At the moment, we have contact with more than 600 community associations. This number is expected to continue to rise, with groups varying in size, role and areas of interest.
Why do you need a community group?
Some of the reasons people form a community group include:
- to try to improve services for the communities they represent
- to reinforce a common identity and give individuals a sense of belonging within an estate/neighbourhood
- to liaise with statutory and voluntary agencies as representatives on behalf of their estate/neighbourhood
- to facilitate contact between the local community and agencies such as the Housing Executive, district councils, Department of the Environment, Police and Social Services
- to address the housing, social, economic and environmental needs of a given area
The step-by-step guide below will help those who may be thinking about forming a community association.