Want to make a greater impact in your community? Registrations are now open for the Diploma in Community Development Practice (2026–2027). This course, facilitated by Fermanagh Trust and Rural Community Network, offers an opportunity to participants to explore community development in detail and to learn from the experiences of development initiatives elsewhere. Designed for volunteers, committee members, community activists and those working across the community and voluntary sector, the Diploma will help participants develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to support positive change in their local area. 📚 Gain a recognised qualification 🤝 Learn alongside others passionate about community development 🌍 Explore real-life examples of successful community initiatives For full details and to register, click here: fermanaghtrust.org/diploma-i… As part of the Investing in Community Volunteers Programme, offering training and development opportunities for volunteers, committee members and staff working across the community and voluntary sector in Fermanagh and Omagh. The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

✨ PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Partnerships in Action series spotlights schools and settings who have been innovative in elevating pupil voice, embracing different cultures and improving collaboration between schools, settings and local communities. 🤝 First in the series is Learn N Play and Stepping Stones Playgroup, pre-school settings both based in Letterkenny. 🌟 This partnership is being spotlighted for bringing children, families and communities together through shared education, culture and diversity, helping young children build confidence, friendship and a sense of belonging. 💡 Find out more about what they have accomplished and helpful ideas ➡️ ow.ly/bKcc50Z9ouk #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

🌍As we celebrate #VolunteersWeek, we're proud to highlight the incredible commitment of local people who are making a positive impact in communities around the world. Through the Fisher Foundation, administered by Fermanagh Trust, £15,000 has been awarded this year to volunteers and organisations from across Fermanagh undertaking overseas development projects. From supporting education and healthcare initiatives to community development and youth programmes, these grants are helping local volunteers put compassion and service into action on a global scale. Since 2003, the Fisher Foundation has supported more than 500 volunteers from Fermanagh and distributed over £550,000 to overseas volunteering projects, creating lasting benefits for communities abroad while enriching the lives and experiences of those taking part. Congratulations to all this year's recipients, and thank you for representing Fermanagh so positively through your dedication and generosity. 🔗 Read the full story fermanaghtrust.org/fermanagh…

⏰ Reminder – there’s still time to apply. Applications for the 2026 Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund remain open, with grants available to support projects that make a positive difference across local communities. Pictured are representatives from community groups across Derrylin, Killesher, Kinawley, Teemore and surrounding areas who received funding through last year’s programme. From outdoor learning spaces and sensory gardens to wellbeing initiatives, cultural projects and sports development, the fund continues to invest in ideas that strengthen community life. If your organisation has a project that could enhance education, wellbeing, sustainability, culture or community engagement, we encourage you to apply. Community groups across West Fermanagh and nearby areas of Cavan located within 12 kilometres of the wind farm are eligible to apply. 📅 Closing date: 15 June 2026 Find out more and submit your application here: fermanaghtrust.org/slieve-ru…

🎧 Tune in to Episode 13 of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE podcast and hear from Aideen Bruen and Paul Gallagher on strengthening pupil voice in school life - and don’t forget to catch up on previous episodes too! 🎙️✨ Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

📣 Applications are now open for the Fermanagh Young Leaders Forum Fermanagh Trust is delighted to invite applications for this exciting opportunity for young people aged 17–25 to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and make a real difference in their local community. Running from September 2026 – April 2027, the programme gives participants the opportunity to take part in weekly sessions where they will: ✅ Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills ✅ Gain a recognised OCN qualification in Community Development ✅ Build valuable experience for CVs, further education, and employment ✅ Work together to identify key issues affecting young people ✅ Play a direct role in awarding grant funding to local projects ✅ Contribute to meaningful change in their community If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to help shape the future of your community, we’d love to hear from you. 🗓 Closing date for applications is 1st September 2026. Find out more and apply here: fermanaghtrust.org/fermanagh… Fermanagh Young Leaders Programme is administered by Fermanagh Trust through our Investing in Community Volunteers programme. The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

🎙️ Episode 13 of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE podcast is now available! 🎧 In this episode, Aideen Bruen of Cliffoney National School and Paul Gallagher of Four Masters National School discuss the importance of pupil voice in school life. From student councils to friendship squads, they share how children are helping to shape inclusive environments and influence meaningful decisions in their schools. Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

Today our Director Lauri McCusker spoke at the NI Environment Forum organised by Agenda NI. A key gathering bringing together policymakers, practitioners and community leaders to explore responses to environmental issues across Northern Ireland. Lauri shared how the Fermanagh Trust has long supported environmental and community work through a simple principle: real progress happens when communities are empowered to lead. His presentation focused on empowering communities for environmental issues and the importance of local solutions to global, national and regional challenges. Highlighting examples from community energy projects, sustainable community buildings, walking trails and local wellbeing initiatives showing both what has been achieved and the barriers communities continue to face. Lauri also reflected on wider learning from across the UK and Ireland including how stronger participation ownership and support structures are needed to enable communities to lead effectively. “The most effective responses to environmental issues happen when communities are not just involved but trusted and enabled to take ownership.”

Meet Generation Nature 🌍 A group of 15–16 year olds choosing to spend their free time doing something that really matters. Through our 8-session programme (April – June 2026), they’re gaining hands-on conservation skills, growing in confidence and stepping up as voices for nature in their own communities. Guided by Tony Smith of Oakwood Bushcraft Forest School & Wilderness Living, here’s what two of our recent sessions looked like: 🦇 Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, Fermanagh Species Awareness & Wildlife Skills Participants discovered the world of bats and local wildlife, learning how to observe, record, and protect species. 💧 Castle Saunderson, Cavan Rivers, Lakes & Water Systems From one stunning landscape to another, the group explored freshwater ecosystems, carried out water quality testing and discovered how land use and climate affect the rivers and lakes we all share. By the end of the programme, each participant will have earned their John Muir Award and Leave No Trace Award, because these young people aren’t just learning about nature, they’re taking responsibility for it. 🏅 Supported by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), ‘Empowering Communities for Climate Change’ is delivered by The Fermanagh Trust and Cavan County Local Development

Applications now open for the 2026 Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund. Representatives from community groups across Derrylin, Killesher, Kinawley, Teemore and nearby areas are pictured receiving funding through last year’s awards. From outdoor learning spaces and sensory gardens to wellbeing programmes, cultural initiatives and sports development, the fund continues to support projects that make a real difference across local communities. If your organisation has an idea that could enhance education, wellbeing, sustainability, culture or community life, now is the time to apply. Community groups across West Fermanagh and nearby Cavan (within 12 kilometres of the wind farm) are being encouraged to apply to the Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund, with the closing date for this year’s applications 15th June 2026. Find out more and apply here 👉 fermanaghtrust.org/slieve-ru…

🎙️ Exciting news! Episode 12 of our PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks Shared Education podcast series is now live. This episode explores inspiring stories from early years educators who have run joint sessions in collaborative preschool settings. We also get to hear from some of the children within the settings. Discover how shared learning experiences and the Lundy Model of Participation are making a difference in preschool education. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on pupil voice, partnership, and meaningful participation. Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

Take a look at this video highlighting the progress and impact of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project 🎥 First shown at ASPIRE’s Festival of Learning on 29 April, a major event celebrating collaboration and shared education across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, the video showcases how shared education is helping to build lasting partnerships across communities. PEACEPLUS ASPIRE (Advancing Shared Partnerships through Inclusive Relationships in Education) is led by the @Ed_Authority, alongside @Leargas, @earlyyearsorg, @ncn4children and @FermanaghTrust.

⏰🎙️ There’s still time to tune in to episode 11 of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks with Norman Richardson, where we tackle the challenges and opportunities of shared education in a divided society. If you’ve missed any previous episodes, now’s the perfect chance to catch up and be inspired by our Shared Education experts and educators. Listen today and join the conversation! 🎧 Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil EA PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: ow.ly/7wMw50X4iR7 #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

In a lively celebration of community and collaboration, Jones Memorial Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School joined forces for a Shared Education food event, part of the PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project. Pupils explored the world of food with the help of local chefs and food experts, enjoying hands-on learning as they discovered flavours, traditions, and stories together—an occasion that fostered new friendships and strengthened their partnership. Read the full story➡️ ow.ly/OkJm50YTfFs #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @léargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire

We’re delighted to see the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards featured in Philanthropy Ireland Magazine🎶 Administered by The Fermanagh Trust, this fund celebrates and carries forward the legacy of Joan Trimble while supporting the next generation of creative talent across Fermanagh. Since 2002, the awards have supported over 200 local young people, investing more than £140,000 into their creative journeys across music, drama and the arts. As Chair Liz McVey shares in the article: “Supporting over 200 young people to date is something we’re incredibly proud of. It represents a real investment in the creative futures of young people here.” From summer schools and masterclasses to international performance opportunities, these bursaries continue to make a real difference at pivotal moments, helping young people grow in confidence, develop their talent and take the next step in their artistic careers. We’re proud to see this story highlighted and to celebrate the lasting impact of local philanthropy in action 💙 📖 Feature on pages 6–7 philanthropy.ie/philanthropy…

A brilliant and inspiring day at the Rediscovery Centre in Dublin 🌍♻️ Community members from across Fermanagh and Cavan came together to learn, connect and explore practical ways to build a more sustainable future. From innovative reuse initiatives to circular economy solutions, the visit sparked meaningful conversations and fresh ideas that participants can bring back to their own communities. From Men’s Shed and Hens Shed members to Community Climate Leaders and environmental teams, all were united by a shared commitment to climate action and community resilience. As part of our Empowering Communities for Climate Change Programme in partnership with Cavan County Local Development funded by International Fund for Ireland

🌍 Last week marked a fitting start to our Generation Nature programme on Earth Day 2026. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Cladagh Glen, young people from County Cavan and County Fermanagh are already getting stuck into climate action as they begin working towards their John Muir Award. We’re really looking forward to seeing how they progress and grow throughout the programme.

📣 Next week's FREE training for community & voluntary groups. Whether you’re supporting a local group, volunteering on a committee or delivering community activities, these courses will help build skills, confidence and good practice. 🤝Committees: Roles, Functions and Responsibilities This informative session, delivered by Omagh Forum for Rural Associations, explores how to bring together people with shared interests to understanding structures, expectations and effective committee roles. Ideal for new and existing community and voluntary groups. Tues 14th April | Cleenish Millennium Hall, Arney | 10am–1pm 👉 Register: forms.gle/JxGKUQ1nGWueFmgW9 💻 Introduction to Social Media, AI Tools & Canva New to digital communication? This beginner-friendly course covers social media, time-saving AI tools and how to create eye-catching graphics using Canva. No design experience needed. Wed 15th April | Drumquin, Community Youth Centre | 6pm–9pm 👉 Register: forms.gle/3yBLXTj49G2RUBFQ6 All sessions are designed for volunteers, committee members and staff working across the community and voluntary sector. As part of the Investing in Community Volunteers Programme, offering FREE training and development opportunities for volunteers, committee members and staff working across the community and voluntary sector in Fermanagh and Omagh. The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

🎧New episode alert! Episode 9 of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Talks is now available! 🎙️🌟 This week, we welcome Vera Shanahan, an expert in shared education in Ireland. We explore the ethos of Educate Together schools, their inclusive and child-centred philosophy, and how this approach drives Shared Education initiatives. The episode also explores the future role of equality-based education in shaping Ireland’s educational landscape over the next decade. ➡️Spotify: ow.ly/FCHQ50X4ipT ➡️Amazon Music: ow.ly/UiPq50X4imq ➡️Apple Podcasts: ow.ly/kLzu50X4iil ➡️NCN PEACEPLUS ASPIRE Website: tinyurl.com/yjrmmayc #PEACEPLUSASPIREsharededucation #PEACEPLUS #SharedEducation @ed_authority @seupb @earlyyearsorg @ncn4children @leargas @fermanaghtrust @education_ni @education_ire @educatetogether