(L–R) HOUSING EXECUTIVE’S WARD ERWIN; CREGGAN ENTERPRISES’ CONAL FEELY, HOUSING EXECUTIVE’S JENNIFER HAWTHORNE, MAYOR HILARY MCCLINTOCK, HIVE STUDIOS MANAGER, KEVIN HIPPSLEY AND HOUSING EXECUTIVE’S CONNOR SMITH.
THE Housing Executive has launched its £500,000 Social Housing Enterprise Investments awards in Derry.
The launch of round two of the awards was held in the Hive Studios in Derry marking our 25-year link with Creggan Enterprises.
Hilary McClintock, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council launched the awards and commended us for the innovative programme, which is aimed at developing economically vibrant and self-sustaining communities through the creation and development of social housing enterprises.
Creggan Enterprises this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, starting off with the lease of a community house 25 years ago from us. Creggan Enterprises has since developed, providing opportunities in employment, training and services for the benefit of the local community.
The group’s latest social enterprise, Hive Studios, recently secured £50,000 from our first round of awards.
Ward Erwin, the HE’s our Social Investments Manager, said:
“We hope that communities take advantage of this opportunity to apply to us for funding.
“The 34 awards in the 2015 Round have already brought about tangible changes within the successful communities and, with awards ranging from £1,000 up to £ 50,000 available, there are real opportunities for local people to create something which could bring about lasting benefits to their community.
“Even where an individual or community organisation has an idea which is new and innovative but not yet fully developed, we do encourage them to contact us.
“In addition to ourselves, there are a number of organisations with whom we are collaborating who could help bring that idea to reality.
“If you want to see the difference we have made in communities across NI then check out our film”
Conal Feely, Creggan Enterprises Development Executive, said:
“Creggan Enterprises has developed a successful indigenous support resource and social economy infrastructure which has served the community well over the last 25 years.
“But, we are acutely aware that ‘digital’, in many ways, is the future.
“We are delighted to say that the Hive, as a stand-alone social economy business, will provide this community and the wider city with the digital support and technical capacity necessary to meet the challenges which the future holds.”
If your are interested in setting up a social housing enterprise business in your estate, then the Housing Executive wants to help.
Applications are now available online.
The scheme will remain open to applications until the 22 August 2016, with phased awards being made in November 2016.
The Social Investments Team is now ready provide advice and guidance on the Scheme, and is looking forward to hearing from you.
If you’re interested or want to find out more contact Ward, Niall or Connor on 02890 318333.
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