by Sandra Quigg

Sandra (in the middle) receives flowers from her Supporting Communities Colleagues, Gillian and Sharleen

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a three-week placement with Supporting Communities. This experience has been truly eye-opening and enriching, providing me with a deeper understanding of the vital role that community organisations play in fostering inclusivity and collaboration.

During my placement, I was actively involved in various projects aimed at enhancing community cohesion. One of the highlights was participating in meetings where different community groups shared their perspectives and had their voices heard. This reminded me of the value of inclusivity and collaboration that I took away from the community cohesion strategy meeting in Waterside shared Village Derry. Seeing so many diverse voices come together to build a stronger community was truly inspiring.

Throughout my time, I had the privilege of meeting several different community groups and learning about their backgrounds and future plans. I also attended HCN meetings, which provided a platform for various community representatives to discuss their initiatives and challenges. It was fascinating to see the wide range of projects being undertaken and the passion driving these groups.

Gillian and Sandra meeting with Billy Ellis at millburn Community Association

I worked closely with community leaders and volunteers, learning about the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they implement to address these issues. From organising local events to creating support networks for vulnerable groups, every initiative was driven by genuine desire to make a positive impact.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my placement was witnessing the tangible outcomes of our efforts. Whether it was a successful community event or the establishment of a new support group, each achievement reinforced the importance of working together towards common goals. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable, and it was a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team.

One memorable experience was attending a Service Level Agreement meeting in Twickenham House with the Housing Executive. This meeting gave me a deeper understanding of the frameworks and agreements that support the delivery of community services. It was enlightening to see how these agreements are structured and the impact they have on local communities.

I also had the chance to participate in a good practice day out in Glenarm with groups from Ballymena. This day was all about sharing best practices and learning from each other’s successes and challenges. It was a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights into effective community work.

In Armagh for the launch of a new Ark Housing development

Another highlight was attending the launch of shared housing for all in Armagh with Ark Housing Association. This event showcased the importance of creating inclusive housing solutions that cater to diverse community needs. It was inspiring to see the collaborative efforts that go into developing such projects and the positive impact they have on residents.

In addition to hands-on experience, I also gained valuable insights into the administrative and strategic aspects of community work. From drafting proposals to managing resources, I learned about the behind-the-scenes efforts that are crucial for the success of any community group. I learned a great deal about how Supporting Communities help with funding groups and what is offered. From grant applications to resource management, the support provided by Supporting Communities is crucial in enabling local groups to achieve their goals. Understanding the financial and logistical aspects of community work was invaluable and highlighted the importance of sustainable funding.

Visiting volunteers at Cranlough Community Association

As I reflect on my time with Supporting Communities, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and experience I have gained. This placement has not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my commitment to supporting and uplifting communities. I am excited to continue contributing to this important work and to carry forward the lessons I have learned.

Thank you to everyone at Supporting Communities for making this experience so memorable and impactful. I look forward to seeing the continued positive changes that our collective efforts will bring.

About the author:

Sandra is currently doing an apprenticeship within the Housing Executive as part of the Housing Customer Support Apprentice Programme. She says she is “passionate about making a positive impact in the community, which is why I wanted to do a placement at Supporting Communities. This experience has allowed me to develop my community engagement and support skills, and I am committed to continuing this important work.”

Sandra started her career in housing in the Housing Executive’s grants office and then became a Patch Manager. When the Housing Customer Service Programme came up, she jumped at the chance to learn more.

Sandra told us, “This apprenticeship has been an incredible opportunity, providing me with a solid foundation and extensive knowledge in housing. The experience and opportunities I’ve gained through this course have been amazing and have opened doors that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

I plan to continue building my career within the Housing Executive. My goal is to leverage the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to take on more significant roles in community support and housing management. I am committed to making a lasting impact in the community and am excited about future opportunities this field holds.”

We were thrilled to have Sandra with us this summer and wish her the best of luck in her career. She’s definitely going places!