What We Do

Supporting Communities is an independent charity that champions tenant and community participation by developing groups, supporting active citizenship, and building cohesive communities.

We promote best practice in community engagement and participation through a grassroots approach to community development, providing tailored support, advice, information, and training to new and existing community groups, statutory and voluntary organisations.

As tenant participation experts, we work with social housing providers via our trading arm to raise the standard of tenant engagement across the island of Ireland.

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Upcoming Events

Featured
South Antrim Online Funding Clinic
Nov 20
South Antrim Online Funding Clinic

South Antrim area groups are invited to book a one-to-one funding support session with our Funding and Social Value Officer.

Omagh Funding & Advice Fair
Nov 21
Omagh Funding & Advice Fair

Drop into the Omagh Funding Fair the evening of 21 November.

Empowering Every Voice: Approaches for Inclusive Engagement
Nov 26
Empowering Every Voice: Approaches for Inclusive Engagement

Join us at this online Four Nations event!

December Funding Clinic Sessions
Dec 3
December Funding Clinic Sessions

Book a session with our Funding and Social Value Officer for some one-to-one funding support.

South Region Area Online Funding Clinic
Dec 4
South Region Area Online Funding Clinic

South Region area groups are invited to book a one-to-one funding support session with our Funding and Social Value Officer.

New Events Coming Soon
Mar 3
New Events Coming Soon

We’re working on new events. Check back soon to see what’s coming up!

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Latest News
Bright Futures Ahead: 2024 Scholarship Winners Announced!
Bright Futures Ahead: 2024 Scholarship Winners Announced!

Supporting Communities is thrilled to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2024 scholarships.

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Are You Ready for the Digital Switchover?
Are You Ready for the Digital Switchover?

Supporting Communities is working with BT to help inform residents about what’s happening and what help is available to anyone who needs it.

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Community Safety Initiatives Demonstrate Impressive Social Return on Investment
Community Safety Initiatives Demonstrate Impressive Social Return on Investment

Our recent evaluations of three Housing Executive-funded projects prove outstanding social returns on investment (SROI). For every pound invested, these initiatives generate over three pounds in social value, demonstrating the significant impact of community-driven safety programs.

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Communities encouraged to respond to the draft Programme for Government
Communities encouraged to respond to the draft Programme for Government

Supporting Communities encourages community and resident groups to get involved and respond to the draft Programme for Government. We have outlined some of our thoughts to help groups formulate their own.

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Supporting Communities Training Programme Recognised by AIEB
Supporting Communities Training Programme Recognised by AIEB

Our Level 3 Award in Community Development is now an AIEB Recognised introductory Community Work Education and Training programme!

 

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Radius Gets the Gold!
Radius Gets the Gold!

Congratulations to Radius Housing, who have received our very first Gold Level Accreditation in Tenant Participation!

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HCN 'Summer School' Launches Digital Skills Week this August
HCN 'Summer School' Launches Digital Skills Week this August

Housing Community Network groups are invited to join our week-long summer school focusing on the digital skills you need to support your growing organisation! Sign up now.

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Get Ready for the Digital Switchover!
Get Ready for the Digital Switchover!

Got questions about the digital switchover? Come along to an info session with Supporting Communities at a location near you to learn more!

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Annual Report Looks to the Future!
Annual Report Looks to the Future!

Our Annual Report is out now! Take a look and learn more about what Supporting Communities does.

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Service Spotlight: Funding Support
Service Spotlight: Funding Support

Get to know our funding service in this interview with Funding & Social Value Officer Anita Doonan.

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Latest Blogs

Featured
Meet Alex Hamill, Business Development Placement Student
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!

My Journey as a Net Zero Officer: Driving Sustainability at Supporting Communities
My Journey as a Net Zero Officer: Driving Sustainability at Supporting Communities

Natalie Mayes, our Net Zero placement student, is getting ready to go back to university in the fall. Read her blog reflecting on her year working at Supporting Communities.

My Experience with Supporting Communities: A Three-Week Journey
My Experience with Supporting Communities: A Three-Week Journey

Sandra Quigg spent three weeks working alongside Community Development Officers at Supporting Communities. Read about her experience and what she takes away!

Tenant empowerment is the way forward for social housing
Tenant empowerment is the way forward for social housing

Read Sheenagh’s argument for seizing this moment in the housing crisis to make real and lasting change for tenant empowerment.

An Interview with Sheenagh McNally about the Upcoming All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference
An Interview with Sheenagh McNally about the Upcoming All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference

Learn more about the upcoming All Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference from its primary architect, Sheenagh McNally.

My Placement Experience with Supporting Communities
My Placement Experience with Supporting Communities

We were lucky to have a student occupational therapist join us for five weeks working with our Digital Inclusion Officer as part of her degree. We asked her to write a blog about her experience with us and the connection between digital skills and healthcare. Have a read!

5 Reasons Tenant Participation is Good Business
5 Reasons Tenant Participation is Good Business

Tenant participation is good for the bottom line. Find out how!

What’s in it for Us? The Benefits of Tenant Participation for the Tenants 
What’s in it for Us? The Benefits of Tenant Participation for the Tenants 

Tenant Participation benefits everyone! Here are the top reasons tenants say they want to take part.

Building Peer Support for Tenant Engagement Professionals in the Republic of Ireland
Building Peer Support for Tenant Engagement Professionals in the Republic of Ireland

Sarah Dunne Rogers came along to a training session on tenant engagement for her new job and ended up starting a whole network for peer support!

Developing Tenant Engagement in Ireland
Developing Tenant Engagement in Ireland

Alex Dowdall reports on a series of tenant engagement workshops held earlier this year in response to a growing interest in the subject amongst housing professionals in the Republic of Ireland.

Funding News
Department of Health - Core Grant Funding Scheme
Department of Health - Core Grant Funding Scheme
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Tyrone 3 Community Benefit Fund
Tyrone 3 Community Benefit Fund
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Voices from the Frontline
Voices from the Frontline
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Henry Moore Foundation Accepting Applications for Autumn 2024 Funding Round
Henry Moore Foundation Accepting Applications for Autumn 2024 Funding Round
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BGF Foundation Invites UK Charities Working with Young People to Apply for a Partnership Grant
BGF Foundation Invites UK Charities Working with Young People to Apply for a Partnership Grant
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WCIT Charity Accepting Applications for IT4Good Grants Programme
WCIT Charity Accepting Applications for IT4Good Grants Programme
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Paul Hamlyn Foundation's Arts Fund Opens for UK Applications
Paul Hamlyn Foundation's Arts Fund Opens for UK Applications
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Young Gamechangers Fund Accepting Applications for 2024 Funding Round
Young Gamechangers Fund Accepting Applications for 2024 Funding Round
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Small Change Big Difference® Fund
Small Change Big Difference® Fund
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Northern Ireland - Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme
Northern Ireland - Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme
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Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline Fund to Open 5 November 2024
Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline Fund to Open 5 November 2024
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Kellogg’s School Breakfast Clubs Grant Programme Opens for Second 2024 Funding Round
Kellogg’s School Breakfast Clubs Grant Programme Opens for Second 2024 Funding Round
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Foyle Foundation Small Grants Scheme to Close 31 January 2025
Foyle Foundation Small Grants Scheme to Close 31 January 2025
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Funding for Projects to Help Visually Impaired People
Funding for Projects to Help Visually Impaired People
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Small Charities Can Apply Soon for Core Funding to Support Young People, Disadvantaged Families, Prisoners
Small Charities Can Apply Soon for Core Funding to Support Young People, Disadvantaged Families, Prisoners
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Peter Harrison Foundation’s Active Lives Grants Programme Reopens on 1 November
Peter Harrison Foundation’s Active Lives Grants Programme Reopens on 1 November
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Funding to Reuse and Recycle Small Household Electricals in the UK
Funding to Reuse and Recycle Small Household Electricals in the UK
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B&Q Foundation Opens for Final Funding Round of 2024
B&Q Foundation Opens for Final Funding Round of 2024
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Ards and North Down Borough Council Tourism Events and Festivals Fund
Ards and North Down Borough Council Tourism Events and Festivals Fund
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Free Equipment and Training for Sports Clubs in the Western Trust area
Free Equipment and Training for Sports Clubs in the Western Trust area
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Small Grants 2025-26 Tranche 1
Small Grants 2025-26 Tranche 1
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Community Support Grant Aid Programmes
Community Support Grant Aid Programmes
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Small Grants to Support Those in Need of a Safe and Secure Home
Small Grants to Support Those in Need of a Safe and Secure Home
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Funding to Help Disadvantaged Groups Improve their Communication Skills
Funding to Help Disadvantaged Groups Improve their Communication Skills
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Funding to Support New Housing Ideas Focused on Migration, Asylum and Human Trafficking
Funding to Support New Housing Ideas Focused on Migration, Asylum and Human Trafficking
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Capital Grants Fund
Capital Grants Fund
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Funding Available for Historic Building Repairs in Northern Ireland
Funding Available for Historic Building Repairs in Northern Ireland
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National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Launches New Strengthening Communities Programme
National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland Launches New Strengthening Communities Programme
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Northern Ireland Community Relations Core Funding Programme Accepting Applications
Northern Ireland Community Relations Core Funding Programme Accepting Applications
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Community Benefit Funds available for local projects that educate, raise awareness and demonstrate community involvement in work that promotes environmental issues and healthier lifestyles
Community Benefit Funds available for local projects that educate, raise awareness and demonstrate community involvement in work that promotes environmental issues and healthier lifestyles
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