Write a comment
Clanrye Group has completed the NetWorx25 programme alongside nine other community organisations from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The programme, now in its second year, concluded this month with a final residential at Lustybeg Island Resort in Kesh, Co. Fermanagh.
Ten community-based organisations from seven counties took part in the project, which is managed by Community Finance Ireland in partnership with the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action and funded by the International Fund for Ireland. The programme focuses on local development, mentorship and networking, and is designed to support and strengthen social enterprises and community-focused organisations on both sides of the border.
Over the course of the programme, participating organisations took part in a structured series of development sessions and workshops supported by experienced business mentors. These covered areas including fundraising and financial planning, organisational development and strategic planning, social impact measurement, and digital skills such as social media and content marketing.
A central element of the programme was its focus on networking and community collaboration. Through residentials, workshops and peer-learning sessions, organisations had the opportunity to build relationships with groups from diverse backgrounds, including many that had little or no prior community engagement at a cross-border level. These interactions encouraged open dialogue, shared problem-solving and the identification of common challenges.
Liam Devine of Newry's Clanrye Group said: "The Networx25 Programme has been fantastic at connecting people and organisations between communities and within communities. It's given us the opportunity to explore cross border opportunities, particularly with groups that Clanrye as a larger organisation maybe sometimes lose sight of. It's been great to get down and talk to organisations at all levels to find out what the pressing issues are and if we can work in collaboration to combat those."
Clanrye Group provides programmes and services in the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area and the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area, delivering training and qualifications, health and wellbeing services and employment programmes.
Donal Traynor, CEO of Community Finance Ireland, said: "As we reach the end our NetWorx25 programme, I'd like to pay tribute to everyone who helped make this programme a huge success. The feedback from our participants has been incredibly positive. It's inspiring to see impact and mission focused organisations like our participants come together with passion and openness to develop, grow and give their very best to the communities they serve."
Mr Traynor added: "Over the course of the programme, our NetWorx25 participants have had the opportunities to make new connections, explore new ideas and build powerful collaborations. On behalf of Community Finance Ireland, I'd like to warmly thank all of our participant organisations, expert facilitators and programme manager Michael Mullin, for their hard work and dedication."
