Peace Plus Programmes for Newry Mourne and Down District Council

This exciting programme will support participants to identify, plan and deliver a volunteering project in the local community. Participants will undertake the Level 3 qualifications in Project Management and the OCN Level 2 qualification in Volunteering Skills, that will develop planning, management and stakeholder engagement skills.

This programme is open to those who have an interest in, or who may already volunteer across a range of local organisations, helping you to deliver opportunities for your local community.

Participants will:

• Acquire new skills
• Build confidence and develop community relationships
• Gain a recognised qualification
• Have the opportunity to progress into further training and/or employment

Start Date: New date and location to be confirmed.

Location: TBC

The Civic Leadership Programme will support new and existing leaders to lead and affect positive change in local communities and organisations.

Participants will undertake a CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership.

Participants will:

• Develop the skills needed to lead and manage individuals and teams
• Gain a broader knowledge of skills to become more effective in specific management areas
• Focus on the areas that are most appropriate to their role and organisation

Start Date: September 2025

Location: TBC

The Access to Employment Programme will provide participants with the support they need to develop skills and build confidence and motivation to support their journey onto employment. Participants will undertake the OCNNI Level 1 Qualification in Employability that will develop the skills, attributes and values that are needed to enter and succeed in the workplace.

Participants will:

• Build confidence and self esteem
• Develop CV and communication skills
• Gain a recognised qualification
• Have doors opened to new job opportunities

Start Date: New date and location to be confirmed.

Location: TBC

This programme will support new and existing volunteers to develop a range of skills through the OCN NI Level 2 award in Volunteering Skills. Participants will take part in volunteering workshops and showcases and cross border knowledge exchange visits.

Participants will:

• Gain a recognised Level 2 Qualification
• Build confidence
• Strengthen your network across your community and cross border
• Learn new skills to support your local community
• Develop new and exciting projects

Start Date: Sept 2025

Location: TBC

This exciting programme provides a space for women and girls to develop their skills in leadership and personal confidence. Through the delivery of a Level 3 Award in Employability and Professional Development Skills, workshops and a cross-border conference to network with like-minded women, participants will be empowered to take forward their goals and aspirations.

Participants will:

• Gain a recognised Level 3 Qualification
• Network with women across communities and cross border
• Increase confidence and self esteem
• Develop skills
• Take part in dynamic development workshops and a cross-border event.

Start Date: Sept 2025

Location: TBC

This fun and exciting 6-week programme brings together groups of people across communities with common share interests.

Programmes can be delivered across areas of:

• Family support, cookery and budgeting
• Gardening
• DIY
• IT skills

Participants will:

• Meet new people
• Improve skills
• Build confidence

Start Date: Start date Sept 25

Location: TBC

This programme is ideal for people who are engaged in community development. The programme introduces new approaches to addressing community issues, utilising design thinking as a tool for social change through a series of masterclasses.

Participants will:

• Increase understanding of Community Planning
• Understand and develop approaches to tackling local issues
• Develop strong networks
• Receive 1-2-1 mentoring and support

Start Date: Sept 2025

Location: TBC

This programme will support underrepresented groups and minorities across the Newry Mourne and Down Council area, through a 6-week employment support programme.

Participants will:

• Build confidence
• Develop new skills
• Develop your CV
• Develop communication and interview skills
• Link you to local employers
• Link you to local support networks for ongoing mentoring

Start Date: Sept 2025

Location: TBC

The programme aims to increase civic participation on a multigenerational basis, including minority and newcomer communities. This is an introductory programme to enable 'tomorrow's community leaders' to develop the necessary skills and knowledge, supported by group mentoring to help build confidence and capability and develop lasting cross-community relationships.

This six-week programme will engage learners in workshops, engagement days and one-to-one mentoring to grow skills and develop opportunities for participants.

Participants will:

• Develop confidence in leadership
• Build a professional network to enable their progression in leadership
• Avail of 1-2-1 mentoring and support
• Improve skills

Start Date: Nov 2025

Location: TBC

This programme will provide fun, engaging and innovative activity programmes for single identity gender groups across Newry, Mourne and Down. Through a six-week workshop-based programme, participants can engage in new skills activity based on the needs of the groups.

This may include:

• DIY
• Joinery
• Finance
• Arts and Crafts
• Cookery
• Skills
• IT

Participants will:

• Meet new people in their area
• Engage in 1-2-1 support
• Showcase their achievements in a celebration event

Start Date: Jan 2026

Location: TBC

Registration: Coming Soon