Training Links funds and supports networks of community and voluntary organisations for joint training.
Since 2005, The Wheel’s Training Links Programme has met the training needs of nonprofit workers across Ireland. This includes volunteers and staff from charities, community groups, and social enterprises.
2025 – 2026 Programme
This year, we have awarded the total fund of €575,000 to 17 Training Networks – which is the biggest ever round of Training Links. This year’s grant awardees are made up of a total of 271 charities, community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises from all over the country.
Impact Summary
Safe Ireland’s Safe & Together Network aims to address key skills gaps among domestic violence service providers by enhancing their understanding and application of the Safe & Together Model. Training on the model will focus on trauma-informed engagement and fostering effective interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among professionals responding to families living with domestic violence & coercive control.
The aim is to improve survivors’ safety and well-being by ensuring perpetrators are held accountable while keeping children safe and together with their non-offending parent. The training program will establish a cascade training model, creating a network of local experts who will deliver ongoing training on the model within their communities.
This initiative will drive long-term cultural change by embedding the model into professional practice across sectors.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The Network of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services Training Links Programme will predominantly support the training needs of our centre managers. Managers in this sector have a diverse range of skills and come from many backgrounds and skills gaps have been identified by members. Training will also support our professional counsellors and facilitators, our volunteers and our trustees. While online sessions are time-effective and make attendance possible, the Network members would also like face-to-face sessions, and we will offer a blended approach with the training calendar.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The Midlands Sustainability & Biodiversity Network is a grouping of community organisations with a common interest in Sustainability and Biodiversity. Led by the EDI Centre in Longford, the Network includes Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC’s) and Tidy Towns groups in Laois, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, and Westmeath. Our main objective is to develop capacity and create synergies among the extensive network of Tidy Towns groups and SEC’s, initially through a series of workshops. Expected impacts include: Increased capacity of Tidy Towns groups and SEC’s to deliver Sustainability/Biodiversity projects; higher marks for these categories in Tidy Towns’ adjudications; increased numbers of SEC’s; and ongoing knowledge sharing.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The eSAFE Training Network aims to enhance the effective use of eSAFE, customised information management system used by 27 DV services in Ireland. Through a blended training approach – including online webinars and in-person sessions – it will build staff capacity to generate reports, monitor data quality, foster collaboration and optimise service delivery. Tailored sessions will be offered to frontline staff, system administrators and service managers. The intended impact is a more efficient, data-driven domestic violence support network, enabling better decision-making and ultimately improving outcomes for women and children supported by DV services in Ireland.
Network Members:
ENCLUDE
Impact Summary
The Irish Ocean Literacy Network aims to improve the capacity building and collaboration of the IOLN Members ‘Ocean Citizens’ community to achieve a common vision – an ocean literate society across the island of Ireland. Supporting Ocean Literacy is a key pillar of improving green and blue environmental health, and supports climate resilient communities. Identified through a Training and Capacity Building Needs Analysis, a series of expert-led seminars and peer-to-peer best practice sessions on campaigns and advocacy, finance and funding, developing practical skills and evaluating and building impact are designed to strengthen and enhance skills in the community and voluntary sector.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
Our first Training Links project (2022-24) addressed the need for a National Core Competence Framework for Level 2 Bereavement Support Providers. In collaboration with a Bereavement Training Network, we developed an evidence-based, standardized set of core skills and knowledge for the Level 2 service providers). These core competencies represent the essential skills that all providers at this level should possess. Following the development of the Competency Framework, we developed an eLearning Programme designed to provide learners with an initial pathway to meeting these competencies.
The eLearning course was officially launched in February 2025. During this process, we identified that some Level 2 service providers required additional competencies beyond the core set. To address this, our project will develop two standardised, evidence-based and high-quality training courses for staff and volunteers who operate at Level 2 of the Adult Bereavement Care Pyramid and (1) work with bereaved children and/or (2) support bereaved adults in a group setting. By creating accessible bereavement training resources, this project aims to equip service providers with the necessary skills to meet the evolving standards of bereavement care. Ultimately, this will enhance the quality and consistency of bereavement support across Ireland.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
Volunteer Centres in Waterford and Wexford work with many small organisations who struggle to replace retiring board and committee members, leading to a loss of organisational memory and a widening skills gap. Development in the sector is being held back by a perception that leadership of organisations is too onerous a role, and many people who might otherwise have gotten involved have chosen not to. This training network will focus on equipping existing and prospective board members in the Southeast with the skills needed to address these gaps. By increasing knowledge and improving competence and confidence, it will support the long-term sustainability and resilience of volunteer-led organisations.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The Local Link Network training project aims to streamline and standardise skills development across the companies managing the Rural Transport Programme. By sourcing off-the-shelf and customised training collaboratively, it ensures consistency in learning outcomes, fosters team building, and enhances knowledge exchange. The project addresses new contractual demands, regulatory requirements, and industry growth by providing targeted training for both new and existing staff, as well as board members. Identified through audits, stakeholder regulations, member feedback, and network discussions, this initiative supports operational efficiency and governance compliance, ensuring all members are equipped with the skills needed for evolving sector demands.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
‘Encouraging and Sustaining Green Networks’ aims to enhance skills for our charity and NGO partners in digital transformation, environmental advocacy and green transition, and business sector priorities. By tailoring training to evolving sector needs, our programme will equip partners with expertise to drive long-term impact and sustainability with outcomes including improved digital confidence and leadership, and project management skills. It aims to address key skills essential for organisational resilience and environmental sector growth.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
Over the past two decades, Ireland has become an increasingly diverse community, with people of many different ethnicities, cultures, languages and religions. With the rising numbers of refugees fleeing conflict and seeking asylum in Ireland and across Europe, we’ve seen the rise in far-right and anti-immigrant sentiment. Through the Women’s Mediation Network, women from the Women’s Peacebuilding Network will be upskilled in using mediation and conflict resolution skills to navigate community tensions, facilitate difficult conversations and to support and progress community initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity and community cohesion.
By connecting experienced and certified mediators and trainers in with in the Network, Glencree will establish mediation practice sessions and peer supported action learning groups where women can be supported in responding to emerging challenges and conflict in communities.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The Digital and Assistive Technology (DAT) Training Network aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of people with disabilities and frontline staff in using assistive technology (AT). The network will develop and deliver customized training modules, quick reference guides, and accredited programs. By hosting these resources on the “AT and Me” platform, it ensures scalability and sustainability. The initiative seeks to improve service delivery, boost confidence in AT use, and create a knowledgeable workforce capable of advocating for and effectively utilizing AT, fostering collaboration, promoting lifelong learning, and addressing key skill gaps in AT across various sectors.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The Meals on Wheels sector is struggling to cope with rapidly growing demographic led demand and the need to expand service into rural areas. This requires significant capacity development across the sector. External training resources will be required. However, the National Meals on Wheels Network membership holds a vast range of experience and knowledge which can also help address these challenges. The main goal of the National Meals on Wheels Learning Network is therefore to provide effective structures to enable members to share their knowledge, learn from each other, and collaborate to overcome financial, geographic, and organisational challenges.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI) is the representative body for community based reuse, repair and recycling organisations in Ireland. Our members make an important contribution to Ireland’s Circular Economy efforts, and our Training Network will boost their position. Called ‘Building Capacity through Impact for community-based circular activities’, the bespoke programme of training aims to improve participants’ ability to measure and communicate the social impact of their organisations. Participants will gain a set of tools and knowledge relating to this discipline, boosting their organisations’ ability to effectively navigate sectoral challenges and capitalise on opportunities in this rapidly developing sector.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The FRCNF will be the lead organisation in partnership with 121 FRC in Ireland to develop the National Capacity Building, Mentoring and Coaching network. Our Training network aims to improve Family Resource Centre member’s access to relevant training needs to improve the quality of governance, policy and best practice programme implementation in Family Resource Centres nationwide. Included in our project is to also meet the training needs of the Voluntary Board of Management members to ensure that they have all the skills and knowledge they need to fulfil their roles.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
IDP in collaboration with Inishowen Social Enterprise Network (ISEN) will provide a peer learning framework for Social Enterprises across Inishowen supporting and developing organisational sustainability. Core focuses identified are succession planning, leadership, management, digital development and efficiencies in the workplace. Alongside this, reaching out and collaborating with others from the Not for Profit and Commercial Sectors, to build alliances that will drive forward actions on corporate and social responsibilities and a just transition, aiming to ensure long-term impact. This will be strengthened through ongoing partnerships, peer learning networks and events, and potential policy recommendations, solidifying the project’s legacy and continued relevance.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
The training programme is designed to train up to 50 participants over 12 months, split across three terms: June–September 2025, January–April 2026, and June–September 2026. It consists of five modules, blended delivery via interactive workshops that incorporate case studies, role-playing, and peer discussions to ensure the practical application of knowledge.
Network Members:
Impact Summary
Sexual violence counselling is a specialist branch of counselling. Rape Crisis Ireland Training Network will be making available specialist sexual violence psychotherapy training over 2025 and 2026 with this funding. This is an additional qualification for counselling qualifications recognized by the range of professional bodies. RCI have recently reviewed, updated and evaluated the course content. This review was informed by specialist NGO’s and extensive feedback from survivors and counsellors. This is critical to maintain workforce specialist skills for the sexual violence sector.
Network Members:
Rape Crisis Ireland
WRSAC
Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre
Mayo Rape Crisis Centre
Midwest RCC
Carlow & South Leinster RCC
KRSAC
Safe Ireland
West Cork Beacon (formerly West Cork Women Against Violence CLG)
Dignity 4 Patients.
Any questions about the programme? Have a look at the Any questions about the programme? Have a look at the Training Links 2025-2026 Programme Overview.
If you are interested in forming a Training Networking or have any questions about the programme feel free to get in touch with the Training Links Team on [email protected].
This year we have awarded €255,000 to 10 Training Networks, composed of a total of 140 charities, community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises from all over the country.
To learn more about the Training Links programme read a case study from one of our Training Networks or check out one of our videos.
""It has helped establish a culture of learning and capacity building across a sector that was previously notable for its absence""
– Brendan Mulry, Meals on Wheels Training Network Coordinator (2021-2023 Training Links Programme)"This grant allowed us to revise the teaching practices of the courses we deliver, bring them in line with current methods and technologies, update and revise our training materials, train new trainers to deliver our courses and deliver GDPR and Data protection training to member station volunteers, boards and staff. "
– Mary Lennon, Craol Training Network (2022 – 2024 Training Links Programme)Find out how you can cut your costs, and maybe even avail of FREE membership, by joining The Wheel today.
