Community Support

Whether you’re starting a new community group or you’re already up and running, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Community Services team is here to help. Below you will find informtion on setting up and running a group; council grants; Community Arts and Good Relations.

The Community Group Kit Bag

This Kit Bag covers everything a group needs to set up and develop a community organisation. Below are links to 'How to Guides' on topics such as governance, finance, policies and procedures, project planning and more.

  1. Governance
  2. Annual General Meetings
  3. Committee Meetings
  4. Management Committee Legal Structures and Charitable Status
  5. Managing Finance
  6. Policies, Procedures, Insurance and Working with children and vulnerable adults
  7. Human Resources
  8. Representation and Community Engagement
  9. Funding and Investment
  10. Strategy and Action Plans
  11. Project Plans
  12. Evaluation Techniques
  13. Setting up Admin Systems
  14. Presentation Skills
  15. Monitoring and Evaluation
  16. Event Planning and Risk Assessment

Grant Funding and Support

New and existing community groups can apply for funding to develop projects for the benefit of local communities, groups and individuals. Each year, grants programmes are available through the Council's Community Services Unit.  Please click here to check out the current grants available

ISLAND Community Arts

To find out more about ISLAND Arts Centre and its community arts programme, which includes training, project opportunities, funding, and bursaries please click here.

For more information on any aspect of arts in your community, please contact either:

Lesley Wilson or Caroline Reid, Community Arts Officers, on 028 9244 7452 or email: lesley.wilson@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk  or lynda.mccord@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Good Relations

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council aims to build good relations amongst its citizens by means of the delivery of a Good Relations Programme which addresses local need. This will be affected through the active involvement of elected members, council officers, relevant agencies and local citizens to implement a programme that is underpinned by the principles of equity, diversity and interdependence.

For further information on programmes and training please email: community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 028 9244 7713.