Co-operative Alternatives

21/05/2026

Great launch of the new Regional Co‑operative Support Programme, a new initiative designed to help emerging and growing co-operatives in Northern Ireland. The programme is officially live and applications are OPEN NOW!
If you are exploring the co‑operative model and want to build something that lasts, this is the moment to step forward. The programme offers tailored mentoring, action planning, and a bit of seed funding to help you turn a good idea into a working co‑op.
To get an application form, email [email protected] or [email protected].
The deadline for the Spring recruitment round is 1st June, so get your name in early. Trademark Belfast Department for the Economy NI Housing Executive

14/05/2026

We are excited to launch the refreshed Co-op Alternatives website with a great additions: the Co‑op Knowledge Hub, a practical, user‑centred space for anyone who wants to understand co‑ops, start one, or grow the one they have.

The Hub is built around real questions people ask every day:
What actually is a co‑op? What do I need to do first? How do we make this sustainable?
You will find clear, accessible guidance, step‑by‑step tools, and examples from co‑ops across NI and beyond showing what is possible in practice.

We have designed it with the hope of being genuinely useful: no jargon, no gatekeeping, just grounded support for people building fairer, co-operative‑owned solutions.

Now we would love your help.
Take a look, explore the new resources, and tell us what you think. Your feedback will help shape the next phase of the Hub and keep it responsive to the movement it serves.

Visit the Co‑op Knowledge Hub here https://lnkd.in/eJVZNY_R
have a browse, and share your thoughts with us.

If you want to chat with us in person, come and visit our stand at the Green Party NI conference on the 16th May and at the Blackmountain Shared Centre on the 20th May for the launch of the Regional Co-op Support programme for NI Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/NqlD9

01/05/2026

Launching the Regional Co operative Support Programme
Northern Ireland’s co‑operative movement is growing — not through big announcements, but through people organising around what matters in their communities. This year, with support from the Department for the Economy NI and the Housing Executive, and delivered by Co‑operative Alternatives and Trademark Belfast, we are launching the Regional Co‑operative Support Programme to help that work take its next steps.

The programme offers tailored mentoring, action planning, seed funding, and peer learning for groups exploring co‑operative ideas or strengthening early‑stage co‑ops. It’s practical, flexible support designed around what groups actually need, not a one‑size‑fits‑all model.

To kick things off, we’re hosting a launch gathering, a chance for co‑ops, community groups, and anyone curious about co‑operative models to connect, hear honest stories from local co‑ops, and help shape how the programme evolves. No long speeches, no jargon. Just people doing the work, learning from each other.

This launch is on Wed the 20th May from 10.00 to 12.00 at the Blackmountain Shared Space. To register, please sign up here: Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/NqlD9

If your group is exploring a co‑op idea or ready to grow one, this programme is for you. The future of co‑operative economy is taking place here, and there’s room for many more voices to join in.

A new chapter for emerging and growing co operatives in Northern Ireland is opening!

23/04/2026

Get ready! Carrick Greengrocers is about to show you what real community power looks like.
In this short video, meet the people, the purpose, and the passion driving fresh, local food with heart: //fb.watch/GFyXXQMW_d/

20/03/2026

Walthamstow’s story of a solar‑powered street is coming to Belfast! Join us on Saturday 28 March at The Commons, Ormeau Road, for a screening of Power Station—a hopeful, energising film about neighbours taking their energy future into their own hands. With a director Q&A and a panel on what a community‑energy revolution could look like here in Northern Ireland, it’s a brilliant chance to get inspired, meet local groups, and explore how we can build fairer, people‑powered energy together. Doors open 1:45pm, film at 2pm. Tickets at imaginebelfast.com/event/power-station. . Come be part of the conversation!

Two artists in Walthamstow set out to take their street off the grid, kickstarting a solar-powered energy revolution.

02/03/2026

What a fun day with Drumlin Wind Energy Co-operative and Northern Ireland Community Energy - NICE at Ballynure Nature event on Saturday the 28th. We talked with many families and young people about the benefits of community energy and the advantages of alternative business models. We also run a quiz during the day and here some of the deserving winners.

10/02/2026

New opportunities for community energy in Northern Ireland with the newly published GB Energy Local Power Plan. https://www.coopalternatives.coop/blog/great-british-energy-and-uk-community-energy-representative-bodies-joint-statement-on-the-local-power-plan/ Northern Ireland Community Energy - NICE Fermanagh Trust Drumlin Wind Energy Co-operative

Today’s publication of the Local Power Plan (LPP) is a landmark moment for community energy across the UK. With £1 billion of funding, this marks the largest public investment in... Read more

30/01/2026

We will be in Fermanagh on the 18th February !

Are you concerned about the cost of childcare or eldercare? Wondering how to keep your home warm without breaking the bank? Curious about how your community could take control of local energy or care services?

Join us for a free, practical workshop with Trademark Belfast and Belfast Cleaning Society exploring how co-operatives, businesses owned and run by their members, can offer real solutions to local challenges and be inspired how other communities on this island have addressed common challenges.

Please Register here: https://shorturl.at/aQkrN

This workshop is supported by the Dept for the Economy in NI. Fermanagh Trust Fermanagh Rural Community Network Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Fermanagh Enterprise Ltd

https://www.coopalternatives.coop/blog/we-will-be-in-fermanagh-on-the-18th-february/

Caring for our community, powering our future together. Are you concerned about the cost of childcare or eldercare? Wondering how to keep your home warm without breaking the bank? Curious... Read more

19/12/2025

Looking Ahead to 2026: Discover, Learn, Start Co‑operatives

As we approach the holiday season, we want to share exciting news about what is coming in the new year. In 2026, Co-operative Alternatives with Trademark Belfast will host a series of free sessions under the Discover, Learn, Start Co‑operatives programme, funded by the Department for the Economy in NI.

These sessions are designed for anyone who:

- Is curious about what co‑operatives are and how they work.

- Wants to explore starting something new, co‑operatively.

- Is looking for practical guidance and inspiration to turn ideas into action.

Whether you are a community group, a budding co-operator, or simply interested in learning more, these sessions are a welcoming space to connect, ask questions, and take the first steps toward building co‑operative solutions.

Please visit for dates and registration links:

Great news the Discover Learn Start Co-operatives awareness raising programme continues in 2026! These are dates for your 2026 diary: JANUARY 2026 Webinar ‘What are Co-ops?’ on the 21st Jan 2026 ONLINE from 11.00... Read more

19/12/2025

Did you miss our two last webinars in 2025? Do not worry, we recorded them.

Webinar on social care co-ops in Nov 2025 with Gerard Doyle, researcher and Aoife Smith from The Great Care Co-op Ireland.

RECORDING: https://youtu.be/wdCuhAB9x1o

Webinar on energy co-ops in December 2025 with Pat Austin from National Energy Action NI and Jonathan Atkinson from People Power Retrofit Co-op and Carbon Co-op.

RECORDING: https://youtu.be/gVKPZkvaGW4

Webinar series on how co-operatives respond to social issues and address people's needs in today's society.The series is supported by the programme Discover ...