A new borough-wide community forum has been established in Antrim and Newtownabbey to strengthen collaboration among voluntary and community groups across the area. The forum is part of the WEAVE initiative, delivered through the PEACEPLUS programme’s Local Community Action Plan.

The initiative is supported by an investment of £445,658.09, which funds nine strands of the WEAVE programme aimed at community development and partnership working.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said the forum marks a milestone in building connections across the community and voluntary sector. He stated that it will help ensure local voices play a central role in shaping a more inclusive future for the borough.

The forum builds on seven existing community forums that operate within each of the borough’s District Electoral Areas. Those groups bring together community organisations, residents, and stakeholders to identify local priorities and develop community development plans. Their work focuses on promoting collaboration, inclusion, and building local capacity to address shared challenges.

The new borough-wide body will enable representatives from across the area to share local priorities, exchange good practice, and improve communication with statutory agencies, elected representatives, and key stakeholders. At the launch event, attendees helped co-design the forum’s terms of reference.

The first formal meeting of the borough-wide community forum is anticipated to take place in October 2026.