North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme - Report 2017/18

North Belfast StrategicGood Relations ProgrammeProgramme Report2017/18



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 oreword The Programme has a strong focus on outcomes – in each project it is possible toThe purpose of this report is to tell you clearly identify what difference is beingabout the North Belfast Strategic Good made and to see how relations have beenRelations Programme (NBSGRP), and to improved. Each case study included in thisgive you some examples of what it has report clearly shows how a project has hadachieved in 2017/18. a positive impact, and quotes from participants give a personal perspective onThe NBSGRP is a key good relations how projects have made a difference tofunding scheme delivered as part of the their lives.Executive’s wider Together: Building aUnited Community Strategy. If you would like to send us feedback on any aspect of this report or the ProgrammeThe Strategy outlines a vision of a united itself, or would like more details aboutcommunity, based on equality of anything you have read about, pleaseopportunity, the desirability of good contact the team using the contactrelations and reconciliation – one which is information provided at the end of thisstrengthened by its diversity, where cultural report.expression is celebrated and embraced andwhere everyone can live, learn, work and The contract holders delivering thesocialise together, free from prejudice, hate NBSGRP are making a real difference toand intolerance. Links to further good relations in North Belfast and I wouldinformation on the Strategy can be found in like to thank them for their hard work overthe Key Facts section of this report. the year – the positive outcomes achieved are a direct result of the efforts they haveThe Programme is delivered by 11 contract put in.holders and their partner organisations,with the key aim of improving relations The promotion of good relations is a taskbetween and within communities in North for everyone – we all have a part to playBelfast. and we can all make a contribution to the inclusive, welcoming and united communityIn 2017/18, nearly £700,000 was allocated we all want to live in. I hope after readingto 54 good relations projects delivering in this report you will want to know moreover 200 locations across all communities about the Programme, the projects beingin North Belfast. delivered and how you can get involved.The NBSGRP is delivered in partnership Gavin Kingwith the Community Relations Council(CRC). The Executive Office is responsible Programme Managerfor the strategic direction of the Peace IV & T:BUC BranchProgramme, with CRC managing theadministration and co-ordinating theevaluation of project outcomes over thecourse of the funding cycle.This model of partnership working hasbeen very successful. CRC staff bring theirexperience and expertise in administeringand evaluating good relations fundingschemes, and this has been evidenced inthe positive outcomes achieved by theProgramme in 2017/18.Each contract holder has a section withinthe report where you can find out moreabout the good relations programmes theyare delivering, and the positive differencethey are making to good relations in NorthBelfast



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 se Study: What difference did we make?MADE Programme 100% felt more participants confident on Project Summary: issues around The Monkstown-Ardoyne Diversity building good Empowerment (MADE) Programme is relations with aimed at linking young people with other opportunities through the provision of communities Youth engagement and programming, after the MADE training, good relations, youth provider programme. support, community transport, regeneration initiatives, focusing on felt like they had 100% improving relations between and within gained an participants communities in the Ardoyne and wider community of North Belfast. understanding of equality and Participants: diversity and the 20+ surrounding issues after the Young people took part and completed MADE the programme programme. participants 100% from both main participants stated that they felt like they were more likely to get involved in good relations orcommunities community relations activities after the MADE programme. How much did we do? How well did we do?8 single identity workshops. pdrio“fdfImeiffreoafeeestnelrmteld”inka.itev“neayi ptIrnt’sprsdsoiettigyaomhrcpebapclmereeoicpgrmiatnthauevttnsoshtet)lahvtatiieotnsspdgmpeO(tooeioKnpstsdlttoeiohbogealbetsreoee”et.12 joint meetings of youth practitioners.2 joint residentials.13 joint facilitated training sessions.4 reflection workshops.1 joint social action project.1 joint celebration event.

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shton CommunityTrustGood Relations ProgrammeOverviewAshton Community Trust delivers a The North Belfast Lantern Festival is led byprogramme of activity through the NorthBelfast Strategic Good Relations Ashton Community Trust and delivered byprogramme that aims to improve relationsbetween and within communities in the New Lodge Arts. Paul Roberts, CEO ofcommunity of North Belfast. Over the last Ashton Community Trust, said “The North8 years, the programme has grown Belfast Lantern Festival is in its eighth yearsignificantly and now includes the North having grown from strength to strength. ItBelfast Lantern Festival, Summer Arts offers a fabulous opportunity for children,Academy, Winterfest Programme and young people and families from rightDesigns for the Future @ Fablab, all across North Belfast to come together andcreative approaches to building good enjoy a spectacular programme of artsrelations primarily with young people. activities, outdoor cinema, performances, enchanted walks and fireworks. TheFor this year’s Summer Arts Academy, we Festival is a great example of the Northwere delighted to stage a production of the Belfast Community Spirit and Ashtonhit musical – Fame JR. 32 young people Community Trust is delighted to be leadingfrom across North Belfast (including Lower on it supported by a steering group ofShankill, Cliftonville, Rathcoole, Fortwilliam various North Belfast based youth andand New Lodge) participated in the community organisations.”programme. The rehearsals were heldduring the weeklong residential inBallyhornan Scout Centre. The youngpeople were immersed in a busy scheduleof singing, acting and dancing inpreparation for the Friday and Saturdaynight showcases in the Waterfront Studio.Over 400 people attended theperformances which showcased the talentof the young people. The young peoplereally excelled this year and put on afantastic show. Contact: Ashton Centre 5 Churchill Street Belfast BT15 2BP T: (028) 9074 2255: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 4

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 se Study:North Belfast Lantern ParadeProject Summary: What difference did we make?The highlight of the annual programme isthe North Belfast Lantern Festival returned 50% in the number ofin October with blockbuster Star Wars- increase participants whothemed event. The two-day festival, feel more willingcelebrated the 40th anniversary of the to attend eventsrelease of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’, took in Alexandraplace on Sunday October 29 to Monday Park30th at Alexandra Park and boasted a widerange of fun-packed, family activities.Participants: in the number of 24% participants who increase 4000+ feel more positive People from across north about people Belfast over 2 days from different 33 religious backgroundscommunity groups How well did we do? p“aTrhtrpieeicttaghsiWpruetianlieachtcseriieptgldylpaahtiannlniittogdtsctnhehoCatneamondonmdLmefdadtmrunhtehnituseseeiintdytryihnfeeteyacnapetertGdasliietrbrnwaobhadturhcaeaepoksrtmsihbfhoirnaesanovcevsmoeeen.”f participants from both main traditions and other ethnic groups.9 “Thank you so much for the opportunities you provided for bothschools/ my boys, they truly had an amazingnurseries time and their experiences were second to none!” “We believe that from a Good Relations perspective the Lantern Parade is one of the most inclusive and representative events in the country that enables participants to embrace the arts, community pride and consider the possibilities for the future of their area.”

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allysillan CommunityForumGood Relations ProgrammeOverviewBallysillan Community Forum (BCF) has “been involved in delivering Northern IrelandExecutive funded programmes for 11 years, We are all at thestaff at the centre endeavour to work with School of Life.everyone across North Belfast bringingdevelopment learning programmes to the ”community alongside other services. - Albert HaslettIn this funding period we have seen anincrease in people hearing about (Programme Participant)programmes we deliver, we achieve thisthrough working with all programmepartners, community organisations, schools,churches and using social media outletsFacebook & Twitter.All work we do at the centre is focused ona cross community basis and we also opendoors to new people who have arrived tosettle in Northern Ireland from othercountries.All programmes funded by the NI ExecutiveOffice have been successful and lots ofpositive feedback has been recorded. Wehave also learned over the years that thevalue to learning has no age barriers.Here at BCF we value the financialassistance given by the funder and also thesupport NI Executive office staff give to theprogrammes we deliver. Contact: 925-927 Crumlin Road Belfast BT14 8AB T: (028) 9039 1272: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 6

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 se Study:Shared Cultural Learning ProgrammeProject Summary: What difference did we make?One programme we deliver has beendesigned for Senior Citizens and our eldest 87% felt moreparticipant is 91yrs old. participants comfortable socialising withThis programme has had visits to Northern people fromIreland and Southern Ireland with site visits anotherto historical venues / museums and in the communitywinter months we have visits to the theatre background.and the cinema, participants have recordedvery positive feedback on how inclusive stated that 70%and welcoming the project is including how they had participantsgreat it is to include carers or familymembers to attend with anyone who needs overcome aassistance. fear ofParticipants: travelling into other areas. 77 87% agreed that more Senior Citizens from participants community across north Belfast programmes for the more senior participants from of the both main community would be traditions and welcomed. other ethnic groups.How much did we do? How well did we do? su“cdCvhioasaonitnrbsaoetnteadpbu,aetillfoiguevolverbedguIeeihlovdaueivnsregysnumaenlmivnneyuortsdeetanooytnfettromheoidys” 5 workshops 12 educational trips/visits “Working with the older generation 1 celebration event on shared community issues is vital a–ntdhegyupidlainygatvhietaaldroulltesinofetdoumcoatrirnogw”

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liftonville CommunityRegeneration ForumGood Relations ProgrammeOverview Cliftonville Community Regeneration Participant Feedback: Forum was set up in 1995 by a number of community groups working in the “I thought Girdwood was only for Catholics Cliftonville area of North Belfast to act as until I went to the Youth Space to take part an umbrella body. It now works across the in the Girdwood United Youth TBUC Cliftonville and Antrim Road areas of North programme. Now me and my friends go Belfast. every Tuesday & Friday night” – Young female from the Shankill area Our Vision is for “a confident, thriving,   diverse community”. “My girlfriend only lives five minutes up the street from me but before Girdwood we Our Mission is to “work for the social, would never have met because I’m a economic and physical regeneration of the Catholic and she’s a Protestant” – Young community and to create the conditions for Male from Kinnaird (Antrim Road) the removal of the physical and mental   barriers that divide us”. “When we’re in the Girdwood Youth Space we don’t even think about anyone’s religion Our Key Strategic Priorities are: anymore.  Some people are your friends and some aren’t but it’s got nothing to do • Assets, Facilities and Community with religion” – Young Female from Enterprise Cliftonville   • Skills, education and employment “I took part in the North Talks Too Local • Good Relations Interface project and was told I’d learn • Youth Development about other people’s culture but I also • Housing, Homelessness and the learnt loads of stuff about my own culture which I didn’t know” – Young person from Environment Lower Oldpark area • Community Safety and Community   “At the start I was always afraid when he Support went to Girdwood but when I see how the kids all mix together I just think – they Contact: could teach us adults a thing or two about reconciliation” – parent of a young person 185 Cliftonpark Avenue who regularly attends the Girdwood Youth Belfast Space project BT14 6DT T: (028) 9074 9147: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 8

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 se Study:Girdwood Youth Space What difference did we make? 81% feel more participants comfortable meeting other young people from different community backgrounds.Participants: feel more 100% comfortable participants 20 sharing space in young people Girdwood from across Community Hub. north Belfast How well did we do?participants from scTtorhme“arItnomcwfsurhwiuageiYdnsntehnoehgiardtus.epiltfsetwIarrhlhsnoauraitwospmcayipcwtnssiaiadvtpwrhncheiaoreediatetbtvhiSpaiwnenelhrpghigaosfaeasreginavinotderiktipnaontittglhlmdulehhoersteammffohtwGriAyoientbpia,rhmrttrsddeIgeienmwromora’fhoyteakotaeunhitcodnaohpeeedegrne.r.s”t both main traditions and other ethnic groups.How much did we do? “This programme is vital – buildings are bricks and mortar, but opinionsParticipants took part in a series of and behaviours can seem like they areemployability workshops and were given 1-1 set in stone as well. Its only throughsupport by a career’s advisor to help experiencing shared communitycomplete a job application form. From this through programmes like this that wemany participants gained part time can change buildings into truly sharedemployment. spaces.”Through participation in the GirdwoodYouth Space good relations programmesparticipants have made friendships beyondthe Girdwood Hub. Friendships extend fromthe Shankill into the heart of Ardoyne andthe Cliftonville. Participants attend clubsand the homes of their friends.

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reater WhitewellCommunity SurgeryGood Relations ProgrammeOverview HCP Programme Post APP This multi agency partnership brings Due to the feedback from parents and the together statutory bodies, PSNI, and young people who are past participants of community groups to address local issues the APP Programme, we have successfully across Belfast and Newtownabbey set up an extension to the Programme for boundaries. the youth who exceeded the age for the original APP. We have a total of 12 This programme links to the T:BUC Key participants from diverse cultural Aims: backgrounds; 9 from the CNR community and 3 from the PUL community. We 1. Our Children and Young People presently have 75% of our target group. 2. Our Shared Community 3. Our Safe Community and Summer Programme 4. Our Cultural Expression This is a continuation of the APP Programme to maintain relationships built Achieving Personal Potential (APP) during term time; and out of term The APP is a shared cross community interaction between the App participants afterschool programme funded by the to further good relations. There has been Executive Office, which offers not only an increase in numbers from 30 to 48 educational support and social skills but participants, an increase of 60%. also various recreational activities. The After-schools programme enables the Collaborative APP children from different backgrounds to GWCS are now in collaboration with Mount come together in a shared space to address Vernon to deliver the APP Programme on a any differences through the arts and shared wider scale with greater impacts and history exercises. We have a total of 72 outcomes than would have been otherwise participants from diverse cultural possible. backgrounds some of which have limited The Collaborative Programme brings experience of peace building who learn participants from outside our community more about other cultures and integrate together giving them the opportunity to into the social make up of North Belfast. meet and gain a greater understanding and We maintain an 80% participation with 55% respect of each other’s culture. CNR and 45% PUL, but always aiming to There are 20 participants; 75% (15) from the increase this number. PUL community and 25% (5) from the CNR community. Contact: 878 Shore Road Belfast BT36 7DQ T: (028) 9085 9911: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 10

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 se Study:Achieving Personal Potential(APP) - Summer ProgrammeProject Summary: What difference did we make?The Summer Programme was initially setup to keep the ties formed within new 75% have maintainedfriendships of the APP between the participants greatchildren from other cultural and religious friendships overbackgrounds that had been made during the summerthe APP term time. The summer months period - feelingcan be extremely contentious as we live on morea live interface so it was vital that these comfortablebonds remained intact. engaging with people from aGWCS set up diverse programmes for July different area.and August. We had in-house crafts andarts sessions, and also took the groups on took part in all of 100%various trips outside their area. Examples the various participantsof which included BBQ at Carnfunnock,museum visits, adventure days, water workshops andsports and team building exercises. sessions within the Summer APPParticipants: Programme. 48 How well did we do? young people “CthaenIntcoohtnafscibodbemertonwmkceeeeendinndotmwthhyneisckspohidrilomsdjieanhcnattyshebissnaooaraurrreigeeadhr.s”,. “The trips are fun, and free!” participants \"We do lots of arts and crafts and get from both lots of food.” main “Where my friends are.”communities 60%increase in the number of participants taking partin the programme.What did we learn?We soon realised the strength of the bondscreated in the APP Programme when wehad taken the children out of their area asthey became very protective of each otherwhen joined with outside groups. Thegroup saw themselves as a ‘We’ not themand us.

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 tercomm The introduction of Outcome Based Accountability has given us a real Good Relations Programme opportunity to develop programmes that make a real difference to the lives of the Overview people of North Belfast. We can plot how well we are achieving our outcomes by INTERCOMM was founded in 1995 as a looking at the feedback from participants direct response to grassroots community on our programmes, ensuring they are in concerns about inter-community conflict line with the overall TBUC Strategy and and social deprivation. Delivering a recording the progress made in order to portfolio of programmes under the T:BUC inform new and developing programmes Strategy through the North Belfast and projects. By the end of this year’s Strategic Good Relations Programme. programme we will have engaged with over 600 people from the New Lodge, We proactively work to combat the social, Shankill, Ligoniel, Woodvale, Ardoyne, economic and political problems created by Lower Oldpark , Shore Road and over 30 years of conflict and help construct Limestone including Tigers Bay. a concrete and viable peace. We are a solution-focussed peace building Our Main Outcomes for this year are as organisation that has developed an organic follows: peace building practice and model. What we have learned is that peace building must • Increasing the number of people who operate along three interdependent and feel more comfortable socialising/ connected strands: working with people from a different community background. 1. INTERVENTION: INTERCOMM has developed organisational • Increasing the number of people who integrity and credibility by working with feel more comfortable in sharing spaces communities in times of heightened and services traditionally associated tensions or as a response to emerging with people from another community needs. background. 2. LEARNING: • Increasing the number of participants INTERCOMM has sought to give who feel they have a greater communities and agencies the skills to understanding and respect for other manage and adjust to change. peoples culture. 3. STRATEGIC: INTERCOMM has actively cultivated working relationships with politicians, lead departments, and local stakeholders to effect institutional capacity to embrace the demands and dynamics of the T:BUC Strategy through the North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme. Contact: 290-292 Antrim Road Belfast BT15 5AA T: (028) 9035 2165: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 12

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 se Study:The Origins of the Poppy & Lilly Project Summary: What difference did we make? Over the last nine months we have been actively promoting the T:BUC Strategy 77% said they feel throughout the north of the city. We have participants more engaged with young people, senior citizens, comfortable people from all community backgrounds, socialising/ the PSNI, the Housing Executive, Belfast working with City Council and other contract holders people from a funded through the NBSGRP. different community This cross community event looked at the background origins of the Poppy and the Lilly. To help explore the symbolism history and promote said they feel more 55% understanding. We engaged Joe Austin comfortable in participants and Philip Orr who are regarded as experts in this field. sharing spaces and services Participants: traditionally 45 associated with people from across people from a north Belfast different participants from community both main background traditions and 95% other ethnic groups. said they now have a greater understanding and respect for other peoples culture. How much did we do? How well did we do? 9 “Wcaitnhlmeaornrewteoavrreednsetpsaedlciktoeentaheciahscpohetshoiedprel’es” months of community “My Grandfather was a staunchengagement republican and he always bought 3 Poppy’s every year for the 3 friends he lost during World War 2” “I couldn’t believe that the Poppy isn’t viewed as a political symbol.”

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 orth Belfast Strategic Good RaRelations Programme Key Facts CCoverage: The Programme operates across allcommunities within North Belfast.Delivery: North Belfast CThe North Belfast Strategic GoodRelations Programme is delivered aspart of the Executive’s wider Together: Buildinga United Community strategy. You can find outmore about the strategy at:https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/publications/together-building-united-community-strategyT:BUC Theme BallysillanPercentage Breakdown Community Forumof Projects: Ligoneil Improvement Cliftonville Comm Association Regeneration For 13% Upper Ardoyne42% 11% Community Partnership 34% Ardoyne Youth Enterprises Vine CentreChildren & Young People West Shankill AshtoShared Community Belfast Womens’Cultural ExpressionSafe Community Centre Outcomes Focus: So Be The Programme has a strong focus on the outcomes of delivery. Every funded project has one or more defined and measurable good relations outcomes linked to the wider strategic aims of the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 14


 Aims: Rathcoole Churches The aims of the Programme are to improve Community Group relations between and within communities across North Belfast and to promote local Greater Whitewell solutions to local good relations issues. Community Surgery Funding: Loughview The Programme is funded by The Executivet Community Action Office. In 2017/18 nearly £700,000 was allocated Partnership to the Programme and enabled the delivery of over 50 good relations interventions across the Intercomm four key themes of the T:BUC Strategy: • Children & Young People mmunity • Shared Community Forum • Safe Community • Cultural Expression shton Community Partnership Delivery: Trust The NBSGRP is delivered in partnership with theSouth Community Relations Council (CRC). The Executive elfast Office is responsible for the strategic direction of the Programme, with CRC managing the administration and co-ordinating the evaluation of project outcomes over the course of the funding cycle. East Belfast

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 goniel ImprovementAssociationGood Relations ProgrammeOverviewLigoniel Improvement Association (LIA) is a Education and building capacity ofcommunity based organisation whose aim, residents to engage in issues directlywhen formed in 1974, was to “initiate, impacting on the area has also been a keyfacilitate and resource community priority for LIA over the years and hasparticipation in the improvement of the resulted in the establishment of a trainingLigoniel area”. facility and ongoing initiatives to improve academic attainment for young people.LIA recognise that the inequalities anddisadvantages affecting Ligoniel at all levels Ligoniel Improvement Association pridesare not only a legacy of the Troubles, but itself on delivering services and projectsthe result of a community that has survived throughout the community focusing onon the periphery of Belfast. The community development, youth work,organisation has witnessed many changes community relations , community safetyto the area including the redevelopment of and environmental preservation. In 2017 wethe village, changes in the residential have developed several programmes thatstructures, withdrawal and closure of a encompasses all of the above whilstnumber of long term employers, the ensuring we have met every one of theestablishment and subsequent termination T:BUC policies.of a number of training and employmentschemes.It has been instrumental in developing theWolfhill Centre, one of the main communityre-source facilities in the area. The foresightof the Chairperson Professor Tom Lovettsaw the need to preserve Ligoniel’s richenvironment history and led to a LigonielNeighbourhood Village Partnership, pre-dating any Government regenerationinitiative in Northern Ireland by over 4years. Contact: Wolfhill Centre 148 Ligoniel Road Belfast BT14 8DJ T: (028) 9039 1225: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 16

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 se Study: What difference did we make?Women in Society 100% gained a greater participants understanding ofProject Summary: societal structuresThis programme empowers women to look as well as havingat what unifies them within our society developed newrather than what divides. friendships.Having participants from all over north in the understanding 100%Belfast has been enlightening as every of Cohesion, diversity, increasesession is full of discussion and passionregarding the appreciation of their fairness, inclusion,communities. The group were fortunate integration,enough to be taken on an educational tripto Westminster where they have the interdependence,opportunity to visit Parliament, sit in on respect, rights,trails and even meet members from the sharing, andHouse of Lords. tolerance.Participants: 80% 60 of participants engaged in activities that celebrate cultural diversity. women from across north Belfast 92%participants from of participants wish to further their education into both main the political system. traditions and other ethnic groups.How much did we do?: How well did we do? “leIcmahoaramnkdmiemnneggcuoehunataniibdttntiyioeningluagevIetvoasstedtolbvianneoekrtmtudsonetuooadnprwcnocrocdwaopolichmtemiyianocimvnaspve,ngloueidrtnltuefoiahratnloyollgtl.meywcrILeoo’emriowungninupfeojmuogtnasscyoiifenaeedorddnedler” 10+Workshops/ Talks/Educational Visits

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 ughview CommunityAction PartnershipGood Relations ProgrammeOverviewLoughview Community Action Partnership’s • Appreciation and respect of \"Difference\"(LCAP) role is to add value to the activity within a North Belfast context;undertaken by groups in localneighbourhoods and to work with • Work towards creating confident, proudorganisations to ensure the continued and Knowledgeable Neighbourhoods; anddevelopment of a resourced communitysector in the LCAP area that is recognised, • Work towards creating safer and stablevalued and effective. We seek to support Neighbourhoods.successful community development,encourage reflective practice and promote Commissioned research suggests the needcooperation and locally based solutions. for work to be concentrated on a number of issues and in particular geographicalIt is widely recognised within LCAP that the areas are high on our agenda! We believebuilding of relationships requires that quality of delivery and capacitycommunities to create new lines of contact building is important. We do this by usingand develop meaningful engagement with Action Learning. This allows theone another. LCAP believes that divisions participants to plan, design and deliverexist within and between communities and projects and learn from the process andtherefore argue the need to work on intra record the learning.and inter community relationships. LCAPalso recognises the importance of the work It also allows us to focus on communityto tackle the history of suspicion, mistrust development to create the skills andand even hatred that exists within cohesion within communities which buildscommunities. LCAP will endeavour to confidence to work on inter-communityaddress these problems within its own issues by using Good Relation’s methods.neighbourhoods over which it has The work is focused, Children & Younginfluence: People, Shared Community, Safer Neighbourhoods and Cultural Expression.• Build on existing good relations work with All of this work is carried out by LCAP the two main traditions and the New using the methods above. The work we Communities; carry out is recognised by The Executive Office’s key priorities within the T:BUC Contact: Strategy document. 166-180 Mountvernon Park Belfast BT15 4BJ T: (028) 0000 0000: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 18

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 se Study: What difference did we make?Men’s Forum 15% in participants increase who want toProject Summary: make theirThe programme was to prepare people to area moreengage with the other community, and safe andchallenged people to look at things from welcoming tothe opposite point of view. It looked at the others.following:• Preparing to engage in participants 28%• Opposing Narratives who want to increase• Diversity and tolerance make a• Shared history positive• Preparing for dialogue and difference to• Exploring commonalities between good relations communities. in North Belfast.Participants: How well did we do? 90 “The ipot ruaotngadrnaidtmmmmaaedkwee amasdeeixffefceeerllelmenncoter,.e”I men in total from enjoyed across North Belfast able to go participantsfrom both main community backgroundsHow much did we do?3 courses “For future programmes we now know1 project designed the landscape, what people are doing, and how we can sustain improved relations into the future.”

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 ankill Women’sCentreGood Relations ProgrammeOverviewThe new Academic year (September 17-18) Again this is a win win situation; many ofhas begun with two new pilot projects the participants are now offering theirbeing available to participants of SWC. 50 newly acquired skills-set on a voluntarypersons registered for Classroom Assistant basis back to their communityL3 and we had to offer places on an organisations. Counselling skill L2 hasinterview basis after an initial induction day attracted a full class while Sage L1 is fully(18 places were available). The course offers subscribed with 99% attendance; again thisthe participant the opportunity to gain a is recognised by future employers and is anrecognised qualification with hands on added bonus on ones C.V.experience as a placement in a school is anessential part of the learning. Having the Construction Skills Register (CSR) was runchance to avail of this course gives the in November 2017 with 35 participantsindividual a chance to acquire knowledge registering their interest. Due to lack ofwhile building the skills needed to help space and for health and safety reasons wethem gain employment. Local education could only offer 18 places. 60 % ofproviders welcome this participation, as it attendees gained full time employmentbuilds social capacity and a sense of with the first week after the course finished.ownership of the future generation’seducational needs.The second new pilot was a joint venturebetween SWC and Falls Women’s Centre.Both groups had individuals gainingCounselling Skills L2 in the previousAcademic year, who wished to progressonto L3. The course is made up from bothcommunity groups. Again this proved verypopular; the course allows the participantsan opportunity to enter into third leveleducation on receiving their qualification. Contact: 151-157 Shankill Road Belfast BT13 1FD T: (028) 9024 0642: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 20

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 se Study: What difference did we make?Cross Community Classes 77% completed the course, withProject Summary: participants participants fromThis year from April 2017 to November 2017 both mainwe have provided the women with a choice communityof Creative Sewing, Hand painting backgrounds.Ceramics, Crafting with Beads and Crochet.By providing 36 weeks of each activity we felt more 75%ensure that the women remain engaged comfortablewith the centre for the academic school socialising with participantsyear so while children/grandchildren are at people fromschool the women have the opportunity toparticipate in a class to build their anotherconfidence, self-esteem and social skills communityreducing their feeling of social isolation. background.The majority of these women would be How well did we do?socially isolated due to poor mental health,living with a chronic health condition “If it wasn’t for the friends I’ve madeinhibiting their ability to find appropriate at the centre I would be totallyemployment. Or they have retired losing isolated”their social circle, have been providing carefor a relative or spouse or have been “I’m from west Belfast and my friendbereaved. told me to come to the centre to see I could join the crochet class, but I ifParticipants: wasn’t sure. I’ve never been on the 137 Shankill and it took me a long time get the courage to come here. I’ve to total women enrolled in classes. been coming to the centre for a few months now and I’ve made some participants friends in the crochet class.” good from both main “I’ve just recently been bereaved so coming to the Women’s Centre it has communities given me a sense of belonging so I am very pleased to come to theHow much did we do? centre every week.” 36 Weeks of sharedcommunity classes

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 pper ArdoyneCommunity PartnershipGood Relations Programme UACP brings together two junior football teams and their parents of differentOverview religious backgrounds from North Belfast and takes them to Scotland on a study visitUpper Ardoyne Community Partnership to both Rangers and Celtic Football Clubsreceives financial support from The were they will learn of the history of eachExecutive Office to deliver a bespoke club.program of Leader through Sport. Theprogram consists of Level 1 Coaching Skills A Cross Border connection - for manyand UEFA B Coaching Skills, both course years now UACP have hosted footballare delivered by quality coaches of Irish connections with Finglas Celtic FC fromFootball Association based at the National Dublin and Ballysillan Swifts Academy fromStadium. North Belfast. UACP would take 33 people from Ballysillan Swift (U10s and theirFurthermore the UACP don’t stop there, parents) across the border to Finglas Celticthey deliver a package of good relations FC in Dublin. We also facilitate and hostprojects to enhance the football coaching. Finglas Celtic FC up to Northern Ireland forThese projects will include being in a class our Year End Tournament of which they joinroom environment where participants from 6 other junior football teams from acrossboth sections of the community will come North Belfast.together and learn basic skills andawareness in 1st Aid in Football, Racism in Last but not least, the UACP deliver theFootball context and Mental Health most important element of football,awareness. Referees Courses. (I kid you not!) We deliver an accredited Referees Course andAbove and beyond these awareness also a Respect the Referee Course. Up tocourses the UACP are mindful that young 20 participants will partake in the Accreditpeople and their parents from Northern Referees Course and will learn of the LawsIreland are passionate about the Scottish of the Game and once qualified will refereeconnections within football, whether it be games – god help them!Glasgow Rangers FC or Celtic FC. Manyyears ago, when these two sides wouldmeet in an Old Firm game it would causemayhem across Belfast city, thankfullythose activities are days gone by and left inthe past because of the good relation workbeing support across Belfast by TheExecutive Office. Contact: Jolly Roger Complex 85 Alliance Park BT14 7JE T: (028) 9071 0400: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 22

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 se Study:Leadership Through Sport - UEFA Coaching SkillsProject Summary: What difference did we make?This program is a natural progression forthose that participate and pass in the Basic 50% in participantsFootball Coaching Level 1 program. This is a increase who felthighly sought after program, with a 95% comfortable(19/20) pass rate from Level 1 and only 16 having a debatespaces for this program it is only obvious with others fromthat it is going to be oversubscribed. Over a differentthe last number of years the need has risen communityto 15% increase in the number of requests background.for a place.Participants: in participants 75% who had a increase 16 positive attitudinal young people from across North Belfast change towards cross community participants from both main participation. community How well did we do? backgrounds “I had never participated in orHow much did we do? experienced cross community work before I became involved in this 16 young people programme.” enrolled in a fully “It was great to talk to participants accredited UEFA B about life in an area I had never been Coaching Skills to.” Programme

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ine Centre The following organisations formed the North Belfast Advice Partnership:Good Relations Programme • Ligoniel Improvement AssociationOverview • Ballysillan Community Forum • Ardoyne AssociationThe Vine Centre was established in 1970 • Tar Isteachand delivers welfare rights, pastoral care, • The Vine Centrefamily support services, employment andtraining programmes and seniors citizenclubs. In 2004 the Vine Centre opened theBulrush Day Nursery, a social economyproject providing easily accessible andaffordable childcare for local people and asafe, stimulating environment for thechildren in our care.  The Vine Centre is amember of North Belfast AdvicePartnership. The partnership was formed in2003 when a number of independentadvice services within North Belfastdecided to work collaboratively to addressa fragmented approach to advice deliveryin North Belfast. This is a cross communitypartnership working together to ensure thepeople of North Belfast have access to highquality, free, independent  advice andinformation. The advisors work across thefive main centres and 16 outreach locationsproviding help and assistance with welfarerights issues, debt and housing.In the past year we have assisted 6512clients with 36422 enquiries and claim back£8,844,234.00 in benefits and grants. Thepartnership plays an active role insupporting the North Belfast community,through our contribution to good relationswork, volunteer programme, family supportprogrammes, health and wellbeingprogrammes and neighbourhood renewalarea plans. Contact: 193 Crumlin Rad Belfast BT14 6FN T: (028) 9035 1020: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 24

Ca
 se Study:Welfare Reform ProgrammeProject Summary: What difference did we make?The programme provides participants withan overview of Universal Credit and how 70% in participants whothey need to prepare for the new digital increase felt morewelfare system. The workshop highlights comfortablethe importance of being prepared for the attending NBAPnew benefit and the changeover process. centres in areasWe discuss lessons learned from GB roll out associated withof Universal Credit and look at the impact it participants fromhas on communities in GB. other community backgroundsA key aspect of preparation is theawareness of services and support within in participants 75%and between communities. Participants gaining a greater increaseleave the workshop well informed of the understanding ofservices, facilities and support available to the culture of otherthem in North Belfast, many participantsprior to the workshop have no idea of the communityrange of services available across North backgrounds.Belfast.Participants 438 How well did we do? “These sessions should be rolled out total programme nacereodsstoalpl rceopmarmeufnoirticehsaansgteoagnedther we participants support each other.” participants from “These workshops should be more both main regular and frequent, this is great way bringing people together to discuss traditions and of issues that impact on communities.” other ethnic real groups. “Excellent workshop and concernedHow much did we do? for community and the implementation of the changes and 51 impact on everyone.”total Welfare Reform Workshops delivered

2017/18 North Belfast StrategicGo
 od Relations ProgrammeOverviewKey Facts & Figures21,000+ 54 Participants Good Relations Programmes200Impacting over different areas across12the community organisations within North Belfast.Programmes by T:BUC Theme:23 7 6 19programmes programmes programmes programmesfocusing on focusing on focusing on focusing onimproving improving promoting a improvingrelations relations safe relations forbetween through environment a sharedChildren & Cultural for all. community.Young People Expression.: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme Page 26

Wo
 rking in Partnership: North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme The on-going partnership between the Community Relations Council (CRC) and The Executive Office (TEO) with respect Contact Details: to the management of the North Belfast Strategic Good Gavin King Relations Programme (NBSGRP) has worked well over the past number of years utilizing the expertise and experience of North Belfast Strategic Good both organisations. Relations Programme Manager Through the working relationships that CRC has developed The Executive Office with the contract holders we have been able to support Room E3.19 programmes through both our small grant and our core Castle Buildings funding schemes in addition to the NBSGRP. It would be our Belfast hope that this strategic funding approach will continue to BT3 4SR develop in partnership with TEO to maximise both impact T: (028) 9052 3154 and value. E: [email protected] During the 2017/18 period CRC staff have witnessed first-hand Paul Jordan the impressive range of programmes that have been delivered including after-schools programmes, political awareness Director workshops, detached youth work outreach, shared history Funding & Development projects and intensive mentoring interventions. All of these Programme projects have been building on measurable outcomes and this report clearly highlights the many successes that have been Community Relations Council achieved. 2nd Floor, Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, CRC recognises the vital peace building role that each of the Belfast contract holders has made and we will continue to look for BT2 7DP ways in which we can maximise their contribution to the wider community relations sector through the various engagement opportunities that will arise during 2018/19. T: (028) 9022 7500 E: [email protected] Building on the work of 2017/18 CRC is again looking forward to partnering with contract holders and The Executive Office in building fruitful, long term relationships that build peace and which promote a shared vision for a shared future.Looking ahead:Thank you for taking the time to read this report on the 2017/18North Belfast Strategic Good Relations Programme. I hope it hasgiven you some impression of the breadth and depth of goodrelations provision the Programme is funding, and the positivedifference it is making to good relations between and withincommunities in North Belfast.The Programme is continuing in 2018/19, if you would like moreinformation on any aspect of the Programme please contact theNorth Belfast Team using the contact details provided.Acknowledgement:I would like to acknowledge the contribution of a member of theNorth Belfast Good Relations team, Joe McGouran, who sadlypassed away this year. Joe brought a huge amount ofknowledge, understanding and commitment to his role, and hisenthusiasm had a positive effect on everyone involved with theProgramme. He will be sadly missed.