Supporting Communities CEO Highlights Transformative Impact of Community Work at Annual Community Conference
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Colm McDaid, Addressing the Annnual Community Conference in Armagh
Armagh, 5th November – Colm McDaid, CEO of Supporting Communities, delivered a powerful address to community representatives from across Northern Ireland at the Housing Executive’s Annual Community Conference, emphasising the vital role of grassroots organisations in empowering society.
Speaking to a room full of Housing Community Network members, McDaid outlined Supporting Communities' achievements over the past year before turning to the deeper, personal, and societal impact of the organisation's work with community groups throughout Northern Ireland.
An Independent Voice for Communities
McDaid stressed the importance of Supporting Communities' position as an independent charity and honest broker, which enables the organisation to serve as a trusted partner in maintaining the network at every level – from grassroots initiatives across Northern Ireland to area, regional, and central levels.
"It’s not an easy role to fulfil - maintaining the trust of everyone involved, but our independence allows us to deliver on our message of empowering society," McDaid explained, highlighting how Supporting Communities creates lasting change.
Values in Action
Doury Road Harvest!
Illustrating his point with a photograph of volunteers at Doury Road Development Group's allotment harvest, McDaid reflected on the core goals that underpin SC's work: Trust, Value, and Community. He expressed pride in how the organisation delivers on all these fronts as a key strategic partner to the Housing Executive.
In a poignant personal moment, McDaid shared his own experience of growing up on a Housing Executive estate in Omagh during the 1970s. His pride in being part of that community, and in witnessing how it thrives today, reinforced his message about the lasting value of community development.
Measuring the Immeasurable
Karla Turner, SC Training Officer, with OCN Graduates at Cloona House
He concluded his address by showcasing recent graduates of Supporting Communities’ OCN Level 3 Community Development training. Each graduate, he noted, has their own success story that would not have been possible without our training and support.
"The future impact of getting a new job or going to university is immeasurable," McDaid stated, adding that one participant described the experience as "life-changing."
A Day of Inspiration and Best Practice
The half-day event, organised by a working group of Central Housing Forum members alongside Housing Executive and Supporting Communities staff, featured presentations of best practice from the following selected community groups across Northern Ireland:
Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group
Ardoyne Association
Galliagh Community Centre
Glenravel and District Community and Residents Association
Longstone Residents Association
Granaghan & District Women's Group
Attendees were also treated to inspirational talks from speakers who shared their journeys to success from humble beginnings. Paul McVeigh, a Belfast author, and Gerry McConville, Director of the Falls Community Council, both offered compelling insights into the power of community support and determination in achieving personal and collective goals.
The conference provided a valuable platform for Housing Community Network members to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the impact of community development work across Northern Ireland.
The Theme of the Conference was ’Your Voice, Your Community’
