Northern Area Community Network

03/06/2026

💙 Volunteer Week 2026 | Celebrating the People Behind Community Wellbeing 💙

As we mark Volunteer Week, we want to recognise and thank the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and compassion to supporting mental health and su***de prevention across the NACN area.
Over the past year, through the Mental Health & Su***de Prevention Community Development Project, communities have come together to build resilience, promote emotional wellbeing and create supportive environments where people can thrive.

These figures tell only part of the story. Behind every volunteer hour is a conversation, a listening ear, a community event, a support group or an activity that helps people feel connected and valued.

NACN, in partnership with the Public Health Agency and community networks across the Northern Area, is proud to support communities in delivering local programmes that promote positive mental health, resilience and emotional wellbeing as part of the Protect Life 2 Su***de Prevention Strategy.

The success of this work is driven by local people who step forward to make a difference. Your commitment helps strengthen communities, reduce isolation and create opportunities for people to support one another.

02/06/2026

The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is now open for applications. Portglenone Community Workshop & Mens Shed will be applying.
Full guidance notes and the online application is available via the link listed below.
NACN administer this grant on behalf of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs if you have any queries you should speak to us directly.
Make sure to follow us to hear about future grants first.

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grant-scheme-rmcgs-202627

01/06/2026

🌟 Volunteers' Week 2026 🌟

This Volunteers' Week, we want to recognise and celebrate the incredible volunteers at the heart of our member groups and communities across Northern Ireland.

Every day, volunteers give their time, energy, skills and compassion to support others, strengthen communities and make a real difference in people's lives. Community work simply wouldn't be possible without them.

At NACN, we believe it's important to say thank you and to give back throughout the year. That's why we've introduced our Give Back to Members monthly draw, offering practical opportunities for our member groups to enjoy activities that support wellbeing, connection and community participation.

Our June Give Back prize is a Chi-Me Wellbeing Session, designed to support relaxation, gentle movement and stress reduction, with light refreshments included.

✅ Open to all NACN member groups
✅ Winner selected at random
📅 Entries close 25th June 2026

Enter here - https://forms.gle/JwnHcJaMRUWBF8Pa8

Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected.

31/05/2026

A drop in session for anyone that needs some guidance on applying to Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme. Whether you are thinking of applying for the first time or need fresh ideas, then we can help. Register here - https://nacn.org/whats-on/

29/05/2026

The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is now open for applications. Cullybackey Community Partnership will be applying.
We have one pre application session still to deliver for anyone that needs further information or assistance, details in the comments below. Full guidance notes and the online application is available via the link listed.
NACN administer this grant on behalf of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs if you have any queries you should speak to us directly or attend one of the information sessions. Register here - https://nacn.org/whats-on/ or phone the office on 028 21772100.
Follow NACN to hear about future grants first.

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grant-scheme-rmcgs-202627

28/05/2026

The WINNER of our May Give Back is ...... 🥁🥁🥁🥁.
Keep an eye out for the Members June Giveback which will be opening soon

27/05/2026

The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is now open for applications. Robert Emmets Gac Cushendun will be applying.
We are delivering some pre application sessions for anyone that needs further information or assistance, details in the comments below. Full guidance notes and the online application is available via the link listed.
NACN administer this grant on behalf of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs if you have any queries you should speak to us directly or attend one of the information sessions. Register here - https://nacn.org/whats-on/ or phone the office on 028 21772100.
Follow our page for future funding opportunities, community grants, local events and support updates across the Northern Area.

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grant-scheme-rmcgs-202627
Daera NI Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

26/05/2026

John Moore Foundation fund small, grass roots and volunteer driven organisations that support those most in need. Therefore, we have arranged a session with them for Members to learn more and consider submitting an application. Book your space here - https://nacn.org/whats-on/ or phone the office on 02821772100.

25/05/2026

22/05/2026

The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is now open for applications. Steering Positive Minds will be applying.
We are delivering some pre application sessions for anyone that needs further information or assistance, details in the comments below. Full guidance notes and the online application is available via the link below. NACN administer this grant on behalf of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs if you have any queries you should speak to us directly or attend one of the information sessions. Register here - https://nacn.org/whats-on/ or phone the office on 028 21772100

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grants-scheme-rmcgs-202627
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs