Community group training

Our key aim is to help build capacity and skills in community development practice.

We have created a tailored, quarterly training calendar based on the needs of community and voluntary groups in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area.

Community Development Officers also provide a tailored, bespoke training package to community/voluntary groups on request, in areas such as good governance, successful fundraising and completing funding applications.

Community development training 2025

Name of Training	Details	Dates/Times	Venue	Booking
First aid training	This Emergency First Aid at Work course is recognised by HSENI, with topics including: the roles and responsibilities of an emergency first aider assessing an incident managing an unresponsive casualty CPR and defibrillation recovery position choking seizures shock wounds and bleeding. On completion, participants will receive a 3 year certificate	Tuesday 25 February and Tuesday 4 March 2025, 6.30pm-9pm *Participants must attend both evenings	Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn	Book Now
Introduction to Sign Language	This course incorporates a ‘Deaf Awareness’ workshop as well as an ‘Introduction to BSL’ (British Sign Language). Course content includes: British Sign Language alphabet, greetings and specific signs related to Community life. Maximum of 25 participants.	Flexible	Online	Book Now
Fire safety training	This course is suitable for anyone who will be taking on the role of a fire warden in their organisation or community group and has a duty to take charge and guide others to safety in the case of a fire. Through this training, attendees will learn: how fires can start and the dangers they pose fire prevention and control measures evacuation procedures The course will include a practical demonstration using fire extinguishers and their appropriate use.	Tuesday 11 March 2025, 6pm-9pm	Maghaberry Community Centre	Book Now
Autism awareness	Autism Awareness is aimed at helping frontline staff and volunteers effectively support people on the autistic spectrum. By the end of the course learners will: know the common characteristics of autism and understand that every person with autism is unique understand the sensory needs associated with autism understand the mental health needs associated with autism understand behaviours that are perceived to challenge know the challenges someone with autism may face with transition and change, and how you can support them explore alternative and augmentative communication techniques.	Monday 24 March 2025, 6pm-9pm	Virtual/online	Book Now
Makaton Level 2	Level 2 Makaton builds on the knowledge of signs and symbols gained in level 1. Level 2 combines practical exercises with theory to increase fluency and confidence when using Makaton with others, further enhancing your ability to communicate effectively with those who rely on Makaton as their main form of communication. Maximum of 12 participants. Participants must attend both sessions and it is compulsory to have completed Level 1 Makaton.	Wednesday 2nd and 9th April 6.15pm-9.30pm	Ballyoran Community Centre
Defibrillator Training	This course teaches the essential skills for using a defibrillator and gives students the confidence to know what to do in an emergency, course content includes: • Managing an emergency • Operating the defibrillator • Resuscitation (CPR) • Role of the first aider • Chest pains • Communication and casualty care • Treatment of an unresponsive casualty Maximum of 12 participants.	Monday 7th April, 6.30pm-9.30pm	Hillsborough Village Centre
First Aid	This Emergency First Aid at Work course is recognised by HSENI, course content includes: • The roles and responsibilities of an Emergency First Aider • Assessing the incident • Managing an unresponsive casualty CPR and defibrillation • Recovery Position • Choking Hazards & more On completion, participants will receive a certificate which is valid for 3 years. Maximum of 12 participants. Must attend both sessions.	Thursday 15th, 22nd May 6.30pm-9.00pm	Moneyreagh Community Centre
Social Media Course	Enhance your organisation's online presence with this Social Media Course. Learn the essentials of engagement, content creation and strategy to connect with your audience effectively. This course will include examples of best practice and have interactive exercises.	Wednesday 28th May 6.45 – 8.45pm	Bridge Community Centre
Steward Training	This course covers event management, crowd safety, and customer service, giving you the skills to run a safe and successful community event. Participants must attend both sessions.	Wednesday 7th,14th May 6.30-9.00pm	Ballyoran Community Centre
Mental Health First Aid Training	This course raises awareness of the issues surrounding mental health, including the difficulties, misconceptions and the rights that those with mental health issues have. Participants will learn about the social and personal effects of mental health, spotting triggers that may cause stress and steps to combat this stress – ultimately being able to identify when someone may need support. Maximum of 12 participants.	Thursday 19th June, 7pm – 8 pm	Ballymacash Community Centre
Food Hygiene	This course raises awareness of the risks associated with working in a food preparation area. Course content: • Importance of food hygiene • Key legislation • Hazards and control measures On completion, participants will receive a Basic Hygiene Level 1 certification.	Thursday 19th June, 7pm – 8 pm	Ballymacash Community Centre
Manual handling	This course covers the key principles of safe moving and handling techniques, and will cover common tasks, thus ensuring that volunteers provide effective support while maintaining their own safety and well-being.	Wednesday 4th June, 6.30pm – 8.30pm	Ballyoran Community Centre

Booking terms and conditions

Places on the courses listed above are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. We can accept a maximum of two people per community group. Places must be booked and confirmed by emailing community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk. Cancellations by organisations and/or individuals must be notified to the community services or community development teams at least 7 days before the training date. Non-attendance will be recorded and considered when assessing booking further training opportunities.