Action Group News - June Edition
- benmcgurk
- Jun 3
- 7 min read
Welcome to the latest edition of ROCNI's Action Group News!
June is here - and with it comes the promise of summer, sunshine (here's hoping!), and a season full of community connection. This month also marks Volunteers’ Week, and we want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives their time and energy to ROC’s work across Northern Ireland. Whether you're involved in School Uniform Projects, Action Groups, or one of our many other community initiatives, your dedication is what makes it all possible - and we’re so grateful.
In May, we wrapped up the Community Safety Project Can Do programme in North Belfast and had the privilege of hosting a Civic Reception at Parliament Buildings to celebrate anniversary. We also received some exciting funding news that will help us launch new projects and expand our reach in the year ahead.
Keep scrolling for all the latest updates, inspiring stories, and ways to stay connected with ROCNI’s work in your community.
Thank you again for your continued support of ROC's work in Northern Ireland.
With thanks
The ROCNI Team
ROCNI Marks 13 Years with Civic Reception at Stormont
On Friday, 9th May, ROC Northern Ireland celebrated a major milestone - its 13th anniversary - with a special Civic Reception hosted in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate. The event marked not only a moment of reflection on past achievements but also a bold launch of new community initiatives aimed at meeting today’s evolving needs.
The Civic Reception brought together an inspiring mix of church leaders, community partners, statutory agencies, funders, and supporters, creating a dynamic networking opportunity that highlighted the strength of collaboration. The event was officially opened by North Belfast MLA and event sponsor, Phillip Brett, who offered a warm and wholehearted endorsement of ROC’s impactful work in his constituency over the years.
During the keynote address Keeva looked back at ROC’s journey and ahead to its future. “Many doubted ROC would take off in Northern Ireland,” she said, “but here we are entering the ‘teenage years’.” She continued, “As needs in our communities have changed, so has ROC’s work. From the Covid-19 pandemic to the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis and other global challenges, ROCNI has continued to adapt, launching new programmes to foster resilience, wellbeing, and community safety.”
A central theme throughout the reception was the power of partnership. Guests heard first-hand from participants, community leaders, and statutory partners involved in ROC’s ‘Project Can Do’ initiatives - programmes tackling health, wellbeing, and safety through collaboration and innovation. The event also marked the official launch of the 2025 ROC School Uniform Project, with at least 10 initiatives planned across Greater Belfast this summer – all aimed at supporting families during challenging times.
The Civic Reception concluded with a call to action, urging guests to support ROC’s expanding network of community-driven initiatives. Conversations continued over tea and some delicious danish pastries, rounding off a morning of celebration, connection, and shared purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, especially Phillip Brett MLA for sponsoring the event and to those who continue to champion ROC’s work in Northern Ireland. Here's to the next chapter in our journey together.
Compassion in Action - ROC School Uniform Project 2025
We’re excited to kick off ROCNI’s School Uniform Project 2025 this month, and we’re partnering with churches and community groups in ten areas across Greater Belfast to support families feeling the pressure of rising costs.
If you have outgrown but good-quality school uniforms gathering dust at home, now’s the perfect time to give them a new life. We're collecting pre-loved items for nursery, primary, and post-primary schools, including:
Branded uniform items (blazers, sweatshirts, polo shirts, jumpers, ties, PE kits)
Generic items (shirts, trousers, skirts, pinafores)
Extras like children’s coats, school bags, and stationery
Please make sure all donations are clean and in good condition - your giving could make a big difference to another family in your community.
Where and when to donate?
Keep an eye on the ROCNI website and our social media channels over the coming weeks for up-to-date information on donation points and how you can get involved.
Your support can make a real difference - helping families across Greater Belfast and giving every child the best possible start to the new school year.
Fundraising Update from Amy
May has been another busy month for Fundraising at ROCNI, coming to a close with our first Coffee Morning Fundraiser. Huge thanks to Alexandra Presbyterian Church for hosting us - we had a fantastic time catching up with supporters, meeting new faces and enjoying a hot drink and a bun (or two!). All your donations will make a real difference in helping us to support the School Uniform projects as we head into the summer months.
We also have some other exciting funding news to share. We are delighted to have received the support of the John Gray Community Assistance Programme for our Bangor School Uniform Project. Partnership with Orchardville and Ards and North Down Borough Council, this support from John Gray will enable us to create promotional materials to publicise our first ever School Uniform Project in Bangor!
And hot off the press, this month we received the great news that we have got funding from Awards for All for the ROC Reconnect Programme, which will be supporting Action Groups in Ballybeen, Ballyclare, Glengormley and Larne. If you are part of one of these Action Groups, keep an eye out for more information coming at the end of the summer!
ROCNI are also part of a PEACEPLUS Interfaith and Belief Project who have received three years of funding to do an extensive piece of interfaith work. This is a hugely exciting project for us all at ROC as we work together to build safer, stronger and kinder communities. This Project is launching in June, and if you would like to come along to the launch and learn more about it, keep reading!
Thank you again for all of your ongoing support of ROCNI. We have continued to receive support and donations from our Small Gift, Big Change Campaign - thank you to all who have got behind this campaign, and don't worry if you missed it - you are still able to donate!
This event will be held in person at Belfast City Hall, Banqueting Hall. We thank Belfast City Council for their kind generosity for the use of City Hall.
Corrymeela in partnership with the Northern Ireland Interfaith Forum, Redeeming Our Communities NI (ROCNI) and the Belfast Islamic Centre were awarded £304,564.00 by Belfast City Council's Local Community Action Plan supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programme Body (SEUPB) to deliver the Interfaith and Belief Programme, city wide. The aim of which is to build, improve and sustain relationships between and within communities of different faiths and beliefs by addressing issues of trust, prejudice and intolerance and building mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good.
Join us at the launch of this pioneering interfaith and belief programme on 16th June. This is a ticketed event, please register and come along to find out how you can be part of this project and make a difference in our shared city.
Volunteers’ Week returns this week after reaching its 40th anniversary last year. From 2 to 8 June 2025, we will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.
Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK whilst also fostering connections and celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.
We are thankful for all who give their to volunteer for ROCNI - whether as personal shoppers at one of our School Uniform or Winter Coat Projects; a prayer intercessor or fundraiser; or have volunteered in previous years as a ROC Mentor or Befriender. Volunteers' Week is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make to our charity and communities.
Volunteers’ Week is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, a partnership between Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland. For more details on Volunteers' Week and volunteering resources, check out Volunteer Now website.
Celebrating the Success of Community Safety Project Can Do
Last week marked the conclusion of ROC North Belfast’s Community Safety Project Can Do! - an initiative focused on promoting safety and connection across North Belfast. The programme wrapped up on a high note with two Community Safety Fairs, drawing over 110 residents who came together to share practical ways to stay safe at home, in the community, and online.
These events were more than just informative - they were interactive experiences. Attendees explored exhibition zones filled with information stands offering expert advice, useful resources, and plenty of giveaways. A highlight for many was the opportunity to hear directly from the PSNI’s Neighbourhood Officers, who led engaging sessions and answered community questions while sharing vital safety insights.
A heartfelt thank you goes to St Michael’s Church of Ireland and the McDonald Centre at Seaview Stadium for not only hosting these events but also for treating our guests to tasty refreshments!
Launched in partnership with the PSNI’s North Belfast Neighbourhood Police Team, the Project Can Do programme has been on the go since September, delivering nine interactive, five-week sessions in schools and community groups. Over 100 parents and grandparents took part, diving into workshops - often kicked off with breakfast - on topics ranging from online safety to creating safer homes and communities.
We’re incredibly thankful to all the schools and groups who welcomed us: Currie Primary School, Seaview Primary School, Lowwood Primary School, Ballysillan Primary School, Ligoniel Primary School, Harmony Primary School, St Michael’s Church of Ireland, The Hive at Shankill Methodist Church, and the Healthy Living Group at the Vine Centre. Your enthusiasm made this journey a real success!
Special appreciation goes to the dedicated PSNI Neighbourhood Officers who went the extra mile - adjusting shifts, answering countless questions, and helping to build stronger confidence in policing.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to the Northern Ireland Police Property Fund for their generous funding, which made this entire project and the powerful community connections it created possible.
Have your say!
We’re currently developing a new set of ROC resources designed to support ROC Projects, Action Groups and community leaders like you. Before we launch the different programmes, we’d love to hear from you.
Could you take a few minutes to fill out this short survey?
It’ll help us understand what matters most to you - your needs, ideas, and what kind of support would really help you thrive in your community work.
👉 Survey link: https://forms.gle/BpXVc4jzaHb71nWRA
Your insight will directly shape the next phase of ROC’s training and resource programme. Thanks so much for your time and everything you do for your community.
Join us for the 2025 ROC National Conference: Go Together, a transformational event designed to equip churches and Christian-led organisations to hear God's heart and serve their communities effectively.
📅 Date: Thursday 20th - Friday 21st November
📍Venue: High Leigh Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8SG
🎟️Tickets: £50 - £175 (Includes accommodation & meals)
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