In April 2025, Supporting Communities delivered the OCN Level 3 Community Capacity Building endorsed course in partnership with Colin Neighbourhood Partnership. Over six weekly sessions, ten learners successfully completed the course. The training was funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, while Colin Neighbourhood Partnership covered the accreditation and certification fees, ensuring the course was fully accessible to all participants.
The OCN Level 3 qualification brought together a diverse group of learners from different ages and backgrounds. Some learners were new to community development and eager to make a difference locally, where others had prior experience through management committees, volunteering, and charity work. The mix of learners created a vibrant learning environment where collaboration thrived, ideas were shared, and meaningful connections were made.
Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Supporting Communities and Ulster University, lecturers and teaching coordinators from the School of Applied Social and Policy Studies attended the final teaching session of the qualification. Dr. Rosemary Moreland and Dr. Erik Crownie from Ulster University joined the session and provided guidance on progressing to higher education covering how to apply, what support is available, and what to expect at university.
The impact from the Ulster University representatives visit was immediate. Three learners from the OCN course, who were also taking part in training at Footprints Women’s Centre, used their OCN qualification to apply for the BSc (Hons) Community Development degree at Ulster University. All three learners were accepted and began their studies in September 2025.
Karla Turner, Training Officer at Supporting Communities said:
“This is what happens when strong local partnerships, accessible qualifications, and learner ambition come together: doors open, confidence grows, and futures begin to take shape. Community development is more than gaining a qualification - it’s about recognising potential, building connections, and taking meaningful steps forward.
That’s what makes delivering OCN qualifications so rewarding. You get to witness real moments of growth - someone finding their voice, making a new connection, or deciding to take the next step in their education or career. The impact is immediate and lasting, and it reaches far beyond the training room. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”
One learner, Fionna Kinnaird, who has since started her degree at Ulster University and even established her own community group, said:
“I don't know where to start - the class was lovely and well presented with plenty of help throughout. I can't believe I go to university now! I thought that wasn't going to happen in my 40s. I'm so glad though, I value all the knowledge now I'm not forced to learn and I'm doing it for me – and I’m so proud.
My new group is doing well too; it's hard work but I'm learning with every mistake. Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Footprints Women’s Centre and Karla at Supporting Communities have really changed my direction in life, and I'm forever grateful.”
Emily Brough, Training Coordinator/Volunteer Support at Colin Neighbourhood Partnership added:
“It’s great to see people building their capacity to make positive change in the local community. There has been so much energy and new ideas from the group, I’m excited to see what happens next.”
