AGM
Wednesday 20[th] May 2026; 11am Venue: Galliagh Community Centre
Agenda
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Opening remarks/Welcome
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Apologies
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Presentation of Accounts
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Adoption of Accounts
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Presentation of Annual Report
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Adoption of Annual Report
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Election of Management Committee/Office Bearers 8. AOB
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Closing remarks
Chairman’s Report 2025-26
On behalf of (GCC) and my fellow Directors, I would like to sincerely thank all the groups, staff, volunteers, funders, and residents who have contributed to another successful and progressive year for our community centre.
Over the past year, GCC has continued to grow as a focal point for community life within Galliagh, providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage, participate, and access support in a safe and welcoming environment. This success would not have been possible without the continued partnership and commitment of our tenant groups and community organisations, and the support of a myriad of funders who have backed the centre in becoming a hub within Galliagh for everyone.
A special acknowledgement must be given to the staff team from whose support, commitment, and leadership have played a major role in helping GCC continue to develop and expand its programmes and services. Their work in securing funding, supporting delivery, and coordinating major initiatives has had a significant impact across the wider community.
One of the highlights of the year was the overwhelming success of Galliagh Féile 2025. Building on the foundations created in 2024, the Féile once again brought the community together through music, sport, cultural events, and youth engagement programmes that created safer and more positive summer experiences for residents. The success of Féile has demonstrated what can be achieved when local people, community organisations, statutory agencies, and volunteers work collectively with a shared purpose.
We have also seen the continued growth and impact of our luncheon programmes within the centre. These sessions have become an important source of social connection, support, and wellbeing for many local residents, particularly those experiencing isolation. Likewise, the development of the Men’s Social 25 programme has been extremely encouraging, with growing participation levels and clear positive impact on members through activities focused on wellbeing, friendship, confidence, and community involvement.
While we celebrate many successes, we also recognise the disappointment surrounding the recent loss of funding impacting staff and services within . GCC values the enormous contribution OSCY continues to make to our community, and we remain committed to working alongside their team to support them in any way we can moving forward.
As we look ahead, GCC remains committed to strengthening partnership working, sustaining existing programmes, and continuing to build a community centre that reflects the needs, ambitions, and potential of the people of Galliagh.
Thanks, Martin Connolly Chairperson
Statement from Centre Manager Thomas McCallion
Galliagh Community Centre has continued to grow from strength to strength throughout 2025 and into 2026, and on behalf of GCC I want to once again thank all the staff, volunteers, partner organisations, and residents who continue to support the centre and make it such a welcoming, diverse, and positive space for our community.
The collective approach that exists within Galliagh Community Centre remains one of our greatest strengths. Through the continued partnership working of our centre groups and wider community partners, GCC has become a focal point for community life, supporting residents of all ages through programmes that improve wellbeing, encourage participation, and strengthen community connections. I firmly believe that the way our organisations work together under the GCC umbrella is a model of good practice for community development, and I look forward to continuing this work together in the years ahead.
I would like to make special mention of the staff team from whose commitment and support throughout the year has been invaluable. Their assistance in programme development, funding applications, project coordination, and day-to-day support within the building has helped GCC continue to expand and deliver quality services to the community. I also want to acknowledge Elaine and Aileen for their continued support and professionalism throughout the year, and our caretaker Mo, whose dedication and high standards ensure the centre remains welcoming and maintained to an excellent standard.
One of the major highlights of the year was the overwhelming success of Galliagh Féile 2025. Building on the foundations established in 2024, the Féile brought major music events, the Galliagh 5K, football festivals, family programmes, cultural events, and youth engagement initiatives into the heart of the community. The success of Féile once again demonstrated the positive impact that partnership working and community leadership can have in creating safer, more positive summer experiences for local residents.
We have also seen the continued growth and impact of our luncheon programmes, which have become an important source of social connection and support for many residents within the community. Likewise, the Men’s Social 25 programme has continued to develop, with increasing numbers of participants benefiting from activities focused on wellbeing, friendship, and community involvement. It has been encouraging to see the positive impact these programmes are having on members and their wider families.
While we celebrate many successes, we also recognise the disappointment surrounding the loss of funding impacting staff and services within . GCC fully appreciates the enormous contribution OSCY continues to make to this community, and we remain committed to supporting their team in whatever way we can moving forward.
As we look towards the future, GCC will continue to seek partnerships, funding, and investment that allow us to grow services, support those most in need, and ensure that Galliagh Community Centre remains a place where residents feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
Thanks, Thomas McCallion
Manager
Board 2025/2026
Directors
Chair: Martin Connolly Vice Chair: Yvonne Barr Treasurer: Marie Gillespie Secretary: Cathal McCauley
Directors: Charley Mellon; Gerry O’Neill; Anne McKeever; Maureen Collins; Ted Curley
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Centre Manager
Thomas McCallion (OSCY)
Operations Manager
Finance Manager
Aileen Mellon (OSCY)
Elaine Condren (OSCY)
Community Worker
Caretaker
Yolanda Conaghan (OSCY)
Paul (Mo) Morrisson
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Public Benefit Statement – Galliagh Community Centre 2025-26
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Galliagh Community Centre Management Group(GCCMG) shall be:
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(a) To promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the Galliagh Area /Outer North Neighbourhood Renewal Area/Ballyarnett DEA (hereinafter called ‘the Area of Benefit’) without distinction of sex, race, disability, or political, religious or other opinion and in particular having regard to the imperatives of the need to promote equality of opportunity among the nine categories of persons identified in section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the desirability of promoting good relations among the three categories of persons identified in that statutory provision.
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(b) To liaise with Derry City & Strabane District Council (‘the Council’), relevant statutory and voluntary organisations and the residents of the Area of Benefit in a common effort to advance the quality of life through self-help in community development initiatives, and the provision of facilities for recreation and leisuretime occupations.
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(c) To work in partnership with the Council to ensure the smooth running of Galliagh Community Centre (‘the Centre’) and to promote agreed ideas or activities initiated by the Council, other statutory or community based organisations, or by GCCMG.
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(d) To support and advise the identified ‘managing agent’ OnStreet Community Youth on ensuring maximum use of the Centre, sustainability and the provision of a wide and varied programme of activities catering for all needs.
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(e) To identify available funding opportunities and advise on how such funding might be obtained for the mutual benefit of the Council, the Centre, and its users.
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(f) To consider best practice in Neighbourhood Renewal/Community Planning for the future management of the Centre and its associated facilities and the further development of it’s buildings and make recommendations on such to the Council
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(g) To identify and become involved in campaigns on local or other issues affecting the lives of residents of the Area of Benefit while being non-party political and non-sectarian in nature.
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(h) To affiliate to other local or national organisations with similar charitable objectives.
Galliagh Community Centre (GCC) is a council owned community managed facility that has been operational since May 2022. The centre is managed by On Street Community Youth and the Centre is controlled by a company limited by guarantee with 5 partnership groups that include Teach Na Failte, Community Restorative Justice, Galliagh Women's Group, Rainbow Child and Family and On Street Community Youth. Each group work together under the banner of GCC with the sole aim of creating opportunities for local people of all ages to organise and work together to improve the lives of all residents. Each group provides services to locals and daily we engage and interact with them to make sure we provide services that they need, and which benefits them. Community consultations and surveys will be a tool regularly used to engage residents and in doing so enable the centre to put on services that meet need, to look
at satisfaction of services and to ensure we have a programme that contributes to developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence of residents through our education, social, cultural and economic programmes.
The direct benefits which flow from the purpose include an increase in the number of residents participating in developmental programmes and activities, resulting in reduced social exclusion; increased participation in community activities; increased resident resilience; empowerment of residents; leading to increased participation in the community; increased self-worth, self-confidence, improved health and social connections, increased self-esteem, all leading to reduced negative behaviours. These benefits are evidenced through our annual reports; participant evaluations; staff evaluations; and through community feedback through other voluntary and statutory organisations. The benefits outweigh any potential harm. To mediate against any potential harm the organisation ensures that all the organisations policies are adhere to including; health and safety procedures; risk assessments are carried out in advance; staff are qualified in first-aid and have completed child protection training and the organisation has 2 named child protection officers. Any external hired service providers have also all the required health and safety and child protection requirements. The Benefit is for all local residents regardless of age. A private benefit to our staff and volunteers may arise from our programme of ongoing training in first-aid; child protection; restorative practices, mediation, youth work etc. Through this training staff and volunteers gain skills and experience and qualifications which are transferable to other settings. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries.
What Organisation Does
GCC was opened in May 2022 and has been campaigned for over 20 years by local community groups and residents. GCC is a complement of representatives of 5 community groups working daily to bring public benefit to residents of Galliagh. We also work alongside other community and statutory bodies to ensure that we share good practice and complement services. We provide support to residents on matters relating to them such as housing, health, refuse, lighting, roads, benefits and we work closely with local groups to offer our centre for delivery of projects. We are funded by a range of local funders to develop services for local young people, adults and older residents. GCC will ensure robust arrangements are in place for the management of the group and to ensure targets are being met. All business is overseen by the Directors of GCC to ensure all elements are working effectively.
GCC Directors and management agent of On Street Community Youth are confident that it can call upon the necessary skills / capacity to deliver on its aims and objectives.
The project operates all year round delivering a range of services for young people, adults and older residents.
GCC promotes social inclusion of all residents by promoting and providing a wide range of programmes and activities to help residents reach their full potential.
The Purposes of Organisation
GCC is established to provide, maintain and promote facilities and activities of a social, spiritual, cultural, educational and recreational nature with the object of improving the
conditions of life of children and young people, without distinction of sex, political, religious or other opinion.
Current Provision
Monday and Wednesday Community Luncheon Club
Weekly Alternative Therapy Programme – Massage / Reflexology
Social Activity Programmes – Art / Dance / Kickboxing / Allotments & Community Gardening
Men’s Social 25 Programme
Galliagh Women’s Programme including Tai Chi / Line Dancing / Creative Writing / Sewing / Crocheting / Quilt making
Rainbow Child & Family Team support services and programmes for parents and children under ages of 5 years
Teach Na Failte Advice Services
Community Restorative Justice mediation and community safety projects
On Street Community Youth deliver after schools programmes, homework support services, Galliagh Youth Club, holiday programmes, social justice campaigns, healthy eating projects, health promotion campaigns and services on a weekly basis.
The centre is also home to local community groups, sports clubs and individuals who hire the centre to deliver programmes and services not currently on offer in Galliagh Community Centre.