and Newtownabbey Foodbank remains a key partner in the local antipoverty response, providing timely, dignified support while working collaboratively to address the underlying causes of food insecurity. The scale of provision during the reporting period highlights the ongoing importance of coordinated, partnership-based approaches to tackling poverty and supporting vulnerable households across the borough.

Community Fridge The Community Fridges network across Antrim and Newtownabbey has continued to make a significant contribution to tackling food insecurity, reducing food waste, and supporting environmental sustainability. To date, six Community Fridges have been established across the borough, providing accessible, community-based spaces where surplus food can be redistributed to residents who need it. The initiative supports a preventative and dignified approach to food access, while also strengthening community resilience and local partnership working. Collectively, the Community Fridges are used by approximately 8,000 residents each month, demonstrating strong and sustained community engagement. Through the redistribution of surplus food, an estimated 50,000 kilograms of food has been diverted from waste, contributing to approximately 160,000 grams of carbon savings. In addition to these measurable outcomes, the programme has delivered wider social value through volunteering, community connection, and local leadership. This was highlighted in 2025 when a member involved in the Community Fridges initiative received a Bright Future Award at Live Here Love Here’s Community Awards, recognising the positive impact and innovation of the project. Overall, the Community Fridges programme represents a strong example of integrated action across anti-poverty, environmental, and community wellbeing objectives.

Social Supermarket The Social Supermarket, operated in partnership with Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey, has continued to provide a vital and sustainable response to food insecurity and financial hardship across the borough during the 2024/25 reporting period. Designed to complement emergency food provision, the Social Supermarket combines practical support with tailored advice and wrap-around services to help address the root causes of food poverty rather than simply responding to immediate need. Through a referral-based model, individuals and families experiencing financial pressures are supported with access to low-cost food alongside income maximisation, budgeting, debt advice, and signposting to additional services. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Social Supermarket supported 321 households, including 385 adults and 176 children, demonstrating the ongoing demand for sustainable food support within the borough. Over this period, approximately £115,560 worth of food vouchers were distributed to those in need, providing meaningful relief to families facing cost-of-living challenges and contributing to improved household stability. In addition to food support, the service helped link clients to other forms of assistance, with around 90 clients referred from 49 different referral partners and a significant proportion receiving tailored advice on budgeting, debt management, and benefit entitlements. This integrated approach reinforces the Social Supermarket’s role as both a practical resource and a gateway to longer-term financial resilience and wellbeing. The continued operation of the Social Supermarket reflects the commitment of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and its partners to collaborative, preventative, and needs-led approaches in tackling food poverty and supporting vulnerable households across the community.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Action 1.1 Creating a strong and vibrant community and voluntary sector – advocate, champion and maintain volunteering across the Borough.

Action 1.4 Integrated approach to tackling poverty.

Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey (CAAN) continues to play a central role in supporting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, contributing directly to the delivery of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Anti-Poverty Strategy. Through the provision of accessible, confidential, and high-quality advice services, CAAN supports residents to navigate complex issues relating to welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, and financial wellbeing. The service operates as a key frontline partner, often acting as an early intervention point for those at risk of poverty or crisis. During the reporting period, CAAN dealt with a total of 18,570 client queries, reflecting sustained and significant demand for advice and support across the borough. As a direct result of this work, £1,720,083 in financial gains was secured for clients, providing vital income support and helping to improve household stability and resilience. In addition to immediate financial outcomes, CAAN’s work supports longer-term poverty reduction by empowering individuals with the knowledge, confidence, and support needed to manage their circumstances and access wider services. Overall, CAAN remains a critical partner in the local anti-poverty response, delivering measurable impact while working collaboratively with statutory, community, and voluntary organisations to support those most in need.

MoneyGuiders Programme The MoneyGuiders Programme, delivered through the online Learning Hub, was introduced as a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening local capacity to provide trusted, consistent money guidance across Antrim and Newtownabbey. The programme focuses on upskilling frontline staff and volunteers within community and voluntary organisations, enabling them to have informed, supportive conversations about money, budgeting, and financial wellbeing, and to signpost individuals to appropriate specialist advice when required. As a pilot scheme, the programme has achieved positive early engagement, with three organisations signed up and 11 staff and volunteers committed to completing the training. This initial cohort represents an important step in embedding a preventative, earlyintervention approach to financial wellbeing within local services. By investing in workforce development and shared learning, the MoneyGuiders Programme supports longer-term anti-poverty objectives by improving the quality and consistency of money guidance available at community level. The outcomes of the pilot phase will inform future rollout and expansion of the programme across the borough.

Oil Stamp Scheme The ANBC Oil Stamp Scheme continued to provide targeted support to households affected by fuel poverty, helping residents manage the cost of home heating oil in a more affordable and manageable way. The scheme was designed to support low-income households by enabling smaller, incremental payments towards heating oil, reducing the financial burden associated with large upfront costs and supporting more consistent access to home heating during colder periods. During the reporting period, the scheme facilitated 90 oil deliveries through 24 different retailers across all seven District Electoral Areas, demonstrating strong geographic coverage and effective partnership working with local suppliers. In total, £134,500 worth of oil was sold through the scheme, reflecting both strong uptake and continued demand for flexible fuel payment options. Importantly, 100% of participants reported that the scheme helped them manage their heating oil costs more effectively, highlighting its impact on household financial stability and wellbeing. Overall, the Oil Stamp Scheme represents a practical and responsive intervention within the borough’s wider anti-poverty and fuel poverty framework, delivering measurable benefits for residents while supporting collaboration between the Council, retailers, and community partners.

ADVANCING THE ANTI-POVERTY STRATEGY Building on the progress to date, the next phase of delivery will focus on strengthening partnership coordination, enhancing measurable impact, and progressing key priority areas currently assessed as Amber within the RAG framework.

Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group With the Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group now formally established, the focus will move from formation to consolidation and delivery. The Group will provide structured oversight of anti-poverty interventions and support improved coordination across statutory, community and voluntary partners. Over the coming period, work will include: • • • • • •

Formalising governance arrangements and agreed priority workstreams; Strengthening shared referral pathways to ensure households in need are not missed; Enhancing collaborative planning to reduce duplication of services; Introducing proportionate performance monitoring to track outputs and outcomes; Exploring joint funding opportunities to sustain and expand key initiatives. This will support a more integrated and outcome-focused approach to tackling poverty across the Borough.

Community Connect Following positive engagement and impact, the Community Connect event will be delivered again this year. The event continues to provide accessible, direct engagement between residents and support services, including financial advice, employability support, health and wellbeing services, and cost-of-living assistance. Opportunities will also be explored to: • • • •

Deliver locality-based or themed outreach events; Align delivery with peak pressure periods, including back-to-school and winter support; Strengthen employer and skills-provider engagement to better link financial hardship and employment pathways; Enhance data capture to better evidence impact and inform future planning.

International Learning and Best Practice Work will progress towards formalising engagement with the City of Dubuque to support knowledge exchange and learning around data-driven and systems-based approaches to poverty reduction. This partnership will provide opportunities to: • • • •

Benchmark local performance against international practice; Strengthen outcome measurement and performance dashboards; Explore innovation and pilot initiatives informed by evidence-based models; Enhance the strategic capability of the Borough’s anti-poverty response.

Community Infrastructure and Practical Supports Collaboration with Libraries NI will continue to be strengthened, recognising libraries as trusted and accessible community hubs. Planned developments include: • • • • • • • • • •

Continued promotion and expansion of School Uniform Collection Points ahead of peak demand periods; Coordinated delivery of Christmas Toy Schemes as part of wider winter support planning; Strengthening referral pathways between library sites and financial and advice services; Increasing awareness of available supports through accessible community venues. Targeted Improvement Areas Priority focus will be given to progressing actions currently assessed as Amber, including: Development of a centralised, accessible resource (digital and print) for families; Expansion of financial confidence initiatives, including Money Guiders training; Enhanced sustainability messaging linked to household budgeting and energy efficiency; Improved engagement with households experiencing additional needs or disabilities.

Monitoring and Impact To support continuous improvement, performance monitoring arrangements will be strengthened. This will include: • • • •

Alignment of performance measures across Food, Energy, Employment and Financial Support themes; Regular RAG review through the Stakeholder Group; Increased emphasis on outcome indicators, including improved financial resilience and reduced hardship; Use of evidence to inform funding applications and future programme design.

Conclusion Overall, steady progress continues to be made in advancing the Anti-Poverty Strategy through strengthened partnership working, targeted practical supports, and an increasingly coordinated approach across the Borough. The establishment of the Anti-Poverty Stakeholder Group provides a solid governance foundation to drive forward collective action, while ongoing delivery across food, energy, financial and employment support demonstrates tangible impact for residents. The next phase will focus on consolidating this progress, addressing identified Amber priority areas, and strengthening outcome measurement to ensure that interventions are evidence-led, responsive to emerging need, and aligned to the overarching objective of reducing poverty and improving life opportunities for all.

ANTRIM CIVIC CENTRE 50 Stiles Way, Antrim BT41 2UB MOSSLEY MILL Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA T. 0300 123 4568 antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk