NIRN set to host Members Networking Event

Northern Ireland Resources Network are looking forward to hosting our Members Networking event on Thursday 30th March. The event will take place in the beautiful setting of Compass Advocacy Network Lislagan Farm Ballymoney – the perfect space for engagement, exchange and discussion.

The theme for our 2023 Networking Event is storytelling. NIRN recognise the value of stories: they evoke emotion, capture attention, create public involvement, and bring about environmental and social change. By creating a space for networking and dialogue, our event will therefore afford members the opportunity to share (and most importantly celebrate) their
reuse and repair stories. Underpinned by themes of creativity, community-building and partnership, this event will provide members with an opportunity to build inclusive social connections, and to discuss ways of addressing issues related to waste, reuse and repair.

Members will hear from a diverse range of compelling speakers who will share learnings and insights on repair and reuse, drawing on cross-sector expertise and personal experience. Speakers include representatives from Life Cycles, Belfast Tool Library, Causeway Coast and Glens, Belfast City Council and Newcastle Lions. Their stories will inspire, energise and focus our attention: ultimately, supporting and informing future research, advocacy and awareness projects around reuse and repair in Northern Ireland.

With a Circular Economy Strategy to be introduced later this year, NIRN also recognises the need to integrate local knowledge and community action with policy, and we are therefore delighted to be joined by our supporters from DAERA who will be able to inform members on governance and best practice. Finally, we all know that realising our collective vision of reuse and repair in Northern Ireland requires funding, and financial support is necessary if we are to galvanise action and drive environmental solutions. We are therefore pleased that funding and community development experts will also be in attendance, and members will receive guidance on how to finance potential projects – and an idea into a reality.

To provoke environmental action, we need to think big, think differently, and most importantly – think collaboratively. This is a members only event, invitation to register has been sent via email to the network. If you would like to join NIRN, get in touch via info@ni-rn.org. Be part of our story for change.