Community Call to Action: Culturally Sensitive Food Appeal

Dear Community Members, Organisations and Business Owners and Friends

ACSONI is appealing for culturally sensitive food donations on behalf of our brother from Palestine who has been hospitalised in a local hospital for the last 2 months with a serious injury.

Unfortunately due to lack of diversity in the nutritional provisions at the hospital this vulnerable individual is not getting enough nutrition as he requires culturally sensitive products i.e. Halal.

We are appealing for donations of food or meals which we will provide to this individual who we hope will be discharged soon but in the meantime we are very worried for his health as he is not ingesting the food provided by the hospital due to his cultural sensitivities which must be respected and we hope, with the community’s support to be able to offer him some respite.

To find out how you or friends of the network may help please contact ACSONI on the details below and title your message or email : Culturally Sensitive Food Appeal

ACSONI [African and Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland] 

Tel:                  028 9043 4090

Mobile:            073  1130 0397

Email:               policy@acsoni.org

Website: https://www.acsoni.org

ESOL – Updated 29 March 2024 – Informal English classes.

Belfast BT1

BURC (Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre), 4 -6 Donegal Street Place, Belfast, BT1 2FN.

Classes are free and online, using Zoom. Operating in 8-week modules, on rolling registration system, learners can join at any stage of the module. Courses start again from 19^th March 2024.

Absolute Beginners: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9.30 – 10.30 am.

Advanced Beginners: Tuesday and Thursday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm.

Progressors: Monday and Wednesday 11 am – 12 pm. 

Conversation: Wednesday 6.30 – 7.30 pm.

Advanced Progressors: Thursday 10 – 11 am. 

For more information on courses and to get a registration form please email:

Claudia on ESOL@burc.org or telephone 028 9096 1111.

North Belfast Friendship Club, Quaker Meeting House, 45 Frederick Street, Belfast, BT1 2LW.

Tuesday 6 – 8 pm every week. Open to anyone who wants to meet new people and practise English.  Contact: North Belfast Friendship Club – Home | Facebook  Continues during Easter Holidays.

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Belfast BT2

Refuge Language – GEMS 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB. Restarts 11^th April 2024.

Absolute Beginners: Thursday 12 – 1 pm. 

Beginners:  Thursday 1 – 3.30 pm. 

Intermediate: Thursday 3.30 – 6 pm. Registration for waiting list only available.

Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/Fjd772y9s6n3SyB67

Contact: 07859 931 887 or email info@refugelanguage.com 

Shaftesbury Square Reformed Presbyterian Church, 72 Dublin Road, Belfast, BT2 7HP.

Beginners class: Friday 7 – 8.30 pm. 

Intermediate Conversation Group: Friday 7 – 8.30 pm.

Food to share on first Friday every month 8.30 – 9.30pm. 

No need to register just turn up on the day. Contact:  info@shaftesburysquare.rpc.org

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Belfast BT5

Refuge Language – 22 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AD. Restarts week beginning 8^th April 2024.

Beginners and pre-intermediate: Friday 9.30 am – 12 pm.  

Intermediate and above: Monday 9.30 am – 12 pm. 

Map – https://goo.gl/maps/hm3o3HdyPMyJtCZe6

Contact: 07859 931 887 or email info@refugelanguage.com 

Refuge Language 22 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AD.

IELTS exam preparation – next class starts on 9^th April 2024.

Level–Advanced B2/C1 Tuesdays 4 – 6.30 pm. Map – https://goo.gl/maps/XAVxSxGaB3qCdvUJ6

Contact: 07859 931 887 or email info@refugelanguage.com

Belfast BT6

The Suitcase Project Emmanuel Hall, 50 Roslyn St, Belfast BT6 8JJ.

Classes restart on 15^th April 2024. 

Conversational English – Mondays 10 am – 12 pm. All welcome to practice English speaking.

Contact: Tim Burns 07572 817 429 or email tim@thesuitcaseproject.org.uk

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Belfast BT7

Belfast Friendship Club, Aleksandar’s Bakery, 12 – 24 University Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1GY.

Conversational English and making new friends. Every Thursday 7 – 9 pm.

Contact: Stephanie on 07548 938 508 or email s.mitchell@together-cic.org

 www.belfastfriendshipclub.org   or https://www.facebook.com/groups/belfastfriendshipclub/

City Church Belfast, 12 – 24 University Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1GY.

Conversational English Wednesday 6.30 – 8 pm. 

Contact: 028 9023 8443 or email neto@citychurchbelfast.org for more information.

Homeplus, 113 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HP

Elementary: Wednesday 2 – 4 pm. 

Contact: Glen Phillips on 028 90311 836 or email info@homeplusni.com

Refuge Language – Ballynafeigh Community Development Association 

283 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3GG. Classes restart 9^th April 2024.

Mixed Level Conversation Club: Tuesday 1 – 3.30 pm. Map https://goo.gl/maps/khNSP3xPF8ikk55Q7 

Contact: 07859 931 887 or email info@refugelanguage.com 

Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church (St John’s), 374 Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 3HX.

Classes restart 9^th April 2024.

Classes in small groups for different levels. 

Tuesday 6 – 7.30 pm Hot halal food served at 5.45pm.

All levels: beginners to advanced. Term time only.

Contact: Janet Robinson on 07736 523 372 or email janrobo@hotmail.com

Donegall Pass Community Forum, CRI Building, 165 -169 Donegall Pass, Belfast, BT7 1DT.

English classes restart Friday 12^th April until 28^th June 2024. Website: www.donegallpass.org

Beginner:  Friday 10 am – 12 pm.  Class full at moment 

This class is fun and informal. Come along and meet new people, build confidence, and strengthen your English for everyday life. 

Intermediate:  Friday 10 am – 12 pm. Limited spaces available. 

Contact: 02890 326256 or sandywebb@donegallpass.org  

This class is fun and informal. Come along and meet new people, build confidence, and strengthen your English for everyday life. 

        Complete beginner’s computer course: Monday 10 am – 1 pm. 

 Classes start on Monday 8 April. Come along before start date to register as limited spaces for 10 students only. The course lasts for 4 weeks only. 

No computer experience needed. The course starts with very basic information and progresses to the Internet, email, and Microsoft Word. 

Contact: 02890 326256 or sandywebb@donegallpass.org  

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Belfast BT8

The Village, 55a Newtownbreda Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 6PZ. 

Tuesday 1 – 2.30pm (advanced level).  Thursday 1-2.30pm (Intermediate level). Free tea/coffee and biscuits provided. Contact: office@newtownbredabaptist.com or phone 028 9557 5085.

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Belfast BT9

The Union Chapel, Methodist College, 1 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6BY.

Every Nation Belfast Social Responsibility Welcome Meals. Every second month on a Sunday at 12.30 pm. Dates cannot be fixed in advance; every month is different.

Follow the Instagram page (everynationbelfast) to stay updated. 

Contact: Danica at danica@enbelfast.org for more information.

Belfast City Mission, 13 Great Northern Street, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7FJ.

Classes restart week beginning 8^th April 2024.

Women only – Beginners: Tuesday and Thursday 11.30 am – 1 pm (classes in school term-time only). 

Open to all – Intermediate: Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 3.30 pm (until end of July 2024).

Contact: Willie Cowan 07366383977 or email mark.hamilton.ntl@ntlworld.com

International Meeting Point, 133a Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AG. 

Restarts week beginning 8^th April.

(Closed month of July. Reopening date to be confirmed).

Elementary and Intermediate: Monday 3 – 4.30 pm. 

Women only – Beginners, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate: Tuesday 10 – 11.30 am.

Elementary, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate: Wednesday 3 – 4.30 pm.

Contact: Henry Coulter on 07724 409 387, follow on Facebook or email imp@presbyterianireland.org

Friends Across Borders, Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, 2 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DJ. 

Informal classes in small groups at different levels (A1, B1 & B2). Restarts 8^th April 2024. 

Monday morning 10.30 am – 12 pm.  Classes running during school term time only. No need to book and classes adapt to student needs. Creche available for pre-school children of parents attending.

Contact: Linda Little on 07974443818 or email fab@fisherwick.org

Majestic English, Windsor Baptist Church, 208 – 212 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6GD.

12^th April – 21^st June 2024.  Term time only (stops in school holidays).

Beginners and Intermediate classes: Friday 10 – 11.30 am. 

Women only – Advanced class: Friday 10 – 11.30am.

Contact: Kerry Fee 07902 302 101 or email kerry@windsorbaptist.org

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Belfast BT11

Foodstock Community Solidarity Hub, 150 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, BT11 9BY.

English conversation group – Monday 9.30 am – 12 pm and Wednesday 9.30 am – 12 pm.

Restarts week beginning 8^th April 2024 and continue through the summer months. 

Contact: Paul Doherty on 07794304259 or email paul.doherty@foodstockcharity.com

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Belfast BT12

Windsor Women’s Centre, 136 – 144 Broadway, Belfast, BT12 6HY. Women only. 

Intermediate (Mixed Ability Entry 3 and higher): Monday 10 am – 12 pm.

Elementary (Ability Entry level 1 and 2): Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm. 

Reading and Speaking: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm.  

Beginners: Friday 9.30 – 11.30 am.

Please note: All classes are full now so call in / email / phone for more information. 

To register please call 028 9023 5451 or email: educationadmin@windsorwomenscentre.com 

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Belfast BT13

St Michael’s Church, Craven Street, Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 1JJ.

Tuesday 10:30 am – 12 pm. All levels. Women only.  9^th April – 18^th June 2024.

Contact: Heather Carson 07955 092 898 or email coils.heather@gmail.com

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Belfast BT14

International Meeting Point, 31 Carlisle Circus, Belfast, BT14 6AT. Classes 8^th April – 27^th June 2024.

Beginners and Intermediate class: Monday 7 – 8.30 pm. 

Women only – ‘Creative Conversations’: Tuesday 10.30 – 12 pm English conversation practice.

Advanced Discussion: Tuesday 2 – 3 pm.

Absolute Beginners, Beginners, Pre-Intermediate & Intermediate: Wednesday 10.30 am – 12 pm.

Drop in every Wednesday and Thursday 12 – 3pm. Free soup, tea and coffee.

Contact: Shirley McGonigle on 07759 131 903 or email smcgonigle@presbyterianireland.org

Refuge Language – The Duncairn, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6BP. Classes restart 9^th April 2024.

Beginners and Pre-Intermediate: Tuesday 10 am – 12 pm.  

Maps – https://goo.gl/maps/rJ81JJr7vjCYkzsx8 

Contact: 07859 931 887 or email info@refugelanguage.com

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Belfast BT15

All Nations Ministries (ANM) 2 Alexandra Park Avenue. Belfast, BT15 3EP.

Thursday 25^th April – 6^th June 2024 (Dates over summer to be confirmed).

Preparation for Life in the UK citizenship test. Introduction to the different topics.

Intermediate level of English. Thursdays 1.30 – 2.30 pm.

To enter the building: Press buzzer on door in behind Alexandra Presbyterian Church, Castletown Ave. 

Contact: Johanne Martin on 07929 126407 if you cannot get into the building.

Contact: anm.belfast@gmail.com or phone 07888 685 412.

North Belfast Christian Fellowship, 246 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 5NG.

All levels: Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced. Thursday 10.30 am – 12.30 pm. Classes are for men & women. No need to register just turn up on the day. Restarting 11^th April 2024. 

Contact:  07790 980 288 or email julie.acaciapath@gmail.com

Seaview Presbyterian Church Hall, 94 Shore Road, Belfast, BT15 3PZ. Classes restart 9^th April 2024.

Tuesday 10.30 am. – 12:30 pm. Informal English classes. Mixed level. 

Contact: Helen Stewart 028 9077 5549 / 07716744974 or email helenstewart389@hotmail.com

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Dundonald, BT16

St Elizabeth’s Church, Church Green, Dundonald, BT16 2LP.

Mixed levels class Tuesday 3.30 – 5.00 pm.  Restarts 16^th April until 4^th June 2024

No need to register. Contact: englishforlife@stelizabeths.church for more information.

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Holywood, BT18

Holywood Baptist Church, 67 Belfast Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9EW. 

Free English classes in small groups for different levels. 

Monday 7.30 – 8.30 pm and Thursday 9.30 – 10.30 am.  Crèche available for small children. 

Classes restart week beginning 8^th April 2024. Contact: 07935 554 278 for more information. 

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Bangor, BT20

Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Hamilton Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4LN.

Mixed levels: Tuesday 9.30 – 11 am.  Classes held during school term time only.

Crèche for babies and pre-school children. Restarts 9^th April 2024. 

Contact: the office on 02891473213 or email office@hrpc.org.uk

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 111 Clandeboye Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3JW.

Free Conversational English Classes in small groups for different levels:  Wednesday 2 – 3:30 pm.

Facilities available for babies and children.   Restarts 10^th April 2024. 

Tea, coffee and refreshments available in a warm and relaxed environment.

Contact:  Heather Faris on 07892 406 312 or email:  heathermfaris@gmail.com

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Newtownards, BT23 

The Link, 10 West Street Newtownards, County Down, BT23 4GB. Classes restart 8^th April 2024.

Monday 9.30 – 11 am. Steppingstones ESOL for women with babies or toddlers: 

Tuesday 10 am – 12 pm. Improvers ESOL including English for Work / Employment. 

Tuesday 2 – 4 pm. Absolute Beginners’ class & Beginners class 2. ESOL for seniors (gentle pace).

English For Driving: Please email for details.  Contact: elizabeth@thelinkcentre.org to register.

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Ballynahinch, BT24

Ballynahinch Baptist Church, 24 Lisburn Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8BL.  8^th April – mid June 2024.

Beginner, Pre-Intermediate, Upper Intermediate: Monday 7 – 8 pm. 

Contact: Esther Poots on 07791 161 279 or email eandmpoots@btinternet.com.

Lisburn BT28

Inspire Café, Lisburn City Church, 1-3 Graham Gardens, Lisburn, County Down, BT28 1XE.

Beginner English class. Thursday 9:30 – 10:30 am. Class restarts 11^th April 2024. 

Contact: Lisburn Community Trust on 07756 965 868 or email hello@lcccommunitytrust.org

Kilkeel BT34

Mourne Presbyterian Church, Greencastle Street, Kilkeel, Co Down, BT34 4BN. 

Beginners English class. Monday 6.30 – 7.30 pm. 15^th April – 25^th June 2024.

Intermediate English class. Monday 7.30 – 8.30 pm.  Start date to be confirmed. 

Contact: Robert James on 07715 568 683 or email info@mournepc.org

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Glengormley BT36

Glenabbey Church, 6 Ballycraigy Road, Glengormley, County Antrim BT36 5ZZ. Restarts 10^th April. 

English Conversation Café: Wednesday 3- 4.30 pm. A multicultural family café with drinks and snacks. An opportunity to practise English in a warm and friendly environment.  

Website: www.glenabbey.church  or email info@glenabbey.church 

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Newtownabbey BT37

Abbots Cross Congregational Church, Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 9QW.

Thursday 10 – 11.30 am. Free classes for beginners to advanced. Restarts 11^th April 2024.

Contact: Bill Annette 07533 622 200. 

Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church, 91 Doagh Road, White House BT37 9QN.

Global Link – English conversation café: Wednesday 7.30 – 9 pm. Restarts 10^th April 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/globalinkacpc

Contact: Michael Rutledge mrutledge@presbyterianireland.org or office 028 9085 2120

Whiteabbey Welcome

Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church, 602 Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0SN.

English Conversation classes, all welcome. 

Wednesday 10.30 to 12 noon term time.

Contact: Rosemary Stewart,  stewart925@btinternet.com

 

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Carrickfergus BT38

Woodlands Presbyterian Church, 48 Burleigh Drive, Carrickfergus, BT38 8HW. 

English Classes:

All levels: Beginners to Advanced: Wednesday 7.30 – 9.30 pm.  New term dates to be confirmed.

Contact: Martin Thompson on 07933 197 977 or email martin.thompson@gmx.co.uk

Conversation classes once a month on a Saturday afternoon. Check Facebook for regular updates: The Grapevine English Lessons | Facebook

Woodlands Presbyterian Church, 48 Burleigh Drive, Carrickfergus, BT38 8HW. 

The Olive Tree. Women only – Meet new friends, do activities together and practise English.  Wednesday 9.30 – 11.30 am. Formal activity sessions restart September.  Informal meet ups and walks together continue over the summer term. Contact: Erin Dalton 07450 395 659 or email erindalton@sky.com  See Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/theolivetreewoodlands

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Antrim BT41

Antrim Baptist Church, 3 Greystone Link, Antrim BT41 1QW. Classes restart 16^th April 2024.

Tuesday mornings 10 -11.30 am. Free classes beginners to intermediate level. Term time only.

Contact: Mark: 07916 960 089 or John: 07708 846 112. Email: antrimenglish@gmail.com

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Derry / Londonderry BT48

Various locations for details. Contact: Hilda Orr on 07835577534 or email hildaorr2@hotmail.com

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Portstewart BT55

Agherton Parish Church, 19 Church Street, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, BT55 7AH.

Beginners’ Conversational English classes: weekly times vary. For details and more information Contact: the Parish Office Tel: 02870 833 277 or email: aghertonoffice@gmail.com

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Portadown BT62

Emmanual Church, 32 Meadow Lane, Portadown, Craigavon, BT62 3NH. 

Absolute beginner classes:  Tuesday 7 – 8.30 pm. Classes will run in 5-week block: 

9^th April -7^th May 2024. Contact: Esther Weir on 07734 583 561

First Portadown Presbyterian Church, Bridge Street, Portadown, Craigavon, BT63 5AA.

Shine Café. International Ladies Coffee Morning. Fridays 10 – 11.30 am. Term time only.

Coffee, chat, crafts, and good food each week. Contact: Judith Suarez on 07719 698 204.

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Lurgan BT67 

Emmanuel Church, 23 Castle Lane, Lurgan, BT67 9BD. The Church is behind Sports Direct.

Beginners and Advanced Beginners: Tuesdays 7 – 9 pm with refreshments also provided.  

Classes start again 2024. Phone Nicola on 02838316998 or email nicola@emmanuel-church.co,uk

Or Contact: Barbara on 07517 975 866 or email barbarajohnston12@gmail.com

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Enniskillen BT74 

ERANO (Empowering Refugees and Newcomers Organisation) Fermanagh & Omagh District.

English classes provided in six-week blocks. Session times vary. For more information & details 

Contact: Mary on 07783 706 598 or follow on https://www.facebook.com/RefugeeHubFODC

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Omagh BT78

ERANO (Empowering Refugees and Newcomers Organisation) Fermanagh & Omagh District.

English classes provided in six-week blocks. Session times vary. For more information & details 

Contact: Mary on 07783 706 598 or follow on https://www.facebook.com/RefugeeHubFODC

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For more information about ESOL provision throughout Northern Ireland please contact: 

Ligia Parizzi, ESOL Coordinator

NIRRS (Northern Ireland Refugee Resettlement Scheme)                   

Tel: 028 9026 5233 or 07814 046 391. 

Email: lparizzi@befastmet.ac.uk 

Website: ESOL NI (esolwebapp.azurewebsites.net)

 

The Racial Equality Subgroup condemns the recent hate crime perpetrated against

Takura Makoni in Finaghy, South Belfast. The appalling graffiti attack on his home,

bearing the message “Taura [sic] not welcome,” is a stark reminder of the intolerance

and bigotry that still exists in our society.

Takura Makoni, a respected member of our community and a vital contributor to our

work within the Racial Equality Subgroup, has demonstrated resilience, dignity, and

grace in the face of this act of hate. Takura’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and

understanding is steadfast and serves as an inspiration to us all.

We stand in solidarity with Takura, his family, and all others experiencing such harms.

We offer our unwavering support and condemn all forms of racism and discrimination.

As members of the Racial Equality Subgroup, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting

diversity, equality, and respect within our community. Together, we will continue our

efforts to create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and accepted.

For and on behalf of the Racial Equality Subgroup,

Susan Russam MBE

Chairperson of Racial Equality Subgroup

 

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month.  

Eating a lot of red and processed meat increases your risk of bowel cancer.

If you eat more than 90g of red or processed meat a day, it’s recommended to reduce your intake to 70g or less a day.

You can do this by eating smaller portions of red and processed meat, eating these meats less often or swapping them for alternatives.

Find out more at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/red-meat-and-the-risk-of-bowel-cancer/

 

 

I am delighted to be speaking at the Black Leadership Group’s annual conference on 21st March.

It is called Tracks, Trails and Threads: Courageous Leadership in a Fractured World, and will take place across five venues UK-wide – in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London – and online.

This unique and high profile hybrid event, coinciding with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, will bring together people to discuss and shape actions for achieving an anti-racist society and ethnic equity for all.

Through a thought-provoking blend of tracks, trails and threads, keynotes, provocations, roundtable conversations, case studies, collaborative research, and calls to action, the conference will:

explore with us the role and imperative of courageous leadership in the fight for an anti-racist world
hear from trailblazers that are challenging the status quo, by pushing boundaries with initiatives on anti-racism that are making a difference
learn how system leaders are proactively applying the BLG 10 Point Plan to embed an anti-racist culture
discover how educational leaders are invested in co-creation using the anti-racist principles and tools developed to galvanise the energy and talent of teachers, students, and communities
gain opportunities to consider the applicability of the anti-racist lens within different global contexts
learn about the role of artificial intelligence applications in profiling bias and racial prejudice in recruitment, promotion and training
take back to your organisation vital publications to inform your anti-racist strategy

Sponsored by Google for Education, the event is aimed at leaders and practitioners from all levels and backgrounds who share a desire to heal division, eliminate racism and advance anti-racism to create and sustain a more equitable society. It is for individuals and organisations in public and private, civil society, specialist sectors such as education, health, creative. Human Resource professionals. Researchers. Decision-makers. Influencers and thought leaders.

Courageous leadership is at the centre of our BLG conference conversations that are designed to be both provocative and optimistic. The challenge for leaders and their organisations is no longer about being “not racist”. The contemporary question is “How anti-racist are we?”

Join me and my colleagues on 21st March and be part of the change.

For more information and to register, visit the event page at swiy.co/blgconf24

 

Change Studentship for MA Curating Collections and Heritage. University of Brighton
The University of Brighton is pleased to announce for a sixth year their MA studentship award (a fees waiver, mentoring support scheme and £3,000 bursary to support personal costs). The studentship is open to an African diaspora, Asian diaspora or ethnically diverse student to join the 2024/25 cohort of the MA Curating Collections and Heritage course https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/curating-collections-and-heritage-ma.aspx (a course run in partnership between the University of Brighton and Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-finance/postgraduate/uk-students/scholarships/change-studentship.aspx. www.brighton.ac.uk/change-studentship
Please note that the deadline for applications is 1 July 11.59pm UK time.

Please direct informal enquiries to the course convenor, Dr Claire Wintle (c.wintle@brighton.ac.uk).

 

One of the best ways of bonding with your children is hair.
Mums and Dads, book a day and spend it bonding over hair with your girls and boys.

We are hosting our 1st Curl Care boot Camp for parents and their Kids.

You will learn and discover easy, simple , suitable and healthy ways to care for their curls and how they can do it on their own as well.

We will advise and recommend products suitable to use

We will teach simple, tension free and easy hairstyles which you can do at home when taking breaks from braids.

There will be coffee, tea, snacks all at £10.

Call/ Text email to book a slot.

 

ACSONI, a community-based organization in Northern Ireland, seeks proposals from qualified and experienced formative evaluation partners to actively engage in and support the delivery of our strategic project, generously funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT).

Project Overview: 

ACSONI aims to enhance community resilience and tackle racial inequalities among individuals from Africa, the Caribbean, and other families in Northern Ireland. The project, funded by JRCT, commenced in September 2023, and is set to continue for 24 months.

Project Goals:

1. Addressing racial discrimination and disparities.
2. Influencing positive changes in mindset and behaviours towards minority groups.
3. Addressing health and education inequalities.
4. Responding to proposed actions in The Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).

Key Activities:

1. Community Cohesion:

Building capacity among diverse groups actively engaged in the project.

Advocating for cultural identity groups, considering Brexit and the NI protocol implications.

2. Advocacy:

Addressing BREXIT-related issues and complex service access.

Leveraging ENAR membership for ongoing racial justice advocacy.

Enhancing victim support services for victims of racist attacks.

3. Policy and Strategic Challenges:

Strengthening advocacy, structural reforms, and ongoing policy analysis.

Supporting existing strategic work through continuous staff and program development.

4. New Areas of Strategic Work:

Addressing systemic failures highlighted by Black Lives Matter campaigns.

Responding to COVID-19 exacerbated inequalities in mental health.

Advocating for justice, health, and education reforms.

Expected Outcomes:

Establishing partnerships to provide counselling services.

Raising awareness of UN-DPAD 2015-2024.

Providing continuous opportunities for BME people in decision-making.

Measuring Outputs:

Continual community outreach and empowerment programs.

Forming a dynamic community consortium for sustained collaboration.

Ongoing advocacy for racial attacks and services access.

Implementing and adapting a racism-free zone charter proposal with continuous cultural competence training.

Scope of Work for Formative Evaluation Partner: 

The selected partner will be actively engaged in the following areas:

• Ongoing formative evaluation to inform project adjustments and improvements.
• Continuous assessment of project goals and objectives.
• Real-time data collection and analysis using both quantitative and qualitative measures.
• Active engagement with project stakeholders, including community members, staff, and partners.
• Providing immediate and actionable recommendations for continuous project enhancement.

Expected Evaluation Criteria:

• Active participation in planning and execution of project activities.
• Efficient real-time resource management, including financial, human, and material resources.
• Continuous stakeholder involvement and engagement.
• Implementation of a robust and adaptive monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Real-time positive community impact.
• Efforts made to enhance organizational capacity throughout the project.
• Adherence to legal and ethical standards.
• Continuous learning from project activities and documentation of lessons learned.
• Demonstrated sustainability strategies.
• Clear and adaptive communication strategies, ensuring ongoing project visibility.
• Openness to real-time feedback and willingness to adapt.

Interested Formative Evaluation Partners Should Possess: 

A. Demonstrated experience in actively evaluating and contributing to the development of community-based projects, particularly in Northern Ireland. 

B. Expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a focus on real-time assessment. 

C. Familiarity with the Northern Ireland community development landscape.

Submission Requirements: 

A. Detailed proposal outlining the approach to ongoing formative evaluation and engagement. 

B. Resume/CV of key personnel assigned to the ongoing evaluation and engagement. C. Sample of a previous project’s formative evaluation report. 

D. Cost estimate: total cost of the tender engagement should not exceed £15,000.00.

Timeline:

Proposal Submission Deadline: (17^th March 2024)

Selection Notification: (1^st April 2024)

Submission Instructions: 

Please submit proposals electronically to the Business Manager at Businessmanager@acsoni.org by the submission deadline.

ACSONI looks forward to receiving your detailed tenders for this ongoing formative evaluation partnership.

ADVERT INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POST OF

CHAIR – BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ACSONI (African and Caribbean Support Organisation of

Northern Ireland)

ACSONI is an autonomous community-based organisation formed in 2003 with a proactive

approach towards targeting needs and facilitating belonging among individuals in Northern

Ireland from the migrant community, specifically anyone with roots in the continent of Africa

and the Caribbean.

ACSONI is seeking to recruit a volunteer to fill the role of Chair of Board of Trustees with

immediate effect. We welcome application from anyone who believes that they have the

skills, competencies and experience to lead this charity through the fulfilment of its Vision

and Mission. Members of the Board of Trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and applicants

are being invited to apply based on the understanding that it is a non-salaried post.

Duration of Role

The appointment will be for 3 years (pursuant to the ACSONI Constitution).

The Purpose of ACSONI

ACSONI delivers programmes and services that improve the well-being of people from African

and Caribbean traditions in Northern Ireland. ACSONI is committed to serving the AC

Community with respect and dignity. Our focus is to help individuals to overcome the social

challenges, including social exclusion and build a greater sense of inclusion and integration

into Northern Ireland.

ACSONI advocates on behalf of individuals to alleviate the everyday pressures experienced by

those in the AC Community who are socially and economically disadvantaged. ACSONI also

assists in the preservation and promotion of African & Caribbean peoples’ identity and

cultural heritage, conveyed through arts, educational and cultural programmes, as well as the

intercultural exchanges, which aid in the wider integration and inclusion process and our on-

going fight against racism in Northern Ireland.

We work collaboratively with other agencies and community groups to support the rights,

interdependence and choices of our members and service users.

ACSONI’s Story:

We are an extraordinary organisation with a diverse group of passionate workers and

volunteers who are approachable and friendly. We are dedicated to improving the lives of our

members. We are caring, supportive, engaging, open-minded and embracing of differences

within the African and Caribbean community and beyond.

ACSONI’S Mission:

To promote unity and collaboration to support, advocate and empower our communities in

Northern Ireland

ACSONI’S Vision:

To develop an equitable African and Caribbean inclusive cultureValues

The following values inform and underpin the work of ACSONI:

• Inclusive

• Collaborative

• Supportive

• Authentic

JOB DESCRIPTION AND ROLE SPECIFICATION

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will have responsibility in the following areas:

1. Governance

a. Chairing the bi-monthly meeting of Trustees & Annual General Meeting

b. Ensuring that organisation status, as charity is kept current with Charities

Commission and HMRC.

2. Management

a. Line management of Business Manager/senior staff at office

b. Facilitating and leading weekly staff check-in & monitoring staff roles

c. Monitoring financial activities and payroll

3. Leading

a. Building relationship with staff and encouraging trustee engagement

b. Supporting volunteer recruitment and deployment

c. Articulating and modelling the way of the organisation values, drive and

direction

4. Representation

a. Representing ACSONI at official events

b. Networking with leaders and representatives from state, NGO’s and

community organisations

c. Representing organisation on state and community bodies

5. Planning

a. Guiding development of strategic plan and positioning of organisation in the

community

b. Guiding financial sustainability and Identifying funding opportunities

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential Criteria

• An understanding of responsibilities of trusteeship

• Excellent leadership and management skills

• Active Listening skills

• A good understanding of the issues facing the African and Caribbean communities and

an awareness of minority rights issues and an understanding of equality.

• The ability to develop positive working relationships, particularly when working

virtually• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written and possess the confidence

to advocate on behalf of the community ACSONI serves, communicate at all levels and

across communities, government and other public bodies, private enterprises and

non-profit organisations

PESONAL QUALITIES

• Ability to motivate and energise others

• Emotional intelligence

• Committed to social justice and human rights

• Commitment to learning and growing.

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and covering letter with a short paragraph on why you believe you are suited

to this role, addressed to The Secretary, ACSONI, 9 Lower Crescent, BT7 1