Ritchie launches best practice manual for Voluntary and Community groups

The Department for Social Development has launched a Community Capacity Building Manual for Northern Ireland.

The manual is a collection of best practice case studies showcasing the work of voluntary and community groups across Northern Ireland.

Speaking about the manual, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome the publication of this Capacity Building Manual sponsored by my department. As Minister for Social Development I recognise the enormous contribution that community-based organisations make to their local areas. I am sure this manual will support and contribute to the work of meeting local need and fostering stronger, more sustainable communities. I believe that the manual will complement the work already taking place, particularly through Neighbourhood Renewal and the Areas at Risk Programme to build capacity within the most disadvantaged communities in the North.”

The Capacity Building Manual is for use by anyone involved in community development - from those just starting out - through to the more experienced organisation. It highlights the diverse achievements of 20 local community groups in the fields of community capacity building, community leadership and organisational development.

The manual was funded by the Department’s Voluntary and Community Unit and was produced by a steering group of voluntary and community sector organisations.

The Capacity Building Manual is available on the Department for Social Development website at: www.dsdni.gov.uk/vcni-community-capacity-building.pdf(1MB). Hard copies can be obtained by contacting Business Support Unit, Voluntary and Community Unit, 3rd Floor, Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JB. Telephone: 028 9082 9430.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Community Capacity Building manual was produced by a partnership comprising Community Change, Stakeholder Development Ltd., Rural Community Network, Learning for Change Consultancy, Foyle Women’s Information Network, Mount Vernon Community Development Association and DSD’s Voluntary and Community Unit.
2. The Neighbourhood Renewal strategy aims to close the ‘quality of life’ gap between the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods, as identified using the New Noble Multiple Deprivation Measure, and the rest of society.
3. The Areas at Risk Pilot Programme identifies and intervenes in areas at risk of slipping into a spiral of decline. DSD works with a range of partners to support these communities that feel neglected or isolated, in order to build confidence and a sense of belonging.
4. For further news media information contact the DSD Press Office tel. 028 9082 9078 or 07970 976894. Out-of-office hours the Executive Information Service Duty Press Officer on 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.