Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is committed to helping empower local community and voluntary organisations within the council area.
To support the development of sustainable community and voluntary organisations, a Community Development Training Calendar has been organised with a range of free courses available for volunteers and members of local organisations.
Our key aim is to help build capacity and skills in community development practice. Community Development Officers can also provide tailored, bespoke training packages to community/voluntary groups on request, in areas such as good governance, successful fundraising and completing funding applications.
Community Development Training
April to June 2026
Name of Training |
Details |
Dates/Times |
Venue |
|
| Emergency First Aid Training | This Emergency First Aid at Work course is recognised by HSENI, course content includes:
On completion, participants will receive a certificate which is valid for 3 years. Must attend both sessions. |
Wednesday 15th & 22nd April 2026 6.00pm to 9.00pm |
Hillsborough Village Centre |
Book now |
| Makaton Level 1 Training | This introductory course provides participants with the basic signs and symbols used in Makaton to support communication with individuals who have speech, language and communication needs. It is ideal for those working or volunteering in community, education or support settings and aims to build confidence in inclusive communication. |
Wednesday 15th April & 22nd April 2026 6.00pm to 9.15pm |
St. Clare’s Community Hall, 55 Chapel Road, Glenavy, BT 29 4LX |
Book now |
| Completing Funding Applications Training | This practical workshop is designed to support community and voluntary groups in developing strong, effective funding applications. Participants will gain an understanding of what funders are looking for, how to clearly demonstrate need and impact, and tips to improve their chances of success. |
7.00pm to 9.00pm |
Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway St, Lisburn, BT28 1XP |
Book now |
| Fire Warden Training | This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills required to undertake the role of a Fire Warden. It covers fire prevention, emergency procedures, evacuation protocols and legal responsibilities, helping to ensure a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and service users. |
Thursday 23rd April 2026 6.30pm to 8.30pm |
Enler Centre, 9 Craigleith Drive, Dundonald, BT16 2QP |
Book now |
| Canva Training | This hands-on session introduces participants to Canva, a user-friendly design platform for creating engaging promotional materials. Attendees will learn how to design posters, social media graphics, and other visual content to effectively promote their group, activities, or events. |
Wednesday 6th May 2026 6.30pm to 9.00pm |
Enler Centre, 9 Craigleith Drive, Dundonald, BT16 2QP |
Book now |
| Committee Training: Roles & Responsibilities | This session provides an overview of the key roles and responsibilities within a committee, including Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. It is designed to support good governance and help committee members work effectively together to manage and sustain their organisation. |
6.30pm to 8.30pm |
Hillsborough Village Centre 7 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough BT26 6AR |
Book now |
| Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Level 2 (Online) | This online course builds on basic safeguarding knowledge and is suitable for those with regular contact with children and vulnerable adults. It covers recognising signs of abuse, responding appropriately to concerns, and understanding reporting procedures and responsibilities. |
Wednesday 20th & 27th May 2026 6.00pm to 9.00pm |
Online | Book now |
| Paediatric Emergency First Aid Training | This course provides essential first aid skills for responding to emergencies involving infants and children. Participants will learn how to manage a range of situations including choking, CPR, minor injuries and other common childhood emergencies. |
Monday 8th & 15th June 2026 6.00pm to 9.00pm |
Loughmoss Leisure Centre, Hillsborough Road, Carryduff BT8 8HR |
Book now |
| Designated Safeguarding Officer Level 3 |
This advanced course is aimed at those with lead responsibility for safeguarding within an organisation. It covers managing safeguarding concerns, record keeping, working with statutory agencies and ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place. |
Wednesday 17th & 24th June 2026 6.00pm to 9.00pm |
Lagan Park Centre, Hillsborough Road, Dromara BT25 2BL |
Book now |
| Food Safety & Hygiene Level 2 | This course provides essential knowledge of food safety practices for those preparing or handling food. It covers topics such as food contamination, personal hygiene, safe storage and preparation, helping to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. | TBC | TBC | Book now |
Booking terms and conditions
Places on the courses are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Spaces will be limited to a maximum of two people per organisation.
Places must be booked and confirmed by emailing community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 028 9244 7713. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know when booking.
Cancellations by organisations should be done via email at least 2 working days prior to the date of the course. Non-attendance will be recorded and considered when assessing booking further training opportunities.
If you need this document in another format or language, please email community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or telephone 028 9244 7713.