Big changes ahead for community and voluntary sector

Addressing the conference as guest speaker was Roger Courtney, a specialist in strategic planning and author on governance and fundraising.

Roger’s talk was very well received, being straightforward, and motivational. Another speaker was Frank McGlone whose area of expertise is tendering, a source of income which is becoming more open to voluntary groups.

The conference hosted a series of workshops on new charities legislation, improving fundraising strategies and intergenerational working. Additional workshops were facilitated by Big Lottery and Children in Need.

The workshops were designed to address topical issues facing the community and voluntary sector in Coleraine.

Charities will witness a new change this year with the launch new of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, and with new charity legalisation and regulations on the way.

Roy McGivern from the Commission gave an informed presentation on the changes.

The workshop on intergenerational projects was organised to highlight the growing issue of population rise, particularly in those aged over 50, That age group is expected to rise by 37 percent in the next 20 years which means that projects which bridge the age gap will be necessary.

A wide spectrum of representatives from charities, community and voluntary groups from the Coleraine Borough attended the conference and even though they found changes in the next decade challenging, now feel more equipped to meet them.

CRUN is now well established with 10 years experience working with community groups in the area, and was pleased to have organised this relevant conference for the community sector with the support of Coleraine Borough Council.

If want to find out more about work the of CRUN contact them on 70344934 or go to www.crun.org