The event marked an important milestone in the development of a connected and representative network of community forums designed to strengthen collaboration, participation and community development across the Borough.
The Borough-Wide Community Forum forms part of the wider WEAVE initiative - We Educate, We Empower, We Engage, delivered through the PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan under Strand 2: Thriving and Peaceful Communities, Programme 4: Our Shared Borough. The Forum represents a significant step forward in bringing communities together to shape shared priorities and strengthen local voices.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan said: “The launch of the Borough-Wide Community Forum is an important milestone in strengthening collaboration and connection across our community and voluntary sector, ensuring local voices continue to play a central role in shaping a more inclusive and connected future for Antrim and Newtownabbey.”
The initiative is supported by the PEACEPLUS programme with an investment of £445,658.09 to deliver the nine strands of the WEAVE programme, reflecting a strong commitment to community development and partnership working.
The launch also recognised the strong foundations already established through seven Community Forums operating across each of the District Electoral Areas (DEAs) in the Borough. These forums provide inclusive and collaborative spaces where community organisations, voluntary groups, residents and stakeholders work together to identify local priorities and help shape the future of their areas.
Each Forum is currently developing a Local Community Development Plan reflecting the unique needs, strengths and aspirations of its community, supporting sustainable growth, improved wellbeing and stronger community influence in local decision-making.
They focus on promoting collaboration and partnership working, strengthening communication across the community sector, encouraging inclusion and participation, building local capacity and supporting communities to address shared challenges and opportunities.
The newly established Borough-wide Community Forum will bring representatives from across the Borough together to share local priorities, exchange good practice and explore opportunities for collaboration. It will also strengthen communication between communities, statutory agencies, elected representatives and key stakeholders.
A key focus of the launch event was co-design and shared ownership, with attendees helping to develop the Terms of Reference for the Forum and influence how it will operate moving forward.
It is anticipated that the first formal meeting of the Community Forum will take place in October 2026.