Setting Up A Community Group

ARE YOU THINKING OF FORMING A COMMUNTIY ASSOCIATION?

Community Development is a process that encourages…………

‘ LOCAL PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE CHANGE’

Benefits of a Community Association!!

1. Collective Community Voice

Allows people living within a geographical area or with a common interest to come together to identify their own needs and raise issues of concern in areas such as;

• Housing
• Environmental
• Social
• Economic

Act as one voice and liaise with a wide range of organisations such as;

• Lisburn City Council
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive
• Down Lisburn Trust
• Roads Service etc.

2. To build and improve a sense of community spirit within a local community

• Promote a happier and more sustained community
• Promote the opportunity for people to build relationships with their neighbours
• Provision of social activities that bring people together.

3. Access funding to develop and implement projects based on community need.

A constituted community group can develop projects based on community need and apply for and access funding to implement these.  Examples of community projects include;

• Community Fun-Days/Festivals
• Provision of information sessions on health, housing, & Other issues
• The development of a Community Office/House
• Youth Clubs
• Playgroups
• Community Garden Schemes
• Community Play Areas

4. Input into how Public organisations deliver their services;

• Housing Community Network
• Consultation Days
• Local Lobbying/National Lobbying
• Linking with other voluntary organisations i.e Lisburn Community Forum, Lisburn Network etc.

WHAT IS NEEDED?

For a community group to operate successfully it needs;

• Community Support
• Volunteer Involvement
• Constitution
• Management Committee
• Support & Advice

WHO CAN HELP?