Lyons underlines importance of partnership working with voluntary and community sector
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has reaffirmed his commitment to a strong and sustainable voluntary and community sector at the 2026 NICVA Fireside Chat event in Belfast.
The event, which saw the launch of NICVA’s new strategy “Unlocking Potential Towards 2030”, brought together organisations from across the sector to discuss current challenges and future potential.
The Minister participated in a fireside discussion, focusing on ‘Community, Change and the Role of Government’, which gave the opportunity to reflect on the first year of the partnership agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector, and to confirm continued commitment.
Speaking at the event, Minister Lyons said:
“As Communities Minister, I’m privileged to engage with voluntary and community organisations right across the diversity of the sector. I see and hear first‑hand about the hugely challenging environment they are operating in, particularly against a very difficult budgetary backdrop, which too often drives short‑term and uncertain funding arrangements and makes long‑term planning extremely difficult.”
The Minister continued:
“In July last year, I was pleased to launch the new partnership agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector. At its heart, this agreement is about how we work together, it makes clear that the voluntary and community sector is not just a set of service providers, but a key partner in helping us deliver better outcomes for people and communities. It recognises the vital role you play in representing the voices, interests, and values of communities, in standing up for the most vulnerable, and in shaping better policy and services.”
Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of NICVA, said:
"One year of the partnership agreement has seen voluntary and community organisations step up to support people through uncertainty, strengthen communities and help to shape a fairer future.
"While the agreement has assisted us, we must recognise Northern Ireland is in a much different position than it was when this partnership was confirmed. Our sector isn't spared the growing pressure on public services. Underinvestment in our services has coincided with greater need as a result of an entrenched cost-of-living crisis and deepening social division.
"We're glad that the Communities Minister shares our ambition to unlock the potential of our sector. At its heart, our new strategy is about moving towards a fairer, more sustainable Northern Ireland through long-term solutions shaped by our diverse and committed membership. We look forward to working with the Department of Communities on achieving this future together."
The NIVCA Fireside Chat took place after the announcement that the Department for Communities is to receive £19.52million from the Local Growth Fund over the next two years to deliver an Economic Inclusion Programme.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Lyons said:
"This funding will be used to build sustained collaboration between government and the voluntary and community sector. This investment can support more people to overcome barriers to employment, contribute to increasing economic inclusion and help deliver inclusive economic growth across Northern Ireland."
Notes to editors:
1. Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with (left to right) Department for Communities Permanent Secretary Grainia Long and Chief Executive of NICVA Celine McStravick
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