Mayor launches major community engagement initiative

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, today launched a new community-focused initiative designed to recognise and support grassroots community and voluntary sector (CVS) groups across the Council area.

The initiative will see the Mayor embark on a series of visits to smaller, community-based groups within each District Electoral Area (DEA) of the Council area.

The primary objective is to shine a light on the valuable work these groups and their dedicated volunteers carry out, often with limited resources and public awareness.

These visits will provide an informal platform for the Mayor to meet key individuals, hear about the vital support they provide, and express the Council’s appreciation for their continued efforts in making a difference within their communities and people’s lives.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh said: "I am incredibly proud to launch this initiative, which is about more than just a visit, it's about reaching out and listening. The backbone of our communities are these dedicated grassroots groups and their volunteers, often working tirelessly with limited resources.

"This is an opportunity to shine a light on their invaluable work and show our appreciation for the vital services they provide. It’s my firm belief that by connecting with them directly, we can better understand their needs and challenges, and in turn, better support them."

The Mayor's community visits are scheduled to run from October 2025 through to May 2026, with a monthly focus on each DEA.

Ciara Burke, Programme Manager within the Community Services section of Council said:  "We are delighted that the Mayor is taking this hands-on approach to experience the work being done within our community sector firsthand. It's a fantastic opportunity for our community groups to share their stories, challenges, and successes directly with the Mayor, and it reaffirms the council's commitment to supporting these essential local networks.

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"We look forward to facilitating these visits and continuing to work closely with our community partners and recognise any relevant funders supporting these organisations."

The Mayor's office, in collaboration with the Community Development team, will be working with the Local Growth Partnership Boards approximately one month in advance to confirm the specific groups to be visited in each DEA. Further details on confirmed visits will be announced closer to the time.