Welcome to the September edition of ROCNI's Action Group News!
The summer holidays have passed, schools are back, and autumn is approaching. A new season is upon us as the weather cools (though did it ever truly warm up?), leaves start to change colour, and the nights grow longer. Yet, September brings with it the spirit of fresh starts, opening the door to new possibilities and a sense of renewed hope.
At ROC Northern Ireland, we're embracing this new season with the launch of the Winter Coat Project 2024, a new health and wellbeing Project Can Do programme in Ballyclare, and introducing a community safety-themed Project Can Do programme for primary schools in North Belfast. Scroll down for our latest news and opportunities to get involved in ROC's work in Northern Ireland. Thank you for your continued support as we seek to 'empower people of goodwill to work together for safer, stronger communities'.
Join our brand new Whatsapp Community Group Chat to find out regular information about ongoing projects across Northern Ireland!
This summer, the ROC School Uniform Project directly supported 900+ children and young people across Greater Belfast - this is the equivalent of 3 Primary Schools!
Thank you to all who supported this initiative. We are blown away by the generosity of families, schools and businesses who donated uniform items. For volunteers who gave their time as personal shoppers, offering a warm welcome and helping ease the burden for many. For the teams of volunteers from Orchardville as well as our corporate partners Danske Bank and DWF Law. Thank you to Alexandra Presbyterian Church, Belvoir and Milltown Community Hub, Christ Church Presbyterian Church, Dundonald Methodist Church, Eglinton Prebsyterian Church, Glengormley Methodist Church and the Salvation Army Citadel for providing your facilities to host our pop-up uniform shops. Thank you also to the BBC for showcasing the School Uniform Project through the Radio Ulster Good Morning Show and BBCNI website (5th Aug) and Radio Ulster The Lynette Fay Show (19th August).
The School Uniform Project is more than just distributing uniforms; it embodies true community spirit. It's about families helping each other, people of different ages and backgrounds volunteering their time, and caring for the environment. It's conducted with dignity and respect, with each person welcomed. Every year, parents, grandparents, foster carers, and support workers express their gratitude for this practical assistance. It's not just a handout; it's a helping hand extended to everyone.
ROC's Winter Coat Project is back! This community-driven initiative equips churches, schools, and community groups to offer practical support to those in their communities facing difficult times. Would you consider hosting a Winter Coat Project in your area?
In Northern Ireland, a warm coat is essential, yet the cost can be a significant burden on families already impacted by the ongoing cost of living crisis. Christians Against Poverty NI (CAPNI) noted in their 2022 'On The Edge' client report that '65% of their clients could not afford weather-appropriate clothing for themselves or their family.' In response, the ROC Winter Coat Project was initiated with 14 groups across Northern Ireland distributing over 3,000 coats, along with new hats, scarves, and gloves. The initiative continued into 2023, with nine groups handing out an additional 2,000 coats in local communities.
We are once again inviting community partners to host Winter Coat Projects throughout Northern Ireland. Whether it's through a community event, a pop-up shop, or simply making coats available, there are numerous ways to participate. For more information, please check out the Partner Information Pack provided below.
Project Can Do Ballyclare!
We're hosting our next health and wellbeing Project Can Do programme in Ballyclare. The five-week programme kickstarts on Monday 30th September in St John's Church of Ireland from 10am to 11.30am. Over the five weeks, we will explore the 'Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing' - Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give to Others and Take Notice with guest speakers, activities and resources to help enhance community connections and personal wellbeing.
Project Can Do Ballyclare is a free programme and open to all living in the Greater Ballyclare area. If you're in the area and interested in taking part, please register below. We're looking forward to working with St John's Church and are grateful to Impact Network NI for funding the programme.
ROC Webinar Resources
Did you miss our recent ROC Webinar? Fear not, we have uploaded the masterclasses onto ROC's online shop which you can download to watch at a time to suit you. Choose from 'Building Blocks to Community Transformation' and the topical 'Using AI for fundraising' - with more Masterclass videos coming soon.
We also have a range of helpful resources on our website to equip you and your team and churches with the skills they need for community transformation. Click here to find out more.
Save the Date for the next ROC Webinar on Thursday 3rd October at 10.30am when we'll explore opportunities for building community connections in the Winter season.
The last Friday of each month is 'Coffee & Connect' at the ROCNI Office (Vine Centre, 193 Crumlin Road, Belfast, BT14 7AA). It's a time set aside specifically for Action Group members, leaders, project volunteers, friends and supporters of ROC to join the team for a cuppa and chat as well as meet others connected to ROCNI.
Our next Coffee & Connect is happening on the 27th September. You will be very welcome to join us!
People of Goodwill
Are you an organisation based in Northern Ireland? Do you have a project you would like us to share? Then why not get in touch to be featured in our series!
To feature in our PEOPLE OF GOODWILL series. Contact us at benmcgurk@roc.uk.com or 02890351020
Organisation Highlight
Are you and your organisation interested in featuring in our monthly Action Group News?
Get in touch with us to find out how you can feature as our 'Organisation Highlight' each month!
Email: northernireland@roc.uk.com or 02890351020
We are very grateful for the supporters, trusts and funding bodies who have financially supported us since we launched in May 2012. Every generous gift has enabled us to grow and develop ROC's work in communities across Northern Ireland.
Like many community and voluntary sector groups, ROC has been impacted by funding budget cuts. There are a number of ways you, your church or group can help us...
Would you consider giving a one-off donation or a monthly gift to support our work here? Further details on how to make a donation, click the link below. Or could you host a fundraising event on our behalf...a coffee morning? a sponsored walk? a supermarket bag pack? Invite the ROC Team to speak about our work at your church groups or services! If you would like to get involved or have a fundraising idea, please contact the ROC Team for further details.
Finding the Peace Fund
In response to recent UK riots and protests, Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) and Welcome Churches have united to promote peace, healing, and reconciliation in affected areas. The 'Finding the Peace' partnership aims to show how love can overcome fear during these challenging times.
Together, we are launching collaborative projects that foster cross-cultural understanding and contribute to neighbourhood peace. These initiatives will include community listening, celebrations, and welcoming newcomers. As we rapidly develop the 'Finding the Peace' initiative, we seek support to help bridge divides and foster unity in our communities. Your generosity is crucial to helping more communities find lasting peace.
Gifts made to Stewardship in support of 'Finding the Peace Fund' will be split equally between ROC (roc.uk.com) and Welcome Churches (welcomechurches.org). Donor contact information will be shared with both charities, unless donors choose to support the initiative anonymously.
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