Celine McStravick Takes the Reins at NICVA
Celine McStravick has joined the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action as chief executive taking on the role from Seamus McAleavey, who has left after 32 years.
She said: “All island collaboration initiatives like iCommunity bring people and communities together to explore key themes, making plans to work together to tackle shared challenges, and showcase what works in our communities.
“Our sector is at its strongest when we collaborate, innovate and cooperate, and who better to do that with than our closest neighbours?
“I’m really excited build upon our partnership with The Wheel.
“Our two organisations have a great history of working together and I can’t wait to continue this, ensuring we support our members, and the communities they work with, all across the island of Ireland”.
Celine started her involvement in the voluntary and community sector as a volunteer youth leader, moving on to roles in local councils developing European funded projects as part of the Peace 1 programme.
Before joining NICVA, Celine was Strategic Director with National Children’s Bureau (NCB) for 14 years.
Celine said: “I’m thrilled to be the new chief executive of NICVA, an organisation that has developed, supported, and gave a voice to charities for 85 years.
“I am excited to build on the work Seamus and the team at NICVA have undertaken on behalf of communities over the years.
“I look forward to working with and for our members and use every opportunity to amplify the voice of the voluntary and community sector.
“Our sector holds the fabric of society together, providing vital support to people when they need it the most, but we have tough times ahead.’
“The rising cost of living and the increasing demand for community-based services is putting huge strain on a sector that is already stretched to breaking point.
“A key priority is drawing attention to the funding cliff edge the sector will face when the European funding that has bolstered our sector for decades comes to an end in March.
“We are working with the sector to highlight the potential crisis and the lasting impact on the most disadvantaged, as well as working with those who receive funding to target it and make sure they’re achieving maximum impact for the communities they work with.
“As we approach the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the community and voluntary voice is needed more than ever to celebrate the progress made and acknowledge the challenge of the journey ahead.
“We want a thriving vibrant sector and that will only happen when the public and government understand and value the significant role we play in supporting the fabric of society.
“NICVA will continue to work with government and the sector to ensuring we don’t miss the opportunity to think strategically and work collaboratively to make a difference in people’s lives in communities all across Northern Ireland’.
