TAS Network Centre

East Belfast Community Development Agency is a resource and network organisation. The Agency has been providing this service to the community sector in East Belfast for the past 40 years.

Originally started as a youth council in 1970 the focus changed in 1973 as the troubles in Northern Ireland took hold and the organisation saw the need to work with and develop people, communities and community based organisations. The mission of EBCDA is as follows:

East Belfast Community Development Agency exists to provide resources, support and capacity building programmes for community groups that are based on partnership, equal opportunities and sustainable outcomes.

The mission is defined by recognition of the changing environment of East Belfast and of the strengths of EBCDA. This mission will be conducted within the framework of a set of common values that inform its work and we envisage that this will mean:

• Greater awareness that the principles of community development are fundamental to successful regeneration in East Belfast.
• All those living in areas of recognised disadvantage having equal access to a wide range of development opportunities.
• All relevant agencies and organisations are involved in promoting community participation and consultation in developing policy and practice.
• The availability of comprehensive capacity building programmes for communities in East Belfast.

In order to fulfil its purpose, EBCDA has identified the following four strategic aims:

Community Support & Capacity Building

To work with, develop and assess the needs of the community sector and support groups in drawing up programmes, projects, plans and strategies that both build their capacity and develop the capacity of their clients.

Community Resource and Finance Services

To promote good financial management practice in the community sector through offering financial advice management and training services. Access to meeting rooms, photocopying, production of newssheets, leaflets and admin support.

Community Development Education and Training

To encourage, support and facilitate the provision of quality community development education and training opportunities for those involved in community development and capacity building.

Advocacy

To seek to influence the policies of community, voluntary, government and public agencies that they might recognise the value of adopting a community development approach and that the community sector in East Belfast might benefit from this influencing.