Supporting Communities NI

"S.C.N.I.'s Champions Community Participation by Developing Groups, Supporting Active Citizenship and Building Cohesive Communities". (Mission Statement September 2007)

S.C.N.I. adopts a 'grass roots' self help approach to Community Development by providing support, advice, information and training to new and existing Community/Residents Groups, Statutory and Voluntary organisations.

INFORMATION/ADVICE
S.C.N.I. provides information to the community in a number of ways. S.C.N.I.'s quarterly Routes magazine highlights Good Practice in Community Development and keeps the community up to date on policy changes which may affect them.

In addition S.C.N.I. has a range of Factsheets offering useful tips, advice and guidance on a broad spectrum of topics covering Housing, Environmental, Social and Economic issues. S.C.N.I. also has a comprehensive information bank available to Community Groups. Information and advice is provided to communities via the specialist expertise of S.C.N.I. staff on the ground.

This support can range from helping a group become constituted right through to assisting with various economic, environmental, social and housing projects.

POLICY

S.C.N.I. assists relevant agencies to develop policies on models of Community Participation. In addition, S.C.N.I. provides informed responses to policies and consultation documents based on feedback from the community.

GOOD PRACTICE 

S.C.N.I. encourages the sharing of Community Development experiences from Community, Voluntary and Statutory Organisations highlighting Models of Good Practice.

TRAINING  

S.C.N.I. offers training to Community Groups and staff from Statutory and Voluntary agencies. Training is available in the form of:

- One to one practical training (as and when required)

- Short skilled based training

- Accredited courses

- Tailor made packages to suit residential/one or two day courses

In December 2006 S.C.N.I. won a National Training Award in recognition of the high standard of training delivered to the community.

S.C.N.I. has information and computer packages available on funding bodies including trusts, companies, business, government departments, local councils and European sources. In addition S.C.N.I. provides:

- Funding Factsheets

- Funding Enquiry Service

- Monthly Funding Bulletin and regular funding updates

ADMINISTRATION

In addition to providing an administrative service to S.C.N.I. staff, S.C.N.I. also assist external groups as resources permit and administrates for all areas of the Housing Community Network.

HOUSING COMMUNITY NETWORK (H.C.N.)

In partnership with N.I.H.E., S.C.N.I. has established a formal Housing Community Network. This unique structure ensures that residents will have meaningful involvement with N.I.H.E. at District, Area and Central (Policy) level throughout Northern Ireland.