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SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES BI-ANNUAL MAGAZINE
Supporting Communities Awards First Gold Level TP Accreditation
Supporting Communities was thrilled to present Radius Housing with our first Gold Level Accreditation in Tenant Participation this August.
Our ‘TP’ accreditation Award assesses ten standards, requiring landlords to demonstrate how tenants have influenced and shaped service improvements The accreditation is a robust and structured process where tenant engagement activities are independently scrutinised. The final report provides practical and achievable recommendations and a roadmap for improvement.
The process has five stages, including an intensive selfassessment, the independent appraisal, and testing engagement practices by meeting with tenants, staff, and senior managers. All accreditations are validated by an independent panel of assessors and awarded at bronze,
ALL-IRELAND ENDORSEMENT FOR TRAINING COURSE 2024 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN THIS ISSUE:
PICS FROM THE ANNUAL HCN COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY SAFETY
MEET NEW PLACEMENT STUDENT ALEX HAMILL
silver, or gold level. Successful organisations are accredited for three years
Radius was the first organisation in Northern Ireland to apply for accreditation in 2021, scoring a silver-level award Since then, we have been delighted to see Radius take our recommendations on board, resulting in an incredible gold standard this time.
Sheenagh McNally, chair of the independent panel assessing the accreditation, said, “I am delighted to award Radius the Gold Standard, the first of its kind on the island of Ireland. Radius clearly demonstrated their ambition to continuously strive for better, taking on board all the recommendations from the first submission. The team’s hard work, commitment, and dedication has set the bar high for tenant engagement in Northern Ireland and further afield.”
The assessment panel wrote, “There is clear evidence that TP is embedded into the culture of Radius, and there are many examples of tenants influencing decisions and making a change. Staff are keen and enthusiastic and see TP as a huge benefit to the organisation more importantly, this comes from the top and is embraced by everyone we met.”
The assessors were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, commitment, and understanding among participants in the various focus groups. Their testimonies brought the documentation to life and confirmed the implementation of Radius’ Tenant Engagement Strategy across the organisation. They also acknowledged the organisation's continuous learning and willingness to improve service delivery where needed.
Loma Wilson, Radius Director of Communities, commented, “When we received the silver level, we took on board all the recommendations and improvements suggested in the previous report and made a concerted effort to implement them A huge effort went into collating the information for this, our second submission, and we wish to pay tribute to
allowed us to improve the services we bring to our tenants, making our whole organisation work more efficiently with better outcomes for all. We see real value in the accreditation process and would welcome its addition to the regulatory process for housing associations as a mechanism to ensure the Consumer Standards are being met for all social housing tenants ”
Tenant Engagement Officers Lesa Kelly and Ashleigh Mulgrave received the award on behalf of Radius. “We are absolutely delighted that the hard work and commitment we all put into our TP Strategy and delivery over the last three years has been recognised and rewarded in this manner. We are privileged to have worked alongside tenants who were instrumental in their efforts to support us through this journey to receive Gold in the TP Accreditation.”
It is an honour to recognise Radius Housing with the first Gold TP Award in Northern Ireland. Their work in tenant engagement has been sector-leading and has inspired others to follow suit. As more housing associations engage with the accreditation process, collectively, we are raising the bar and taking tenant engagement practices to the next level.
Community Development Course Recognised by AIEB
We are pleased to announce that the AllIreland Endorsement Body for Community Work Education and Training has recognised our OCNI Level 3 Award in Community Development and Community Capacity Building.
AIEB recognition is evidence of our programme's alignment with the All-Ireland Standards for Community Work It underscores our commitment to community work and our ability to impart a deep understanding of its values to our successful graduates.
We feel this recognition will give learners added confidence in their certification and ensure their learning outcomes have a clear community development focus This course is a valuable stepping stone for those who wish to pursue further studies and also provides employers and potential sponsors with a clear indication of the standards and expectations of learners who graduate from the programme.
Senior Training Officer Aidan Kearney proposed the course for recognition as we have increasingly begun providing our services in the Republic of Ireland
“This partnership is an exciting one for Supporting Communities as we increase our reach across the island,” said Aidan. “Our core values are to support and empower communities, so the AIEB’s recognition validates our quality community development work and ensures standards and quality in practice ”
In a confirmation letter to Supporting Communities, the AIEB wrote, “The [review panel] were impressed by the application overall and the flexibility of delivery within the programme We wish you continued success with programme promotion, recruitment, and delivery in the future.”
Learn more about our courses in community development on our website
Aidan Kearney with fellow community educators at a recent AIEB event in Dublin
Bright Futures Ahead: 2024 Scholarship Winners Announced!
Supporting Communities is thrilled to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2024 scholarships Four outstanding students have been selected, two each for the Gallaher Trust and James Kane Foundation scholarships. These students demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, community involvement, and personal growth These scholarships, administered by Supporting Communities, aim to nurture talent and create opportunities for promising young individuals in our community.
Gallaher Trust Scholarship Winners
Holly Frame - Actuarial Science and Risk Management at Queen's University Belfast
Holly, a student at Cambridge House Grammar School, has shown remarkable academic prowess with A* grades across the board
Beyond her studies, Holly's background in competitive gymnastics has instilled in her a resilient spirit and a dedication community. As a qualified gymna has accumulated over 200 volun demonstrating her commitment t and supporting her sport.
Holly's diverse interests, including music and public speaking, showcase her well-rounded character. Her experience in the Tomorrow's Engineers Robotics Challenge, where she led her school team to success at the Northern Ireland level and placed 4th in the UK, demonstrates her leadership skills and innovative thinking.
Holly's ability to balance her academic pursuits with extracurricular activities, including her roles in various music groups and her part-time job, speaks volumes about her time management skills and work ethic.
Juliana O'Mullan - Business Management at Queen's University Belfast
Juliana, from St Louis Grammar School Ballymena, has displayed exceptional academic performance and leadership qualities, which shine through in her role as Head Prefect in charge of Careers.
Juliana's passion for business and finance is evident in her participation in the Queen's Schools Business Challenge. This experience allowed her to develop her analytical skills and business acumen, working on real-world problems and presenting solutions to industry experts
Her involvement in school activities, from choir to netball, demonstrat her commitmen to personal growth and community engagemen
Juliana has set a high standard for future students. Her ability to balance academic excellence with extracurricular activities and leadership roles showcases her potential for success in her chosen field of Business Management
James Kane Foundation Scholarship Winners
Susannah Wilson - Mechanical Engineering at
Susannah, a student from Portadown College, is looking forward to pursuing her passion for engineering at Ulster University Her diverse inter to mountain biki zest for life. Susa the UKMT Senio British Biology O problem-solving skills and academic versatility.
Susannah's enthusiasm for practical engineering experience is evident in her participation in school physics competitions and her desire to pursue additional qualifications in welding and fabrication Her well-rounded approach to education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, positions her for success in the field of Mechanical Engineering.
Áine Savage - Software Enginee University Belfast
Áine, from St Patrick's High School Keady, brings a unique perspective to her studies in Software Engineering.
Her active participation in local GAA football and youth coaching demonstrates her commitment to giving back to her community. Áine's experiences, including her participation in Queen's Pathway Opportunity Programme, reflect her eagerness to learn and grow both academically and personally.
What sets Áine apart is her passion for social justice and her commitment to speaking up for those who feel unheard Her experiences with her sister, who has Down's syndrome, have given her new perspectives and driven her to connect with and support disadvantaged communities. This combination of technical skills and social awareness makes Áine a promising future software engineer with the potential to make a positive impact on society.
Supporting Communities' Commitment to Education
The Gallaher Trust and James Kane Foundation scholarships, administered by Supporting Communities, represent more than just financial assistance They embody our organization's commitment to fostering educational opportunities and nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community-minded individuals
These scholarships are designed to recognize not only academic excellence but also personal growth, community involvement, and the potential to make a positive impact. Supporting Communities is proud to play a role in these students' journeys, providing them with the resources and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams We believe that by supporting education and personal development, we can help build stronger, more resilient communities for years to come.
Annual Community Conference Celebrates HCN Communities
Community Safety Initiatives Demonstrate Impressive Social Return on Investment
In a recent evaluation of community safety initiatives funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), three projects have shown remarkable social value and return on investment These initiatives, located in Lisburn, Portadown, and West Belfast, have demonstrated that for every pound invested, they generate over three pounds in social value. This analysis provides valuable insights into the impact of community-driven safety programs.
Understanding Social Return on Investment (SROI)
SROI is a method for measuring and accounting for a much broader concept of value. By incorporating social, environmental, and economic costs and benefits, it seeks to reduce inequality and environmental degradation and improve well-being
SROI measures change in ways that are relevant to the people and organisations that experience or contribute to it It tells the story of how change is being created by measuring social, environmental, and economic outcomes and uses monetary values to represent them.
Anita Doonan, the Funding and Social Value Officer at Supporting Communities, works with groups to conduct SROI analyses so they can quantify their impact and make data-driven decisions about future initiatives.
Lisburn SAFE: Building Community Resilience
The Resurgam Trust's Lisburn SAFE project has shown a social return on investment (SROI) of £3.03 for every £1 invested.
This Lisburn area community safety volunteer service aims to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour while increasing feelings of safety among residents.
Key activities of the project include:
Engaging 100 volunteers, contributing 10,000 volunteer hours
Conducting 1,200 neighbourhood interventions
Supporting local events and festivals
Collaborating with partners such as the PSNI and youth teams
The project has benefited approximately 4,000 residents in Lisburn and surrounding areas
Denis Paisley, Regeneration Manager at Resurgam Community Development Trust, expressed delight at the SROI results, stating, "The £3 to £1 ratio was excellent news! This support from NIHE for Lisburn SAFE to work with vulnerable people in the community is invaluable and demonstrates the value and impact of working with and managing volunteers."
YZone Youth Initiative: Empowering Young People
The YZone Youth Initiative, run by Portadown Elim Church under the leadership of Campbell Best, has achieved an impressive SROI of £3.26 for every £1 invested. Established in April 2000, the initiative focuses on reaching young people identified as 'at-risk' or 'marginalised' in the Portadown area
The project's activities include:
Creating outdoor spaces for young people
Offering cooking and budgeting classes
Teaching life skills and citizenship
Collaborating closely with local schools
The YZone initiative aims to reduce youth offending and improve community safety by engaging with young people early and providing support and guidance.
The project has successfully connected with a large number of young people, benefiting both the direct participants and the wider community.
West Belfast Community Safety Initiative: Bridging Communities and Authorities
The Upper Springfield Development Trust's Community Safety Initiative in West Belfast, led by Michael Donnelly, has demonstrated the highest SROI of the three projects at £3 40 for every £1 invested This specialised community safety team supports residents in reporting crime and anti-social behaviour to relevant authorities.
Key features of the initiative include:
Hosting monthly community safety forums across West Belfast
Providing awareness and engagement sessions
Training volunteers and staff to offer additional support
Bridging the gap between residents and authorities
Contributing approximately 3,000 hours of volunteering
The project covers a wide area, from Castle Street and Divis Street in the city centre to the outskirts of West Belfast, including Suffolk Road, Poleglass, Twinbrook, and Lagmore.
By encouraging residents to report incidents and facilitating communication with agencies such as the NIHE, PSNI, and Belfast City Council, the initiative has significantly improved community safety and resident confidence.
A data-driven approach
These three community safety initiatives demonstrate the substantial impact targeted, community-driven programs can have on local areas. These projects have not only enhanced community safety but have also provided excellent value for the invested funds.
The impressive SROI figures highlight the importance of continued support for such initiatives, as they clearly deliver tangible benefits to their communities As these projects evolve and adapt to local needs, they serve as inspiring examples of how community-led efforts can create lasting positive change in safety, youth development, and community cohesion.
Anita Doonan, Funding and Social Value Officer, worked with all three groups to produce SROI reports for their projects. She explained, “Our SROI analysis provides these organisations with valuable insights that can shape their future strategies By understanding the social value created per pound invested, project leaders can make informed decisions about resource allocation, program expansion, and stakeholder engagement. This data-driven approach ensures that community safety initiatives maximise their positive impact on residents' lives.”
Learn More
Learn more about impact measurement with Supporting Communities’ self-guided training course online.
Are you ready for the Digital Switchover?
The UK’s home phone (landline) service is getting an upgrade. The transition has already started and will continue over the next few years. Soon, most landline calls will be made over a broadband line.
The switchover should be straightforward for most people Your phone number will remain the same, and most handsets work fine with the new system. However, there are some steps you need to take to make sure your landline services continue to work Your phone company will inform you ahead of the migration, but preparing now can make the transition smoother for you.
Supporting Communities is working with BT to help inform residents about what’s happening and what help is available to anyone who needs it Our digital team has been on the road this summer and autumn, visiting libraries and community groups all over Northern Ireland to get the word out about the change and to make sure older and vulnerable people know where to go for assistance should they need it.
Information sessions are free! If you work with a group that may need support with the switchover, contact Carla Mulholland at carla@supportingcommunities.org to arrange a visit.
A Lisburn group with their BT information sheets
Meet Alex Hamill, Business Development Placement Student
Alex is a Business Economics student who has chosen to take an optional placement year out from his studies to work with Supporting Communities. We asked him to write a bit about his experience so far!
“I’m currently a student at Queen’s University Belfast, studying Business Economics and this year, I’m doing a placement with Supporting Communities, where I’m working in business development. It’s been an exciting opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in my studies to a real-world setting, and I’m thrilled to be part of such an impactful organisation
I’ll be graduating in 2026, and I’m hopeful that this placement year will provide me with invaluable experience and insight into the professional environment I believe the skills I’m gaining during my time with Supporting Communities will stand me in good stead for my future career, giving me both practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of business development in the community sector.
I first became aware of Supporting Communities when I was awarded the Gallaher Trust Scholarship in 2022, which they facilitated. This introduction to the organisation sparked my interest in their mission and the work they do to empower communities, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute this year.
My work so far has involved helping to develop a business plan to drive the organisation’s future growth. Additionally, I’ve been involved in improving certain parts of the website, ensuring it better serves members and wider audiences.
It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m excited to see how the rest of my placement unfolds. I’m incredibly grateful for the warm welcome from the team and the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated organisation ”
We are delighted to have Alex join us this year. We know he will bring fresh ideas and new thinking to our organisation as we plan for our longer-term business goals Colm McDaid, Supporting Communities’ Chief Executive, remarked, “The fact that Alex came to us through the Gallaher Trust Scholarship programme shows how investing in young people pays off for our communities, in this case even sooner than we thought! Alex is a welcome addition to the team, and I look forward to his input over the coming year.”
Alex Hamill, in the middle, with Funding Officer Anita Doonan and CDO Matthew Bell at the Antrim Funding Fair in October
A Message from our CEO
I spoke briefly at the Annual Community Conference this year to support the launch of the Housing Executive’s new Community Involvement and Cohesion Strategy, and I want to share some of my thoughts with you all here.
The strategy’s priorities are to:
“engage our communities to promote and strengthen involvement to enable our communities to influence, shape and improve our services, and to empower them to embrace community cohesion within and between our communities.”
What makes these goals possible is the day-to-day work of grassroots community development. It may not be glamorous, and it doesn’t make headlines, but this work is essential to building the kind of society we want to live in, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.
A bit of history for you the Housing Community Network, the oftlauded ‘jewel’ in the housing executive’s crown, is at the core of the Housing Executive’s community involvement activity. But this didn’t happen overnight! The story of Supporting Communities and the evolution of the HCN are very much intertwined.
We trace our roots back to 1979 in Doury Road in Ballymena, where a tenant’s action group came together to address the problems in their estate. They went to the Housing Executive asking for support with community development, which was the beginning of a pilot project that evolved over the years into what we now know as Supporting Communities - the Independent Tenant Organisation for Northern Ireland.
As an independent intermediary, or ‘honest broker’, Supporting Communities does the essential work of keeping the network moving, convening and facilitating meetings at all levels, keeping an accurate record, and following up to ensure action is taken. Our independence allows us to be effective in this role. We are trusted by both the communities we work with and the Housing Executive, who relies on us to be a ‘critical friend’ We make the HCN function by maintaining professionalism and neutrality - and believe me, it is no mean feat to walk the line between tenant and landlord sometimes!
Ultimately we are all working towards a common goal – that residents have a say in their housing and community services and can influence changes their communities need to thrive.
At Supporting Communities, our goal as a charity is to create empowered, confident, and cohesive communities We do this by championing community participation through developing groups and supporting active citizenship
Our impact on the HCN is frequently told in figures such as 557 groups supported, 125 Estate Inspections facilitated, 197 meetings held, and everyone’s favourite - a total of £1 million secured in funding last year through our support
But numbers are just a part of the story. Bricks and mortar may build houses, but building strong, vibrant, thriving, cohesive communities takes so much more Our grassroots approach allows us to get to know the communities we work with and support them in achieving the things that they know will make a difference for them When asked for feedback on our work, groups consistently tell us that our people are what they value most Our staff are widely seen as responsive, helpful, dedicated, and prepared to go the extra mile for our customers I am extremely proud of them all
So, congratulations to the Housing Executive and the HCN on the new Strategy. We look forward to supporting you as we work to build the kind of neighbourhoods, communities and, yes, ultimately, the society we want to live in.
Together, we can
Com McDaid, CEO of Supporting Communities