What Happened at the December Community Development Committee Meeting?
Key updates locals should know
The Community Development Committee met at Mossley Mill on Wednesday 3 December 2025, and while council meetings can sometimes feel technical, this one included a lot of updates that directly affect local groups, volunteers, and community life across Antrim and Newtownabbey.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what was discussed and why it matters.
👵 Support for Older Residents Continues
The meeting opened with an update from the Antrim and Newtownabbey Seniors’ Forum, which supports residents aged 50+ through education, social activities, and health-focused programmes.
The Forum is receiving £15,000 in council funding for 2025/26
Councillors asked the Forum to increase outreach in Antrim, Crumlin, and Randalstown
Officers continue to work closely with health and housing partners to monitor impact
This means continued support for social connection and wellbeing among older residents across the borough.
💷 Small Grants Approved for Local Community Groups
Good news for grassroots organisations:
Three community groups were awarded Small Grants totalling £2,375
These grants (up to £1,000 each) help cover essentials like:
Equipment
Insurance
Running local activities
The Small Grants programme remains open on a rolling basis, so more groups can apply throughout the year.
👏 Local Volunteers Recognised with King’s Awards
Three local organisations have been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2025 — the highest recognition for volunteer-led groups:
Mallusk Community Action Group
Sensory Kids
Community Relations Forum
The Council has approved up to £10,000 to host a celebration event in early 2026 where the groups will receive their awards officially. A great moment of recognition for people making a real difference locally.
👩💼 Women’s Sub Committee Continues Its Work
Councillors approved the latest minutes from the Women’s Sub Committee, which focuses on:
Promoting women’s issues
Building confidence and skills
Encouraging women to get involved in local politics
There were also commitments to review who is invited to future meetings to make them even more inclusive.
🇫🇷 Somme Visit 2026 – Planning Begins
With 2026 marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, councillors approved plans to begin organising the annual remembrance visit.
A task-and-finish working group will develop the itinerary
Councillors wishing to attend must confirm by 9 January 2026
Funding of up to £15,000 is expected in next year’s budget
This visit remains an important part of the Council’s Good Relations programme and local historical remembrance.
🎡 Ballyclare May Fair Preparations Underway
The committee approved minutes from the Ballyclare May Fair Working Group, confirming that planning is well underway for this popular annual event.
The working group continues to focus on:
Community involvement
Sponsorship opportunities
Improving the fair year on year
🤝 Funding for Good Relations Projects
One local group was awarded £2,000 through the Good Relations Grant Programme, which supports activities that bring communities together.
The programme remains open until 31 December 2025, with more funding still available.
A new Social Media Policy for Employees was approved to help protect:
Council information
Staff
The Council’s reputation
While it applies to staff rather than the public, councillors requested some wording changes to ensure clarity and fairness.
🧠 International Men’s Day Event a Big Success
Councillors received positive feedback from the International Men’s Day event held at Mossley Mill in November:
79% of attendees rated it “Excellent”
The event focused on men’s mental health and positive role models
Hosted by BBC sports journalist Thomas Niblock
Because of its success, the Council agreed to make this an annual event, with plans for 2026 to come back to committee.
🏘️ New Funding Opportunity: Elevate Community Renewal Fund
Updated guidance was shared for the Elevate Community Renewal and Resilience Fund, launching in December.
Targets specific areas experiencing deprivation
Includes clearer maps showing eligibility
Funding will support projects in 2026/27
This is an important opportunity for local organisations working in eligible areas.
🚌 Other Local Issues Raised
Councillors asked officers to explore coach parking access near Antrim Civic Centre to support visits to the Round Tower at Steeple Park
Officers agreed to review options
Final Thoughts
This meeting showed a strong focus on community funding, recognition of volunteers, equality initiatives, and local events.
From small grants to major awards and upcoming funding opportunities, many of the decisions made will have a direct impact on everyday community life.
If you’re part of a local group, volunteer organisation, or just interested in what’s happening behind the scenes this is a meeting worth paying attention to.
Source: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council