Local communities and social innovation conference held in Portrush

by Gráinne Connolly

Over 160 members representing community organisations across the Causeway Coast and Glens attended a recent Local Communities and Social Innovation conference in Portrush.

The event provided an opportunity for groups to network with each other and discuss their approach to similar activities.

The audience heard from a variety of informative and inspirational speakers including Professor Duncan Morrow from Ulster University, Paul Braithwaite from Building Change Trust and Clare McGee from Innovate NI. 

(Professor Duncan Morrow addresses some of the current issues facing local communities)

Other speakers included Malcolm Beattie from Department of Finance who discussed the Innovation Lab and Eileen Mullan from Strictly Boardroom.

The Conference was followed by a Funding Fair which provided opportunities to meet face-to-face with local and regional funding bodies to discuss potential community projects.

(Local Community Groups talk with funding representative from Halifax Foundation for NI.)

Speakers were welcomed by Councillor William McCandless and the event was ably compered by Naomi McMullan. 

Favourable feedback from participants showed that those attending found the event to be thought-provoking, enlightening and very useful for planning community projects.