Communities CONNECT

Overview

‘Communities Connect'’ is part of the wider PEACEPLUS CONNECT programme, led by the British Council – in partnership with Politics in Action and Create (Ireland) and in co-operation with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Arts Council Ireland. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Politics in Action is leading the Communities CONNECT strand of the project, with two other strands ‘Festivals Connect’ and ‘Media Connect’ being delivered by our partners.  

What is Communities CONNECT?

Communities CONNECT is a community leadership programme bringing people across Northern Ireland and the border counties to explore the issues facing their communities and take action together.

The issues explored are shaped by participants and may include areas such as climate action, violence against women and girls, inequality, unemployment, loneliness and disconnection.

Through the programme, people have the opportunity to:

• reflect on their community and the issues affecting it
• build relationships across communities
• share experiences across the border region
• develop practical ideas for local change

‍The Communities CONNECT journey

1. Community Mapping Workshops - Working with civil society organisations, we will deliver community mapping workshops across 17 areas, engaging around 450 participants.
2. Cross-border Thematic Residentials - Themes emerging from the community mapping workshops will shape a series of 10 cross-border residential workshops. These residentials will bring people together around shared issues, helping to build relationships, deepen understanding and connect communities across different areas. They will be co-delivered by Politics in Action, facilitators and subject matter specialists, who will support participants to explore themes in more depth and develop ideas.
3. Community Social Action Projects - Participants will be supported to develop local Community Social Action Projects, building on the ideas and connections developed throughout the Programme. These projects will be supported by our team, facilitators and community partners, and will aim to engage wider communities in each area.

Connecting across the wider programme

Participants and local projects will also have the opportunities to connect with other strands of the CONNECT programme - including Media CONNECT and Festivals CONNECT - for example, showcasing the social action project through media or community events.

How we work

Drawing on our background in civic youth work, we bring the same energy and approach into working with adults and communities.

We create spaces where people can better understand how decisions are made, connect with others, and build confidence to take action - whether that's locally or by engaging with the systems and decisions that shape their lives.

Where the programme takes place

The programme will take place across 17 areas:

• 11 council areas in Northern Ireland
• 6 counties in Ireland: Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo

Who the programme prioritises

The programme aims to engage a diverse range of participants, including:

• women
• young adults (18+)
• older people
• minority and migrant communities
• people with disabilities
• LGBTQ+ communities
• those affected by the legacy of the conflict

Working with Civil Society Organisations

Local organisations play a key role in supporting outreach, hosting workshops, sharing local insight and supporting participants throughout the programme.

We recognise the work already happening in communities and aim to support and add value to that work - creating additional space, connections and opportunities.

Support for partners

Organisations involved will receive:

• funding to support delivery of activities
• training in our Civic Community Work approach
• ongoing support from Politics in Action and specialist advice and support from expert facilitators
• opportunities to connect with organisations across regions

Get involved

We're currently connecting with organisations across Northern Ireland and the border counties.

If you're interested in getting involved, please get in touch - we'd love to hear about your work and talk you through the opportunity.

Delivery partner roles will be commissioned through a procurement process led by the British Council, with further information to follow.

For more information, please contact:

• Naomi Hawthorne - Project Manager
• Dr Thérèse Cullen - Project Officer