Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is committed to helping empower local community and voluntary organisations within the council area.
To support the development of sustainable community and voluntary organisations, a Community Development Training Calendar has been organised with a range of free courses available for volunteers and members of local organisations.
Our key aim is to help build capacity and skills in community development practice. Community Development Officers can also provide tailored, bespoke training packages to community/voluntary groups on request, in areas such as good governance, successful fundraising and completing funding applications.
Community Development Training
September 2025 to March 2026
Name of Training |
Details |
Dates/Times |
Venue |
|
| Social Media Skills Made Easy | Learn essential social media skills to promote your community group and engage your audience. This covers a range of topics including understanding the platforms, creating and planning content, understanding results/analytics, and exploring paid advertising options. Perfect for community leaders and volunteers looking to maximise their social media impact and grow their online presence. |
Wednesday 10th September 2025, 6.30pm to 9.00 pm |
Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR |
Book now |
| Every Day Sign Language for Community Groups – Taster Programme | This 4 week introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) course is designed especially for community groups who want to communicate more inclusively. It will explore simple greetings to start conversations, how to finger spell the alphabet and counting and telling the time in BSL No experience needed — just come along and enjoy learning a new way to connect with your community. |
Wednesday 17th September 2025 through to Wednesday 8th October, 7.00pm to 8.00 pm (must attend all 4 weeks) |
Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn, BT28 1XP |
Book now |
| First Aid Training (Certified) | A certified course covering roles and responsibilities of an emergency first aider; assessing and managing incidents and how to treat injuries. On completion participants will receive the Emergency First Aid at Work certificate – valid for 3 years and recognised by HSENI. |
Tuesday 23rd September and Tuesday 30th September 2025, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm (must attend both dates) |
Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn, BT28 1XP | Book now |
| Fire Warden Safety Training (Certified) | This certified course is suitable for anyone who will be taking on the role of fire warden in their organisation and has a duty to take charge and guide others to safety in the case of a fire. It includes a practical demonstration using fire extinguishers and their appropriate use and evacuation procedures. On completion learners will receive a certificate valid for 3 years. |
Wednesday 8th October 2025, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm |
St Clare’s Community Hall 55 Chapel Rd, Glenavy, BT29 4LX | Book now |
| Defibrillator Training | To mark Restart a Heart Day, this defibrillator training session will raise awareness of cardiac arrest and promote the learning of CPR, equipping individuals with essential lifesaving skills and the confidence to use them. | Thursday 16th October 2025, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm |
Anahilt Primary School 248 Ballynahinch Rd, Hillsborough, BT26 6BP | Book now |
| Completing Funding Applications | Our Community Development Officers will guide you through each stage of the funding application process, sharing practical tips to help you complete applications for a range of funders successfully. You will gain insider advice, real-life examples and practical techniques to help your applications stand out. | Wednesday 5th November 2025, 7.00pm to 9.00 pm |
Moneyreagh Community Centre, 36A Church Road, Castlereagh, BT23 6BB | Book now |
| Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Level 2 (Certified) | Safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility – but it takes the right knowledge, skills, and confidence to do it well. This practical, interactive training will equip you with the tools to recognise concerns early, respond appropriately, and work within legal and organisational frameworks. Drawing on real case reviews and current research, it offers essential learning for anyone whose role brings them into contact with children, young people, or families. | Wednesday 19th November 2025, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm |
Committee Room, Loughmoss Community Centre, Hillsborough Rd, Carryduff, Belfast, BT8 8HR | Book now |
| Learning Disability Awareness Training | To mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this MENCAP training will provide an overview of what a learning disability is and explore the barriers people with a learning disability may experience. It explains the common misconceptions and stigmas and how to communicate effectively with people who have a learning disability. |
Wednesday 3rd December 2025, 6.00pm to 8.00 pm |
Children’s Workshop, Island Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL | Book now |
| Annual Reporting for Charities | This practical session will guide you through the essential steps of completing and submitting your annual reports to the Charity Commission. Learn what to include in your Annual Monitoring Return, with clear explanations tailored to your charity’s size and structure. We will explore common mistakes, demonstrate how to use the online system, and offer tips on maintaining good governance and record-keeping throughout the year. |
Monday 8th December 2025, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm |
Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway St, Lisburn, BT28 1XP | Book now |
| Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Level 2 (Certified) | Safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility – but it takes the right knowledge, skills, and confidence to do it well. This practical, interactive training will equip you with the tools to recognise concerns early, respond appropriately, and work within legal and organisational frameworks. Drawing on real case reviews and current research, it offers essential learning for anyone whose role brings them into contact with children, young people, or families. | Wednesday 14th January 2026, 6.00pm to 9 .00 pm |
Maghaberry Community Centre, Maghaberry Rd, Craigavon, BT67 0JG | Book now |
| First Aid Training (Certified) |
A certified course covering roles and responsibilities of an emergency first aider; assessing and managing incidents and how to treat injuries. On completion participants will receive the Emergency First Aid at Work certificate – valid for 3 years and recognised by HSENI. |
Monday 9th and Monday 16th February 2026, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm (must attend both dates) |
Ballybeen Women’s Centre, 34 Ballybeen Square, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 2QE | Book now |
| Designated Safeguarding Officer Level 3 (Certified) | This training focuses on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil the role of Designated Safeguarding Officer. Participants will develop confidence and competence in carrying out their responsibilities, including recognising abuse and reporting concerns. *Participants are required to have completed a level 2 safeguarding certification prior to commencing DSO training. |
Monday 2nd February, 2026, 6.00pm to 9.00 pm |
Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway St, Lisburn, BT28 1XP | Book now |
| Food Hygiene Level 2 (Certified) |
This accredited course is ideal for anyone handling or preparing food as part of a voluntary or community role. Course content includes food safety legislation, personal hygiene, cross-contamination, temperature control, cleaning practices, and proper food storage. On completion learners will receive a certificate valid for 3 years. |
Thursday 5th February 2026, 5.00pm to 9.00 pm |
Ballymacash Community Centre, Rathvarna Drive, Lisburn, BT28 2UX | Book now |
| Committee Training – Roles and Responsibilities | This training will explore the roles and responsibilities relevant to the committee of a community group. The session will provide an outline of governance issues and help participants develop their ability in key areas of policy and procedure. It will outline the duties of each of the office bearers and participants will also get access to our new Community Group Health Check. |
Wednesday 4th March 2026, 6.30pm to 8.30 pm |
Room 6, Laganview Enterprise Centre, 69 Drumbeg Drive, Lisburn, BT28 1NY | Book now |
Booking terms and conditions
Places on the courses are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Spaces will be limited to a maximum of two people per organisation.
Places must be booked and confirmed by emailing community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 028 9244 7713. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when booking.
Cancellations by organisations should be done via email at least 2 working days prior to the date of the course. Non-attendance will be recorded and considered when assessing booking further training opportunities.
If you need this document in another format or language, please email community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 028 9244 7713.