Antrim and Newtownabbey welcomes Walking for All Launch to Inspire Health, Inclusion and Community

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has welcomed the announcement of a brand new ‘Walking for All’ programme. A major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape, launched on Friday 27 February 2026 at The Junction, Dungannon.

Supported by €7.5 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), ‘Walking for All’ will aim to engage over 14,000 people across rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties to engage in accessible, led walking activities.

Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces.

The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All will seek to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.

The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including 8 local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and 6 Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency are associate partners. Locally this project is being led by Bridie Kelly, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, who will support the development of these walking groups across the council area, working closely with local communities.

16 dedicated Walking for All Officers have already been recruited and will lead the programme as well as train Walk Leaders, supporting the creation of nearly 600 walking groups and engaging thousands in regular, social walks over the next three years.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: ‘I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project. WFA is not just about walking – it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.

This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community-led initiatives to inspire long-term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project”.

Minister Buttimer added: “This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”

Welcoming the announcement, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection. Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to long-term wellbeing across our region.”‑term wellbeing across our region.”

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape added: “Walking for All will enable people of all ages and abilities across NI and the border counties to ‘step out’ in supported, inclusive and welcoming walking groups. Rooted in rural communities, this landmark participation programme seeks to increase levels of physical activity, while addressing social isolation and loneliness amongst some members of our community. 

The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and support each other through walking and in shared appreciation of the outdoors.

Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships. This network of Walk Leaders will be responsible for delivering life-enhancing support to their communities in a fun and fulfilling role, leading a short, regular weekly walk near their home. Together with our partners, we’re excited to offer everyone the opportunity to walk together, make new friends and improve their health through Walking for All.”

Walking for All is a key priority for both governments across the island, supporting public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action.  Research shows that structured walking is one of the most cost-effective and inclusive ways to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and deepen people’s connection with nature, whilst strengthening community participation and cross-sector collaboration.

Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest speaking on the programme potential added;  “Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with Councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”

Welcoming the launch announcement, the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour said; “This initiative shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared purpose. Walking for All will bring lasting benefits to our rural communities, helping people feel more connected, supported and active as they enjoy the outdoors. We are delighted that Antrim and Newtownabbey will be at the heart of this important work. I would encourage people in our community to visit the Council’s website to find out more, antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/walking-for-all.”

Visit www.walkingforall.com for more information on becoming a Walk Leader or to find local walks.

AI Reshaping Startup Landscape as WeBuild Reopens for Women Founders Across Island

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping how tech startups are created, dramatically reducing build time and lowering traditional technical hurdles. 

As building a scalable digital product becomes faster, cheaper and less dependent on deep coding expertise and major funding, more women are seizing the opportunity to lead and build in tech.

In response, applications have reopened for the second cohort of WeBuild, the all-island programme delivered by TechFoundHer empowering women to innovate and to build tech-led solutions. The programme, which supports women founders across the island of Ireland, returns after strong demand for its inaugural intake in January.

Founded in Dublin in 2024 and launched in Belfast the same year, TechFoundHer provides training, community and cross-border networks for women building technology ventures. The first WeBuild cohort attracted more than 90 applications.

Now midway through the programme, participants are developing AI-enabled products aimed at international markets, moving from early concept to validated, revenue-focused ventures within months.

WeBuild is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund, with TechFoundHer as delivery partner.

The four month programme is designed for ambitious women founders developing innovation-led, tech-enabled businesses with global potential supporting those who are beyond the idea stage and already prototyping, testing or building products where technology is central.

WeBuild combines a 16-week core schedule delivered primarily online with in person labs across the island and an intensive two day Residential Build Lab. 

Founders focus on product development, AI integration, customer traction and funding, using GenAI and no code tools to accelerate validation and iteration. An Investor Readiness Clinic supports participants to refine their pitch and funding strategy and connect with investors across the island.

Women taking part in WeBuild are from across the island from Cork, Dublin and Galway to Belfast and L’Derry with ventures across digital health and medtech, education technology, creative and cultural tech, AI driven B2B platforms and social impact technologies. 

Entrepreneur Deirdre McCarthy, founder of FLIT.ie, is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the programme.

She said all women in tech with a great idea should: “Please please do yourself a favour and apply for this. It’s a place of safety where you can access really good humans with strong tech brains. You will learn from the other participants, who may be further along in some ways, as well as from the formal education sessions. Extremely accessible and welcoming environment, unique in Ireland.”

According to some participants the programme has been instrumental in accelerating product development, highlighting the strength of the peer network and access to experienced technical mentors.

Gemma Kingston, founder of The Family Edit explained: “The programme has been invaluable in the development of my business and brought it to stages that I could only have dreamed of in such a short space of time. The access to experts is unmatched.”

Programme creator Máirín Murray said the pace of technological change across the ecosystem means founders can no longer afford to wait

“AI and no-code tools are lowering barriers, but access to the right frameworks and expertise remains uneven” she said, adding: “The strength of the first cohort demonstrated the depth of talent that exists across the island. The question is not whether women can build scalable technology ventures, but whether the ecosystem creates the right conditions for them to do so.

“The demand we’ve had for WeBuild reflects a generation of women founders ready to build serious tech companies. What they often lack is early access to technical support that strengthens credibility with investors and the wider ecosystem. 

“That is what WeBuild is designed to provide.”

To support prospective applicants in the application process the TechFoundHer team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 11 at 4pm. The free session will be hosted by Máirín Murray and will provide a detailed overview of the programme, including the support, structure and outcomes founders can expect.

During the webinar, attendees will hear how WeBuild supports founders who want to harness the power of data and GenAI to bootstrap faster, automate smarter and build scalable tech ventures. The session will also include a step by step walkthrough of the application process and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and assess whether the programme is the right next step for their business.

WeBuild is open to women-led or women founded businesses based on the island of Ireland that are developing innovative products, services, systems or processes with clear commercial potential. Applicants must be at an early or growth stage and demonstrate market validation or proof of concept, along with ambition for significant growth including export and investment potential.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Monday, March 23 at 12pm. 

Women founders can find full programme information and submit applications at intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/webuild 

Mayor’s Charity Concert to Bring an Unmissable Night of Music, Community and Belonging

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Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the Mayor’s Charity Concert, taking place on Saturday 28 March 2026 at 7.30pm in Bangor Elim Church.

This uplifting evening promises a vibrant celebration of local talent, community spirit and the Borough’s shared commitment to inclusivity and belonging. Audiences will enjoy an inspiring night of performances from some of the area’s most loved musical groups and musicians.

A Showcase of Local Talent

The concert brings together a wonderful line‑up of performers, including:

Ards Comhaltas | Bangor Ladies Choir | Jackie Rainey and Emma D Drummer | Bangor Ukes | Donaghadee Male Voice Choir | Bangor Grammar School Jazz Band | Orchardville Band and Makaton Choir

From traditional melodies to jazz arrangements, and from choral harmonies to uplifting community ensembles, the evening offers something for everyone.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:

“This concert is a celebration of who we are as a community — diverse, welcoming and stronger together. The theme of Belonging is especially important to me in my Mayoral year, and I can think of no better way to express that than through music that brings people of all backgrounds together. I am deeply grateful to every performer taking part, and to everyone purchasing a ticket – we’re really looking forward to welcoming you.”

Every ticket purchased directly supports life‑changing work right here in our community, with all proceeds supporting the Mayor’s three chosen charities, each carrying out essential work across the Borough:

Orchardville – empowering individuals with learning disabilities and autism
St Vincent de Paul – supporting local families experiencing hardship
Women’s Aid North Down and Ards – providing safety and refuge for women and children

The Mayor’s Charity Concert is set to be a joyful night of harmony, celebration and connection. Whether attending with friends, family or as part of a local group, everyone is warmly invited to be part of this special evening.

 

Event Details

Saturday 28 March 2026
Doors 7:00pm | Concert begins 7:30pm
Bangor Elim Church, BT19 7WP
Tickets: £12 (booking fee applies)
Available now via Mayor’s Charity Concert! Sat 28th March 7.30pm Bangor Elim at Bangor Elim Church event tickets from TicketSource

Writers from Across Ireland and Beyond Unite for ‘Words, In Other Places’

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Words, In Other Places, an Irish Writers Centre Literary Festival presented in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, will take place over one weekend — Saturday 11 April at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, and Sunday 12 April at the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin.

Across one weekend, this tri-lateral festival will bring together writers from the north and south of Ireland alongside international voices, celebrating literary form, cultural exchange and contemporary perspectives. Through panel discussions and creative workshops, Words, In Other Places will explore storytelling across borders, languages and traditions.
Each day will feature three distinct events, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with some of the most compelling writers working today.
Saturday 11 April – Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University Belfast
12pm – Inside Out: Telling Tales Elsewhere – An hour-long panel discussion featuring Louise Nealon, Patrick Holloway and Rob Doyle, hosted by Martin Doyle.
1.30pm – Creative Writing Workshop – A two-hour workshop with Sarah Moore Fitzgerald.
4pm – Literature in Translation: Words Beyond Borders – A panel discussion with Csilla Toldy, Enrica Maria Ferrara and Rafael Mendes, hosted by Lucy Sweeney Byrne.
Books will be available for sale from No Alibis Bookstore.
Sunday 12 April – Irish Writers Centre, Dublin
12pm – Inside Out: Telling Tales Elsewhere – Featuring Jan Carson, Leontia Flynn and Wendy Erskine, hosted by Neil Hegarty.
1.30pm – Creative Writing Workshop – A two-hour workshop with Paul McVeigh.
4pm – Literature in Translation: Words Beyond Borders – With Hugo Hamilton, Suad Aldarra and Victoria Melkovska, hosted by Adam Wyeth.
Books will be available for sale from Chapters Bookstore.
Mags McLoughlin, CEO of the Irish Writers Centre, said: “We are proud to partner with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland on Words, In Other Places. Bringing this festival to both Belfast and Dublin reflects our shared belief in the power of literature to connect across borders, languages and lived experience. By uniting writers from the north and south of Ireland alongside international voices, we are celebrating creative exchange at its very best — open, inclusive and enriched by diversity.”
Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland said: “We are delighted to partner with the Irish Writers Centre on Words, In Other Places. The European Union’s motto is ‘United in Diversity’ and we know that literature and translation play a vital role in strengthening cultural dialogue and understanding across Europe. These events in Belfast and Dublin resonate with the EU’s commitment to linguistic diversity, creative collaboration, and fostering cross-border and cross-community engagement on the island of Ireland.”
”Words, In Other Places promises a weekend of conversation, creativity and connection, celebrating storytelling in all its forms while highlighting the evolving literary landscape across Ireland and beyond.  The Irish Writers Centre is grateful to the Seamus Heaney Centre for hosting the Belfast event and for its continued support of cross-border literary collaboration.
The Irish Writers Centre is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.
Bookings for both days will open on Tuesday 10 March via the Irish Writers Centre website. All events are free to attend, but advance booking is required : https://irishwriterscentre.ie/

The Violin That Premiered Tchaikovsky Is Coming to Derry

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More than 140 years ago, a violin helped introduce Tchaikovsky’s now-famous Violin Concerto to the world. This March, that same instrument will be heard in Derry.

As part of the Walled City Music Festival (12–15 March 2026), internationally acclaimed violinist Kirill Troussov will perform on the legendary 1702 “Brodsky” Stradivarius during Romantic Virtuosity: Violin & Piano at Christ Church.

Crafted by master luthier Antonio Stradivari, the “Brodsky” violin was played at the 1881 premiere of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto- a work once controversial, now considered one of the most exhilarating and emotionally charged in the repertoire. The instrument itself has become part of that story, celebrated not just for its history, but for its luminous tone, warmth and remarkable expressive depth.

The festival’s concerts will be set within one of Derry’s most charming historic churches, admired for its elegant stained glass and beautifully resonant acoustics, Christ Church offers a warm, welcoming and perfectly suited setting for performances of this calibre. In such an intimate acoustic, the voice of a Stradivarius feels almost tangible- its sound carrying effortlessly from the quietest whisper to soaring, full-bodied intensity.

Troussov will be joined on stage by his sister, pianist Alexandra Troussova, in a programme celebrating Romantic virtuosity. Their close musical partnership brings an added layer of connection and understanding to the performance, combining technical brilliance with expressive sensitivity.

Across four days, the Walled City Music Festival transforms Derry into a hub of contemporary classical excellence, presenting world-class piano, chamber and vocal concerts alongside composer workshops and educational outreach initiatives.

The arrival of the 1702 “Brodsky” Stradivarius is more than a historic curiosity- it is an opportunity to experience living musical heritage, performed by a brother-and-sister duo in one of the city’s most atmospheric venues.

Full programme details and ticket information are available at walledcitymusic.com.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 2 – 8 March

 

  1. Home of St Patrick Festival 2026, Armagh, County Armagh, 8 – 18 March. The Home of St Patrick Festival celebrates St. Patrick’s life through music, art, theatre, film, and dance. This is a chance to reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture.
  2. Belfast Children’s Festival, 5 – 14 March. Over 10 days, enjoy hand-picked incredible shows, performances, events, activities and creative experiences for everyone, including a range of inclusive shows specially created for those with additional needs. They have shows from across the world, as well as some of the very best of performances for young audiences being made right here in Belfast, from festival favourites to world premieres and, of course, the Festival Family Day Out.
  3. Taste Mid Ulster Restaurant Week, Mid Ulster, 7 – 13 March. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Discover culinary delights in Mid Ulster as participating restaurants across the district roll out the red carpet to showcase their finest culinary creations. From gourmet delicacies to classic comfort foods, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Indulge in specially curated menus that offer a taste of Mid Ulster.
  4. Ranger Led Tour of Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, County Antrim, 7 – 28 March. The Ranger led guided tour of Antrim Castle Gardens takes approximately 1 hour and involves an easy walk over flat ground. The tour focusses on the general history of the 350-year-old gardens alongside the remnants of the Massereene family dynasty, dating back to 1573. You will hear many interesting facts, stories and tales of the colourful characters making up the family history.
  5. Carrickfergus Castle & Islandmagee Witches Walking Tour (with Haunted Tours NI), Carrickfergus, County Antrim, check website for availabilities. Perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, lovers of the supernatural, and those curious about the infamous Islandmagee witch trial – this is the only tour company that tells the real story of Ireland’s last witches, inspired by the book ‘Possessed by the Devil’ by Dr. Andrew Sneddon.
  6. Bronze Age Connections: Smoked Fired Pottery, Bushmills, County Antrim, 7 March. The incredible landscape of the Causeway Coast is made up of layers of limestone, basalt and red ochre. People have a long history of using ochre for body paint, cave paintings and decorating pots. Join this workshop to decorate two incense pots.
  7. Earth Yoga – In The Heart Of The Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 8 March. Join in a unique experience as you get in touch with your inner yogi in a beginner-friendly 60 minutes yoga session in the depths of the Marble Arch Caves. Relax body and mind as you connect to nature inside the cave with an inviting and inspiring class suitable for all levels.
  8. Wild River Dipping at Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle County Down, 7 March. Hike to the secret spots and immerse in the rivers of the Mourne Mountains. The activity explores the trending cold water and wild swimming craze and including hiking, wild dipping, forest bathing and cold water therapy. Their trained and highly experienced mountain leaders and cold water specialists guide you into the hidden landscapes of the Mourne Mountains to the spots we love the most.
  9. The Derry Girls Experience at Tower Museum, Derry~Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began. See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes. Step into the set of the Quinn’s household and feel like one of the family.
  10. Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates, times, and events. Ranfurly House is an impressive Victorian building located in Dungannon and gateway to the ancient site of Hill of The O’Neill. This location has been the site of castles, barracks, and seats of power for thousands of years. It is from this very hilltop that the O’Neill dynasty, perhaps one of the greatest of the Irish clans ruled for more than 300 years.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit: discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Subject to availabilities with select dates.

 

Trailer Launches For Gripping Irish Thriller NO ORDINARY HEIST Starring Eddie Marsan and Éanna Hardwicke

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Eddie Marsan and Éanna Hardwicke star in the trailer for Irish thriller NO ORDINARY HEIST.

The film will be released in cinemas across Ireland and the UK later this month on Friday, March 27th.
Inspired by true events from Belfast in December 2004, NO ORDINARY HEIST weaves a gripping fictional tale of two bank employees thrust into a chilling scheme. Forced to orchestrate a £26.5 million robbery to save their families lives, they are made to execute the crime without the gang ever stepping foot inside the bank.
Taut, claustrophobic and immersive, the film stars Eddie Marsan (Back to Black, Happy-Go-Lucky) and Éanna Hardwicke (who recently won an IFTA for his role in Saipan) with Eva Birthistle (Bad Sisters) and Michelle Fairley (Small Things Like These).
Directed by Colin McIvor (ZOO) and co-written by McIvor and debut screenwriter Aisling Corristine NO ORDINARY HEIST, which shot on location in Dublin and Belfast, draws inspiration from the largest cash heist in UK and Irish history.
McIvor, a multi-award-winning filmmaker, is known for crafting compelling stories rooted in remarkable real-life events, while Corristine, an alumnus of BBC Voices, Series Mania and The Writers Lab, makes her feature screenwriting debut with the film.
The film was produced by Ruth Carter, Damon Lane and Johanna Hogan for Picture Locked Productions and Next Wednesday Films with funding from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, RTÉ, Epic Pictures Group and Wildcard.
Wildcard will release the film theatrically in Ireland and the UK from Friday March 27th.  The film will come to Sky Cinema as a Sky Original later in the year.

Building Inclusive Communities Together this International Women’s Day

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Over the next few weeks, residents across Causeway Coast and Glens will see a Borough-wide public awareness initiative designed to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect and help create a more welcoming and inclusive society for everyone.

Eye-catching artwork can now be seen on local Translink buses throughout the Borough. The initiative carries the simple yet powerful message that strong communities are built when people come together with openness, understanding, and mutual respect. 
The project is being delivered as part of Council’s support for International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026. The International Women’s Day message will feature on the bus advertising, highlighting the important role women play in shaping inclusive, resilient and connected communities.
It is hoped that the four-week campaign will encourage all members of the public to actively support inclusive communities in their everyday lives, whether by celebrating diversity, challenging stereotypes, supporting equality, or simply reaching out to others.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented:
“This important initiative will reach all areas of Causeway Coast and Glens, encouraging each person to play an active role in promoting inclusion in their everyday life.
“International Women’s Day 2026, and its theme of ‘Give to Gain’ reminds us that building equality and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility and particularly on International Women’s Day we should all acknowledge the important role women play in our communities.
“We can all make a difference when we treat one another with respect.”
Chair of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Women’s Working Group, Councillor Amy Mairs, said: “International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action for greater equality.
“This Borough-wide initiative encourages us all to consider how we can support inclusion in our daily lives. When women thrive, communities thrive.”
Council’s Good Relations Officer, Joy Wisener added: “Good Relations is about promoting more positive attitudes towards other people, even when they differ from us in their religious belief, political views, race or culture.
“By linking this initiative with International Women’s Day, we are reinforcing the message that inclusive communities benefit everyone. When we listen to one another and value each other’s contributions — particularly the contributions of women — we help build communities where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.”
This project has received financial assistance from The Executive Office under the “Together: Building a United Community” strategy.

Charity Careers Fair Aims To Strengthen Workforce As Sector Faces Financial Pressure

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With significant funding changes due to come into effect from April, Charity Jobs NI has said its upcoming Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will focus on strengthening workforce resilience across Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector.

Sector leaders have warned that a proposed 64% reduction in key funding streams could see annual support fall from £25 million to £9.2 million, placing hundreds of jobs and vital frontline services at risk. As organisations prepare for the changes expected this spring, concerns remain about long-term workforce capacity and sustainability across the third sector.

The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, which takes place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast, will bring together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in purpose-led careers and volunteering opportunities.

Northern Ireland continues to record the highest rate of economic inactivity in the UK, with community-based programmes playing a key role in supporting people into employment, improving wellbeing and strengthening local economies. Against that backdrop, maintaining experienced staff and attracting new, values-led talent is increasingly seen as essential to protecting services.

Alongside concerns about organisational sustainability, there is also growing uncertainty for individuals working in the sector, with some roles already affected by funding reductions. For those facing redundancy or whose posts are at risk, the Fair will provide a practical opportunity to explore alternative roles within the voluntary and community sector and remain in purpose-led employment.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the current climate has sharpened the focus on strategic workforce planning.

“There is no doubt the sector is operating in a challenging financial environment. As organisations prepare for funding reductions expected from April, many are carefully reviewing how they protect services while managing uncertainty.

“At times like this, safeguarding workforce capacity is crucial. The voluntary and community sector underpins health, employability and community stability across Northern Ireland, and once experienced staff are lost it can be difficult to rebuild that expertise.”

“We are also aware that many talented and committed people across the sector are currently facing uncertainty about their own roles. For those whose jobs may be at risk, the Fair offers a chance to explore what other organisations are recruiting and to remain within a sector they care deeply about. It is about keeping skills, experience and passion within the third sector, even during challenging times.”

He added that practical and cost-effective recruitment approaches are becoming increasingly important.

“When resources are under pressure, recruitment must be strategic and efficient. Bringing organisations and candidates together in one place helps reduce costs, improve reach and protect workforce pipelines. The Fair is about strengthening connections and ensuring the sector remains visible and resilient as it navigates change.”

At the most recent Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Now firmly established as a key date in the third sector calendar, the event is open to people at all stages of their career journey and will feature organisations from across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting are encouraged to secure their place early, with space for around 30 stands available and allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

F.E McWilliam Gallery & Studio showcases cross-border art collaboration with new exhibition

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The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to present Constellations: Selected Work from Crawford Art Gallery, Cork. A free exhibition celebrating creativity across the island of Ireland. This unique showcase brings together artists from North and South of Ireland, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the two regions.

Featuring the work of 14 artists working throughout the island of Ireland, the exhibition highlights the rich holdings of contemporary art in the Crawford Collection.
Presenting established figures including Nick Miller, Amanda Coogan, Corban Walker, and Ireland’s representative at this year’s Venice Biennale, Isabel Nolan, Constellations also introduces the work of many of the rising stars of Irish art such as Laura Fitzgerald, Dragana Jurišić, Niamh Swanton, and local artists Jennifer Trouton and Michael Hanna.
Linked by vibrant colour and themes including nature, domesticity and gender, the artworks in this exhibition share a sense of playfulness and humour that combine with more serious concerns about freedom, power and agency. Ranging in media from Aideen Barry’s film Not to be Known (2015) to Declan Byrne’s Encrusted Dog and Laura Fitzgerald’s drawings made with ‘Tesco Sharpies’, the exhibition showcases the diversity of Crawford Art Gallery’s collection and of contemporary art in Ireland.
 
Welcoming the exhibition, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Jessica Johnston said:

“Constellations brings together vibrant works from across the island of Ireland, showcasing everything from playful drawings to striking photography and film. This cross-border collaboration with Crawford Art Gallery in Cork highlights the strength of cultural connections between North and South and the diversity of artistic voices. Whether you’re local or visiting Banbridge for the day, we want you to feel welcome and inspired by what’s on display.”
 
 
This exhibition is part of an ongoing partnership between F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, a National Cultural Institution dedicated to the visual arts. The collaboration began in 2013 with the landmark exhibition Analysing Cubism and continues to strengthen cultural links across the border.
The exhibition is on display until 2 May. Free admission, open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

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