OCNNI Level 2 in Youth Work Practice
OCNNI Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice – Spring 2026
We’re excited to launch our Spring 2026 Youth Work Training programme in partnership with OCN Northern Ireland. This Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice is designed for part-time youth workers and volunteers aged 17+, supporting you to build practical skills, grow in confidence, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
Starting Thursday 12 March 2026 at YouthAction NI, Belfast, this 12-week course combines professional development with hands-on learning in a supportive environment.
To apply for a place contact maryjo@youthaction.org
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Youth Achievement Awards
Opportunity for Youth Workers and Teachers
'Using Youth Achievement Awards in your work'
Are you looking for an effective way to demonstrate the impact of your work to funders, supporters and EA/ETI?
The Youth Achievement Awards empower young people 14-25 years to share their own stories by documenting their learning and the difference your project has made in their lives.
Information Session:
Thursday 12th March 2026, 11.00am - 12.30pm
Via Microsoft Teams
To register email helen@youthaction.org
Date:
March 3, 2026
New Funding Opportunity for Members
The JJ Charitable Trust - Literacy Small Grants Scheme
The JJ Charitable Trust, part of The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, small grants scheme funds registered charities, exempt charities, and CICs that directly help children and young people develop literacy skills, with a focus on supporting those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. They are keen to see applications for projects that use volunteers and reading mentors and those that help during transitional points. You can apply for grants between £5,000 and £20,000 spread over a period of 1, 2 or 3 years. Summer grant round: applications by 3rd June 2026. The JJ Charitable Trust - Literacy Small Grants Scheme
Music for All: Awards for Schools and Community Groups
Round 2 is offering instrumental awards in the following categories: Electro acoustic guitars (to suit varying abilities/levels), Pbuzz instruments, Ukuleles, Drum kits, and Orange crush mini amps. Schools and community groups that are not-for-profit and based in the UK, including educational establishments, community organisations and similar not-for-profit groups that are bringing music-making activities to their communities, are eligible to apply. Deadline 12 noon on Thursday 7 May 2026. Awards Overview | Music For All
Halifax Foundation NI
The Community FLEX programme is open to registered charities with an income of £500,000 or less, with a least one year of annual returns published on the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s website. In line with the priorities of The Halifax Foundation, your charity must directly support people in greatest need. For example, supporting people living in poverty; those who are unemployed; those with disabilities or mental ill health. (This is not an exhaustive list – other areas of need will be considered.) More details: Community Flex - Halifax Foundation NI
Date:
March 10, 2026
Local Member Story – Positive Impact
YouthAction NI collaborated with our member organization, St. Patrick's Youth Club Keady, on the Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Project.
The young women and young men each crafted their own manifestos to raise awareness in the local community about how they can contribute to addressing EVAWG.
They hosted a celebration event to officially launch their manifestos, with gratitude extended to local MLA, Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council councillors and staff, EA Youth Service, the EVAWG Team from the Executive Office, and the dedicated staff and volunteers from the youth club.
Daire Finn remarked;
What I realized during my time on the project is that this issue is prevalent everywhere. It’s young men like us who need to step up to ensure that the young women who use the club feel safe in our community, just as we do.
Date:
October 23, 2025
