Cookstown and Magherafelt Volunteer Centre were awarded a grant by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI) under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Specifically the grant was awarded under Measure 2.7 Building Community Capacity and Promoting Active Citizenship. This measure is part funded by the European Regional development Fund (ERDF) and the UK Government.

Purpose of the grant

The grant was offered to enable the Volunteer Centre to deliver a Reach for the Stars II programme which was offered through two strands:

A 12 week training course to include personal development, money management, keeping well, cultural identity/good relations, community development and winning new jobs.

The programme was designed for individuals who lack confidence and self-esteem for whatever reason, and for adult returnees to employment who lack interview and job search skills. It aims to promote self-confidence, explore cultural diversity, and encourage participants to become involved in their local community, promote a healthy lifestyle, enhance their knowledge of handling personal income and help them plan for the future.

A capacity building/mentoring initiative with local community and voluntary groups, which will focus on volunteering, help for groups to apply for funding, and training groups in good governance.

The programme was designed for leaders in local voluntary and community groups that felt they could benefit by increasing their skills and knowledge to enable them to be more effective in their groups.

For more information about the Reach for the Stars programme please see attached publications

Publications