Our History
Started in 1999 North Down Community Network exists to help people to help themselves. Our vision is that communities in Bangor and the wider North Down area should be safe, peaceful, diverse, inclusive, flourishing and economically vibrant – thus making the area one in which people want to live.
To do this, we act as a focal point for the community and for community and voluntary sector organisations in North Down.
NDCN is dedicated to building a strong foundation for the community and voluntary sector in North Down, ensuring everyone feels included and empowered. 🌟
We focus on providing the essential infrastructure that local groups need to thrive. This means offering resources and support that enable these groups to organise, connect, and sustain their vital work. By creating a solid framework, we ensure that community initiatives have the necessary tools to make a real impact. Alongside this, we offer practical training in skills like tech and management, helping individuals grow both personally and professionally.
Our mission extends to passionate community advocacy, especially for underrepresented and marginalised groups, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. We run youth programmes designed to build life skills and confidence, helping young people shine. Moreover, we advocate for systemic changes that address the needs of those often overlooked, securing funding for community projects, facilitating wellness programmes, and fostering collaboration among local groups.
- Provide vital infrastructure support for local groups to succeed and connect.
- Empower young people with skills and opportunities to flourish.
- Advocate for underrepresented communities, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
- Encourage collaboration and build a strong sense of community.
Our Activities
NDCN engages in a range of regular projects and activities, including the following:
Community Development – we develop structures at a local level to empower new and existing community groups. We help with Charity Commission registration, Access NI checks, good governance, and with funding and sustainability support.
Capacity Building / Skills Training – assisting local groups to increase their skill base and develop strong, confident communities through community-based learning.
Health Promotion – we provide a series of programmes for local communities aimed at improving health and emotional wellbeing, from sewing to singing, art to creative writing - there’s something for everyone.
Collaboration & Good Relations – we develop joint initiatives between communities and groups to build genuine and trusting relationships to do good things for people and their communities.
Networking & Good Practice Exchange – we bring local communities together and provide opportunities to network, build working relationships, share good practice and provide information on relevant topics to the community, voluntary and statutory sectors.
Marketing & promotion – we provide an essential service in the dissemination information via NDCN’s fortnightly ezines, website, Facebook and Instagram.
Signposting and Support - via phone, email, and people calling in, we signpost people onto help, support, and services based on their needs.
Sharing Resources – if we have something that is useful, information, training, space or any other resource, we want to share it for the benefit of others and we do.