NDCN Community Matters Podcast

We meet Zoe Parker from Community Advice Ards & North Down as she walks us through the range of support and services that are available in Bangor and Ards to people as they face the cost of living crisis and other changes coming down the tracks.

The conversation includes a summary of support from dedicated advisors, through to the fear people can have of the benefits system, to help with benefits forms and managing debt, Zoe walks us through the real life experiences of people and the local support and advice available.

For help & advise please call CAAND on: 0300 123 9287 Recorded live at the North Down Community Network in Bangor, County Down. Northern Ireland.

Recorded live at North Down Community Hub Bangor. Produced by Kyle @ Uplift Films

'The Be Kind Project'.

A walking inspiration, Hannah Hendry is the mother of two young sons with learning disabilities and one of the founders of the Be Kind Project.

The project started as a supportive environment for parents and/or family members of children with a learning disability who are seeking friendship, understanding and support.

Now delivering workshops for children and young people, as well as parents, the project and the support for families is growing from strength to strength and the heart and mission behind it, is an inspiration. Recorded live at North Down Community Hub Bangor. Produced by Kyle @ Uplift Films

An informative conversation with Ashleen Johnston from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) about the brilliant support available to people who are struggling with debt, money management and how to get through the cost-of-living crisis we are in the midst of.

The clear message is that support is available in a tailored, understanding and non-judgemental way, often from people who have been on the journey out of debt themselves.

The support is practical, and both short and long term depending on what a person needs or how their circumstances change.

Ashleen explains their compassionate listening ear, and types of support available and the range of tools to help.

For help and advice go to: www.capdebthelp.org or call: 0800 328 3336 Recorded live at North Down Community Hub Bangor. Produced by Kyle @ Uplift Films

Terence Brannigan OBE takes us on the fascinating journey from his working class roots in York Park Belfast, through to his Sullivan education in Holywood and London career success, then return home to Northern Ireland.

His love of reading, strong work ethnic, desire for challenge and value of education proving to be the essential tools he needed to take him on his journey including Chair of CBI (Confederation of British Industries) and more recently, the Chair of the Northern Ireland Tourist board.

His journey, passion for supporting young enterprise, and in spite of its challenges, his love for Northern Ireland, are relatable to all. PART 1 of 2 episodes. Recorded live at North Down Community Hub Bangor. Produced by Kyle @ Uplift Films

We hear from John Kelly from Fingerprint Learning as he guides us through an understanding of the brain we rarely hear.

Turning common questions on their heads, understanding how dementia can me minimised, how the brain of entrepreneurs operate and vitally how valuable it is to challenge what we think of as ‘educational underachievement’ , and how an asset based approach can enable parents, educators and children to really value the innate smartnesses they have; changing the question from ‘are you smart? to ‘how are you smart?’.

For more information on the approach and go to: https://www.fingerprintlearning.com Recorded live at North Down Community Hub Bangor. Produced by Kyle @ Uplift Films

We hear from Ronan Convery from the Consumer Council as he takes us through the very real challenges so many people and families are facing as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact so many families.

Thankfully the £600 Energy Bill Support scheme is on it’s way to households but what else can be done?

The consumer council offer great information about how to compare costs, change energy companies and

not only the support available but the range of helpful guides and support available from the Consumer Council; they provide free, independent support and advice for consumers and also have the power to investigate complaints about energy, transport and many more issues. For more information about these tools and the support available please go to: https://www.consumercouncil.org.uk

Recorded live at North Down Community Hub Bangor. Produced by Kyle @ Uplift Films

Our local North Down YMCA has been in Bangor since 1979, offering a range of support services.

Julie-Ann Skinner, Community Worker, explains more about their services of support across the Borough including a programme of activities, their community cafe, youth work provision, tenancy support and community engagement.

Description goes hereTerence Brannigan OBE- 'Innovation cannot exist without challenge and change' The second part of an inspiring conversation with Terence as he outlines the work with students and how it inspires, motivates and ‘charges' him!

He outlines how the confirming nature of Northern Ireland can be limiting the achievements in this ‘decade of innovation’ and how not prioritising business plans is where he begins with many to support their big dreams and aspirations! A valuable listen and some interesting ideas about NI today and what is needed to change things for the better, for all.