Since its establishment, the Network’s original objectives have significantly broadened to encompass a comprehensive range of community development and networking services for groups within its catchment area. Its primary goals include employing a community development approach for member groups and emphasising networking practices to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among community entities. The Network endeavours to provide communities with a platform to voice their concerns and exert influence while respecting their individual identities, affiliations, and diverse interests.

We provide assistance, resources, and opportunities directly to local groups and organisations that operate at the community level. This support can take various forms, including:

1. Capacity Building: Offering training, workshops, and skill-building sessions to empower community members with the knowledge and tools they need to address local issues and drive positive change.
2. Networking and Collaboration: Facilitating connections and partnerships between grassroots organisations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to foster collaboration and collective action.
3. Funding and Grants: Providing financial support through grants, funding opportunities, or resource allocation to enable grassroots initiatives and projects to thrive.
4. Advocacy and Representation: Amplifying the voices and concerns of grassroots communities by advocating for their needs and interests at higher levels of government, policy-making, and decision-making processes.
5. Access to Resources: Ensuring that grassroots organisations have access to essential resources, such as information, technology, infrastructure, and expertise, to effectively address community challenges and promote community development.
6. Mentorship and Support: Offering mentorship, guidance, and ongoing support to grassroots leaders and organisations as they navigate challenges, develop strategies, and implement solutions.

A bit of history:

Northern Area Community Network (NACN), formerly known as the ‘Glens of Antrim Rural Community Development Association’ (GARCDA), has operated since 1985. Initially focused on the mid-Glens region of Cushendun, Cushendall, and Glenariff, it emerged to advocate for local housing issues. Not until 1995 did funding permit the establishment of an office and staff employment. During this period, in 1995, the Network expanded its reach beyond the Glens, experiencing a fourfold increase in membership.

Recognizing its evolving scope and growing membership, the Network renamed itself the North Antrim Community Network (NACN) in 1996/97. This change reflected its broader interests and geographical expansion northwards and westwards, encompassing the council areas of Moyle, Ballymoney, Ballymena, and Larne. Subsequent developments saw the Network’s catchment area expand further, encompassing the Coleraine Council area in 2011 and Limavady Borough Council following the award of the DARD Community Development Support Service Contract in August 2012.

In 2018, with a new contract from DAERA, the Network saw its final extension to include the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council area. Reflecting these advancements and to better align with its extended coverage, the Network updated its company name to Northern Area Community Network in April 2019.