Girdwood Barracks and Crumlin Road Gaol - Community Development Opportunities for North Belfast

Home , Crumlin Road, Donegall Road, NVTV, Sandy Row

interface Promoting social and economic regeneration in Belfast’s interface areas

Issue No. 7 March 2007 ISSN 1743-9531 Showcasing, Networking, Generating Ideas...

By Manus Maguire

THE regeneration of Girdwood Barracks and T H I S I S S U E Crumlin Road Gaol in North Belfast offers a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity for local Small groups debate recommendations for the Shared Future Triennial Lower Ormeau Residents Action residents and young people to begin to Action Plan. Photo: Christopher Heaney Group Youth Project tackle multiple deprivation and decades of By Chris O’Halloran sectarian division. TIMEWARP Project Belfast Interface Project held its third The communities that surround Girdwood A Legacy of the Past – ‘Gift or annual conference, this time jointly with and the Gaol have suffered greatly from Hindrance’ the N.I. Community Relations Council thirty years of political and sectarian (CRC), on November 8th 2006 in the Spires Lagan Village Home Safety conflict. The wounds inflicted during Conference Centre, Belfast. The theme Project this conflict have not begun to heal. The of the conference was ‘Belfast Interface existence of interfaces is a testament to the Communities: Building a Shared Future’. The Voice Reconciliation Project open sores that exist. The conference was opened by Jean Brown Community Dialogue residential Residents of these interfaces have (BIP chairperson), Nigel Hamilton (Head on sectarianism been bypassed by recent economic of N.I. Civil Service) and Duncan Morrow developments. There is no peace dividend (CRC CEO) and featured presentations Suffolk and Lenadoon Interface here. But the regeneration of these sites from speakers from within the interface Group - update offers great hope. community sector. Skegoneil and Glandore Project

continued on page 2 continued on page 2 Member’s profile: Glenda Davies interface

produced a DVD of interviews with speakers and participants filmed at the conference. We aim to forward the conference report executive summary, including the

Jean Brown, BIP chairperson, welcomes conference participants. Nigel Hamilton, Head of N.I. Civil Service, addresses the John Loughran, speaking on behalf of Intercomm. recommendations generated for the Shared Photos: Christopher Heaney conference. Future Triennial Action Plan and also the

continued from page 1 DVD to all BIP members and conference attendees, with the main report made The aim was that the conference would be: transformation and social and economic (Belfast Interface Project); Stiofán Long available for download from our website. regeneration projects in interface areas. (Finaghy Crossroads Group); Sid Trotter • a showcase for existing good practice (LINC); John Loughran (Intercomm); Jean We would like to take this opportunity to across a range of kinds of work Each was followed by small group Brown (Suffolk Community Forum); Manus thank all of our speakers for their inputs discussions which explored the issues • stimulating opportunity for networking Maguire (Crumlin Road Gaol and Girdwood and also to thank all of those who attended facing interface communities. The groups and information exchange Advisory Panel), and Dianne Menaul on the day and fed in to the very lively generated recommendations to be • an opportunity to influence future and Malachy Mulgrew (Glandore / Mid group discussions. Finally, a big thank you submitted to the Shared Future Triennial government policy in these areas of work Skegoneil Interface Project). is due also to CRC for their support and Summer diversionary programme: youth group camping trip to the Mourne mountains. Photo: Ronan Mc Kenna Action Plan which would help to support assistance in planning and delivering the interface work more effectively in the The conference was well attended and Speakers representing interface community event – we couldn’t have managed it on our future. feedback from participants has been organisations from across much of the own. Lower Ormeau Residents Action extremely positive. A conference report is city each gave a short presentation on a Conference presentations were delivered currently in the final stages of preparation. Chris O’Halloran is the Director of Belfast particular aspect of their work, ranging from by the following: Seán Montgomery (Short Northern Visions TV (NVTV) has also Interface Project. conflict management through to conflict Strand Community Forum); Erik Cownie Group Youth Project By Gerard Rice Lower Ormeau Residents Action Group youth and community alienation. In the past (LORAG) Youth Project was established in this has led to significant difficulties both continued from page 1 1995 and was staffed on a voluntary basis within the community and for neighbouring At this stage there is little evidence to show around the contentious issues that divide poverty, disadvantage and division, with the throughout that year. At that time the project communities. received programme and transport support that the redevelopment of these sites will our two communities. only growth area being in more sectarian The main aim of the project is to provide result in social and economic benefits for interfaces. from the Probation Service, support which Discussion and dialogue across the A problem- young people who are not currently availing local communities. consisted of a small grant towards equipment The government has developed its policy of other youth provision, with a safe place community divide can use an adversarial or and the provision of a Probation Service mini around a Shared Future. Surely the to go, to meet and plan their own activities The real options for Girdwood and the Gaol a problem-solving approach. An adversarial solving approach bus. are: approach, with the aim of maximising each regeneration of Girdwood and Crumlin as well as run them. It also aims to provide community’s benefits against the other, Road Gaol will be a test for that policy. Will a support based centre to build confidence, A deal between the two communities to will solve none of the problems facing does not mean the policy remain on a shelf in an ivory encourage achievement and provide new and split the sites between them. This may The main aim of the our communities and any benefits will be tower or can it make a practical impact positive experiences for the young people. offer some short term benefits, but it will short term. A problem-solving approach being conciliatory that benefits the lives of people living in project is to provide not address the long term divisions which The project targets young people aged does not mean being conciliatory or these communities? Do senior government exist. young people who are not between 12 and 25. At this moment in time officials have the skills and training to weak. It should look at the big picture. or weak. It needs currently availing of other the project is engaging with over 60 young The sites could be developed Laganside- It needs to be creative and create much implement this policy and facilitate deeply people. The project operates seven days per style. Large private sector companies larger opportunities and benefits for both divided and wounded communities to plan youth provision, with a safe week, with opening periods ranging from could create jobs which would go to to be creative for the future? Or are they only interested in communities. It would need to address the place to go, to meet and afternoon sessions on three of those days and people living outside North Belfast. Local real fears that exist and provide clear and maintaining harmony until they leave North evening sessions everyday. people would be the cleaners and security tangible benefits for residents and young and create Belfast at 5.00 p.m.? plan their own activities guards. people from both communities — especially The following activities and services are Somebody or some agency needs to take those suffering from multiple disadvantage. as well as run them. provided through the project: The two communities could decide to work much larger the initiative to begin this process or together for mutual benefit and embark This is a risky path for everyone involved. today’s opportunities will be lost. Life Skills on the journey of addressing the core For some the Laganside model would be In 1996, successful applications to various Active Citizenship Skills opportunities and Manus Maguire is a member of the problems of a deeply divided society and the easy option. To encourage the two funding agencies resulted in the appointment Peer Education Girdwood and Crumlin Road Gaol Advisory address the genuine fears and concerns communities to work together for mutual of two full time workers along with Health and Well Being benefits for both Panel. He is writing this article in his that people have. benefit will not be easy. However, the programme, training and administration costs. Outdoor Education and Team Building capacity as a community worker with prize will be potentially much greater and Since then the project has been supported CV Writing Skills and Job Club A fourth option is to do nothing and let Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum. it offers the only real hope of beginning communities. by Youth Net, Belfast European Partnership Crime Diversion and Intervention Girdwood and the Gaol remain derelict. to tackle the many deep rooted problems Contact: Board and Neighbourhood Renewal (phase 2). Programmes To date, consultations on Girdwood and Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum Mentoring Programme which exist in North Belfast. It offers Lack of resources, particularly space for the Gaol have taken place involving local inactivity, low educational attainment, 185 Clifton Park Avenue Drop-in Facilities an opportunity to begin to address young people to call their own, has and communities. These consultations have poor health and the lack of a future for Belfast BT14 6DT Cooking Facilities the divisions which exist within our does lead to under age drinking, substance been purely on a single identity basis. There our young people. The alternative is to Tel: (028) 9074 9147 Sport communities and it should begin to address abuse and a general attitude of engaging has been no real discussion or dialogue the lack of jobs, the high levels of economic allow North Belfast to sink deeper into Email: [email protected] Drama and Arts in risk taking behaviour which results in continued on page 4 Narnia Lantern Parade, East Belfast December 2005. Photo: The Beat Initiative. Shankill & Glenbawn Youth discover that Irish history isn’t just ‘balderdash’ after all! continued from page 3 interface Photo: Frank Higgins The project offers an extensive range of activities; these include arts and crafts facilitated by professional artists. One of the more popular “When I told my daddy we were being The project will also have a base in activities, particularly for the young men taught that the ‘rebels’ of 1916 were the community through the Digital surprisingly, is cookery. The centre offers a wide considered to be heroes too, I thought Communities Programme based in four variety of youth friendly equipment and the most popular with the young people is the computer he was going to have a fit! But when Belfast City Council premises across the suite, complete with 24/7 internet access. Also I explained to him the story of the city. rebellion he wanted to do the course on offer are TV game consoles, pool/snooker In addition to the young people’s awards, himself!” (Youth participant) tables, board games and darts, all set within a group leaders will undertake training and youth friendly setting. The training and accreditation from entry accreditation in Community Volunteering. The equipment and layout have all been dictated level to level three has been pioneered in They will manage the programme across by the young people. Not only do they like to a number of community groups over the the community divide and will also have their say and be heard, they also work hard past two years and it’s the success of the manage the many outreach visits to at supporting the leaders in the completion of pilots that has led to such major source places of historical interest in Ireland. the many funding applications that are required funding from the International Fund for to maintain such a busy youth drop-in facility. For details on how to apply as a group TIMEWARP Ireland (Community Bridges Programme). or individual, contact the number below When it comes to fundraising, the youth are not to be found wanting. In 2005, 13 young Angela Mervyn, Youth Education Manager to find out if places are available in your people completed an OCN in Peer Education, at Upper Andersonstown Community local area. The project hopes to recruit and as part of their project they successfully set Forum (UACF), one of the participating young people from the Shankill and themselves the task of raising the funds for a 12 Project Takes Off groups, commented, “UACF was one Short Strand areas in particular, however day camping trip in Tuscany, Italy. of the lucky groups who piloted the places are very limited. TIMEWARP project and the participants The project has a number of very successful and Frank Higgins is the Co-director of still talk about what they learnt and how active young men and women’s groups that meet By Frank Higgins TIMEWARP will aim to engage eight Transition Training. each Wednesday to take part in courses covering community youth groups across Belfast it changed their opinion of each other’s Forward Learning is a company Contact: relationships, drugs, health and wellbeing. training 80 young people per year over community. I can’t wait for the next group established to create community- to start!” Laura Henderson The project also seeks to engage the young “When I told my three years. All the participants will gain based training for all communities. Forward Learning people during the ‘non traditional times’ such a unique and recognised qualification The training programme pairs each The Board of Directors is drawn from Suite One as Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Summer daddy we were individualised for each study group. youth group with a group from a education, community/voluntary, and Belfast Cathedral Centre Holidays, which are the periods when most Location is the key to the programme and different political, religious or ethnic business sectors and have given the Talbot St other youth service facilities close down. being taught all the training and accreditation is free background. The groups will undertake staff the challenge of ensuring that Belfast BT1 2HB The project has for many years organised a for young people aged 11 – 18 in Belfast. the programme both at their respective number of diversionary programmes designed the training and support work carried Tel: (028) 9031 9111 that the ‘rebels’ Groups already undertaking the project group locations and at Forward Learning’s to appeal to those young people that are out is based on the company’s mission Email: are: neutral training suites at Belfast not regularly engaging with the local youth statement of “inclusion, connection and [email protected] of 1916 were Upper Andersonstown Community Forum Cathedral Centre. provision. These programmes, supported by the Web: www.forward-learning.org advancement”. Glenbawn Youth Project Community Relations Council, have proved to considered to North Down Impact be incredibly successful particularly at defusing The charity currently runs a number Beechmount Community Project intercommunity tensions. be heroes too, I of successful projects including the Life Skills, Community, Citizenship and One very exciting aspect of the project is the ICT course for asylum seekers, and the Midnight soccer which is aimed at keeping 14 thought he was Glenbawn and Shankill groups at Derry/Londonderry. high end IT technical training IMPROVE – 17 year olds off the streets and engaged in “I can’t wait for Photo: Frank Higgins competitive sports each Saturday night between going to have project which is funded by Proteus under 8 p.m. and midnight. This has proved so popular Peace II. the next group to with the young men that the project has set a fit! But when The team at Forward Learning have up a satellite soccer site at the Shaftesbury recently embarked on a ground-breaking start!” Community and Recreation Centre each Friday 7 I explained to good relations project which has won - 11.00 p.m. major funding for a three year project Gerard Rice is a Youth Worker with LORAG. him the story of based in the Greater Belfast Area. The The course funds the groups to visit the rebellion he project, TIMEWARP, is funded through places of historical interest such as For further information contact: the International Fund for Ireland in Kilmainham Gaol, the Boyne battlefield LORAG association with Belfast City Council and Derry/Londonderry. Study groups Shaftesbury Community and Recreation Centre wanted to do the and Transition Training and is aimed at will also be a focus of the project and 97 Balfour Ave bringing young people together through the cross community learning will study Belfast BT7 2EW course himself!” Tel: (028) 9031 2377 specialised training on the history of such diverse subjects as the History of Email: [email protected] (Youth participant) conflict in Ireland. the Connaught Rangers, Clifton Street Graveyard, the Orange Order, the Somme,

Michael Collins and the Hunger Strikes. continued on page 6 interface Lagan Village Home A Legacy of the Past Safety Project By Brian Dawson

The Lagan Village Home Safety Project Additionally, the project acts as a was set up in December 2003 by the community directory and promotes local ‘Gift or Hindrance’ Bridge Community Association in events, e.g. a Luncheon Club, healthy partnership with relevant statutory eating and demonstrations at community By Alan Wardle agencies. centres. By referring members to other local projects and services, we link The service is offered to all persons in the people into the community network and I am sure and assume that anyone reading this article would I have worked extensively within interface areas, both in a Although situated in unionist north Belfast, “area of benefit” regardless of nationality, help them to get the most out of their be well aware of the legacy we have been gifted by past mediative and in a therapeutically supportive role with both the organisation provides and shares religion, and political beliefs. community. generations within our communities. You only have to look adults and young adults. I must say that it saddens me, resources right across both communities as The project provides a free telephone around in areas most involved and affected by the conflict particularly within interface areas, when you hear what young well as within a multicultural setting, with a care service for vulnerable groups and here and in some cases still involved in a conflict of one type people believe their role is within their communities. Where number of delivery partners. older people living in the Woodstock or another. inter-community violence has been a factor in their lives, they The service is offered to and The Mount wards but Ballymacarrett believe they are protectors, whichever ‘side’ they are on, stopping The organisation would be primarily classed Vast stretches of underdeveloped working class communities and Island will also be considered - all persons... regardless a perceived invasion of their community that would lead to a as a ‘victims’ organisation but realises in areas such as the Shankill, the Falls and Derry/Londonderry priority will be given to those living in stripping of their cultural identity. Whether they like it or not that if progress and tolerance are to be etc have a sense of detachment from the rest of society - a the Woodstock and The Mount wards. A of nationality, religion, or even realise it, this attitude leaves them open to negative achieved, then a multi faceted approach sense of isolation. Through no fault of their own, people Telephone Carer will make a daily call, manipulation by others. This thought process can only be to the whole situation here has to be and political beliefs. within these areas can become very sceptical and somewhat up to five mornings a week (Monday to attributed to previous teaching and learning from others; whether delivered. To this end, the organisation paranoid about ‘other people’ that either don’t belong to their Friday) to check on members’ well being you start looking at family, community, religious or political strives to establish trust and relations with community or come in from the outside; you could say that it and take the time for a social chat. At present, 114 clients have received a aspects of this statement, I will leave to you. a wide variety of partners and agencies as creates ‘communities within communities’. daily telephone call, information on local well as individuals to ensure that its goals The project acts as an alert service when So what of solutions of which there are many? Some are idealistic, events, signposting to other services This situation has some positive as well as the obviously and the needs of all are met as much as a member fails to answer their telephone. some are practical, some address long term personal need, and and offers of security locks and personal negative aspects to it. It can create an incredible sense possible. When repeated calls go unanswered, the some address a wider societal shift in attitude and behaviour. attack alarms. Responses from clients of belonging, if only in an isolated way. These smaller Alan Wardle has worked over the last five Telephone Carer will, where appropriate, indicate that they feel safer in their homes communities become self governing in a sense and develop I am a strong believer that the majority of people have a number years with organisations such as Mediation liaise with local service providers, e.g. a and that feelings of isolation, exclusion extremely strong support structures and identity, actually of basic priorities and that if these priorities are examined or met, NI in specific interface areas and has also food delivery scheme or the Home Help, and fear have been reduced; responses demonstrating some of the aspirations of us all to get back to a better foundation for the future can be laid. Providing for your delivered training in diversity and conflict to try to locate our member and verify also indicate improvement in health the ‘good old days’ when people could leave their front doors family, housing, health care, employment opportunities, feeling management both here and abroad in other his/her safety. If this is unsuccessful, and well being and in peace of mind to open and pop next door for a chat or a cup of tea and you safe and a sense of identity being only a very few. conflict regions. the Telephone Carer will let his/her family, neighbours and friends; clients knew who your neighbours were. nominated contacts know that there may also report that involvement with the In my work in areas across this region, I have found that the basis For further information contact: be a potential problem. Finally, if the project has improved self esteem and self- Some of the negative aspects to this situation would be to identify those needs is communication and dialogue, providing Alan Wardle nominated contacts cannot be reached, confidence. the fragmentation of the greater community or societal an opportunity to set aside perceptions of others or what we’ve Senior Development Worker the operator will call the Emergency structure, as well as limiting the mobility of people within been told and identifying a shared need. When we have identified Shankill Stress & Trauma Group Services. The Lagan Village Home Safety Project those smaller communities, especially young people. The those needs we can then begin to move toward a shared course of 5 Ballygomartin Road is funded by South & East Belfast Health sense of belonging and safety within those smaller areas is a action. Very soon, previously perceived boundaries are set aside; Belfast BT13 3LA The project is involved with the social & Social Services Trust and Belfast very strong connection for the young adults living there and not totally, but just enough to alleviate those anxieties that exist. Tel: (028) 9020 5307 aspect of health. By offering a ‘friend Community Safety Partnership they find it extremely difficult to move outside their safety In this process there is obviously a massive role for those who Email: [email protected] on the phone’ we aim to reduce the zone either for social or other interaction with others. They can provide answers and new policy, and an even more important isolation sometimes felt by excluded For further information or if you would are cocooned, with little inspiration or input from the rest role for those who engage in this type of work, whether they be groups. Telephone Carers take the time like a free telephone call in the morning, of society and their values and outlook on life and their role people from within those communities or workers who can broker to get to know members and build up a contact: within it can become slightly tainted by this. Frustration, anger dialogue. All people who work and live in such areas and engage relationship with them. Brian Dawson (Project Co-ordinator) This is the first in a series of articles and anxiety become everyday emotions for many members of in a direction of positive change should be commended for their Lagan Village Home Safety Project on the subject of ‘addressing Importantly, Telephone Carers are able to these communities. They see the world around them moving work and efforts. It can be a long process but one that I have seen The Bridge Community Association the legacies of the past’. If your monitor the well being of members and, forward and leaving them behind, and they become resentful working and must continue to be encouraged. 135 Ravenhill Road organisation is involved in this work when appropriate and in consultation with and look for someone to blame. I emphasise again that this is Belfast BT6 8DR Shankill Stress and Trauma Group is an exclusively inclusive then we would be very pleased members and/or family, make referrals to not necessarily their fault, if you look at the bigger picture and Tel: (028) 9046 9946 support and training organisation and has been in existence to hear from you with a view to statutory service providers such as Care what they have been left as an example of what community Email: for 20 years. Its core delivery is of professionally accredited publishing an article in a future issue Services, Social Services and local health should be. [email protected] therapeutic counselling and community training programmes. of Interface. care professionals. When necessary, the Telephone Carer will signpost members to professional agencies for help and advice. The Voice Reconciliation Project – interface developing capacity and building relationships By Gary Mc Clean from the areas to find employment, and to the Springfield end of the interface. “We also hope to run a cross-community develop their skills base. We will operate This allows us to discuss things such football project engaging young people as a signposting agency in situations as recent incidents and how well they from both sides of the interface. So during Interface met recently with Jim Bailey, in the area who had been affected by the where we are not able to offer assistance were dealt with and what could be done the summer when the kids are off school, who is the new Project Manager with the ‘Troubles’.” Jim explained that “during directly. Given that we are facing high differently. There are approximately 16- we will hopefully be in a position to offer Voice Reconciliation Project (Voice). The these discussions, there was a commonly levels of suicide in these areas, we hope to 18 members involved [with SIF] from them a few weeks of entertainment. We “...there was a project has been operating now since 2003; held view that everyone in the area has begin running some training courses which different areas. We find this to be a very are currently looking at potential funding the first two years on a voluntary basis. been affected in some way. Although there will look at suicide prevention. From the good way of countering any trouble that sources to allow this to take place.” need to provide Voice is based in Highfield, west Belfast, were groups in the greater Belfast area start of this year we have begun to open could potentially occur and for resolving Jim’s vision for the next ten years? “I would although the area of benefit also includes dealing with the issues in question, there as a drop-in centre, which means that we incidents that arise at the interface.” like to see the group developed to its full the Springmartin and Glencairn areas. were none working specifically for these can begin to offer other services such as support to people On the question of other plans for potential and delivering the best possible These areas, not unlike most working class three areas. This is why the group was set welfare rights.” 2007 and new projects, Jim talked service to the community. I would like to areas of Belfast, are suffering from high up. This group is primarily dealing with Jim talked at length about the involvement about building and consolidating see the psychological barriers that exist in the area who levels of antisocial behaviour, vandalism, issues associated with the legacies of the of Voice in the Springfield Interface relationships with other areas. “With three between the two communities being a low levels of educational achievement and past.” Forum (SIF). “Through the hard work of representatives from each area meeting thing of the past.” had been affected social and economic deprivation. One of Jim was pleased to report that Voice had those people along the interface on both at least four times a year and based the big problems being witnessed in recent For more information on Voice, contact: recently secured funding which will allow sides, we have managed to keep a lid on around community dialogue, this will allow times has been the increase in incidents of Jim Bailey by the ‘Troubles’.” the group to continue its work until June incidents occurring at the interface. We space to engage individuals from both suicide, especially among young people. Voice Reconciliation Project 2008. This funding will go towards salary are involved in a mobile phone network communities in discussion around current 121 Highfield Drive Jim explained that “the group initially came costs for the project manager and a part- which allows for lines of communication issues and ways of supporting each other Belfast BT13 3RP about from discussion between a number of time administrator. “It will allow us to focus between ourselves and our counterparts to achieve peaceful resolution to shared Tel: (028) 9039 2655 individuals, who were concerned that there on projects which will seek to build capacity on the Springfield Road. We meet twice problems. Email: [email protected] was a need to provide support to people within the areas in question, assist people monthly with those people working on

between us and the other group? If so, then We discussed the role of religion a good place. We also now have a new Senior Community Dialogue Residential Debates Sectarianism it is sectarianism.” bit. Is it always present in sectarianism, Administrator in Caroline Davidson, who By Brian Lennon or can you have sectarianism without any has taken over from Sam. religious element? Most probably favoured In our programme work we are now offering the second option. Community Dialogue’s residential, last their games for so long, or look at the Order are to Protestants; also that the GAA One person said courses on themes such as identity, November, funded by Belfast City Council, Hibernians.” were not sectarian, they were a sporting Many stressed the class issues: it is conflict, the 1998 Agreement, dealing with was on the issue of sectarianism. This organisation: Ireland was occupied when that sectarianism working-class people who suffer most from the past, policing, marches, flags and was a bit unusual for us as up to now the the rule excluding security force personnel sectarianism. emblems, agreeing the future, gender, racism, sectarianism, conflict management, subject-matter of most of our residentials was introduced. was “learning to As usual, while the dialogue during has been open-ended and decided by dialogue, and peace processes in other One person said that sectarianism was sessions was important, what went on participants. However, sectarianism Who is sectarian? countries. “learning to disrespect each other”. disrespect each in between sessions was even more surfaced often as a topic. important. There people began to relax and The length and level of the courses can That question A strong point made was that we tend to We had a good mix at the residential of tell some of their real stories. That opened be adjusted to suit the needs of different compare the best in our own group with other”. people from different backgrounds, some up minds. Comments at the end were groups and courses can be accredited by caused some the worst in the others. So some often say, new to the process, some old hands. mostly positive, for example: “I liked the OCN. As well as this we can offer help with “They’re a crowd of drunken yahoos”, while Continuing the ongoing relationship great debate and broad scope of opinion”, strategic and operational planning and dialogue! forgetting that occasionally people in their But this does not necessarily help. We may between Community Dialogue and Belfast and “Hand on heart it was one of, if not other organisational issues. own group get drunk! hold strong moral views about an issue Interface Project, many of the participants THE, best dialogue I have ever taken part and want to express them, and if we do, If you are interested in any of these, get in were from BIP member groups. We were reminded that there are ‘others’ in.” that may widen the gap. But we are surely touch! Others countered that the Orange Order in Northern Ireland who are neither Of course, sectarianism is something others entitled to do this. The answer to this So what else is going on in Community simply held strong beliefs and part of Republican nor Unionist and we were Brian Lennon is Community Dialogue’s have, not us! Well, it’s not that simple, as might be: “Yes, but do we do enough to Dialogue? these beliefs involved expressing their helped in this by the presence of some Programme Manager we soon found out. find out what the others believe and why faith through parading. They felt that Muslims. One is staff changes. In recent months they believe it? Do we also do enough to Community Dialogue Who is sectarian? That question caused Nationalists did not understand how we have been sorry to lose Sam Askin We found it hard at times to distinguish tell people why we believe what we do?” If 373 Springfield Road some dialogue! Some said Protestants were important parading is for Protestants. (now with BIP. Their gain is our loss!), between strongly held beliefs - which we fail to do all this then we are widening Belfast BT12 7DG more sectarian: “Look at the Orange Order, Kay Nellis (unfortunately Kay’s post ran Still others said that it was nonsense to people are entitled to hold - and gaps unnecessarily, and doing so with no Tel: (028) 9032 9995 parading through other people’s areas.” out of funding) and David Holloway, all say that the Hibernians were as central to sectarianism. One approach was to ask: real understanding of what others believe Email: [email protected] Others said this was nonsense: “Look at after many years with us, but we are also the Nationalist community as the Orange “Does what we do or say widen the gap and why. www.communitydialogue.org. the GAA, banning the security forces from glad to welcome Mabel Doole into David’s Skegoneil and interface

We in Skegoneil hope to harness support from an arts project which involved young people Glandore Project all quarters to address this imbalance and designing and producing murals based on enable the community to forge and develop a their own ideas. The 11th July bonfire passed By Dianne Menaul strategy to move forward. off in a more relaxed atmosphere due to the improved communications and relationships Skegoneil Avenue is a residential street The Stewartstown Road Regeneration project on the ground. A cross community go-karting linking the Shore Road to the Antrim Road in is a good example of the basic ingredients trip saw young people sharing just good fun, North Belfast. It is a predominately protestant to improve upon and there are many other and the interface mobile phone network, working class area with a few catholic families examples to emulate. This community is Participants attending Community Dialogue’s ‘Conflict and Diversity’ course in Suffolk. Photo: Brian Lennon working with residents, addressed and and mixed households. There is an interface determined to not just duplicate examples of intervened where potential trouble might area around the junction with Glandore best practice but to set them. have occurred. Suffolk and Lenadoon Interface Group Avenue, a predominately catholic working Whilst there has been what can be perceived class area. Our achievement in 2006 was strong By Gary Mc Clean to be a slow start - one residential, a number relationship building that led to a quieter and In the 1990s, residents from both sides of of cross community meetings and a few cross Junction between Glandore & Skegoneil Avenue. These homes less violent interface and the will to make have been redeveloped several times but have constantly been Our readers will remember that we first Highland Dancers showed their talents for the the interface became increasingly concerned community projects in the summer of 2006 - sure 2007 is even better! vandalised to the extent they are now a health and safety risk. reported back in April 2006, that the Suffolk pensioners.” about the decline of their area. However, this has been very deliberate in order to build Photo: Malachy Mulgrew and Lenadoon Interface Group (SLIG) had The results of the hard work of the Suffolk community initiatives in both Glandore and up trust and the relationships needed across Dianne Menaul is a volunteer member changed from an informal group to a formally and Lenadoon Interface Group have also been Skegoneil remained segregated. the community which not only encompasses of Skegoneil Residents Association and constituted organisation, with big plans for reflected within the Lenadoon community the indigenous population but an increasing director of a successful social enterprise both communities. Key lessons learned from previous community in that, since the group was set up, the multi-cultural community in the area. company that researches and develops how activities have been that any cross community Interface recently met again with Darren numbers of young people using the Horn Drive ICT’s can impact upon learning, enterprise initiative would have to have the support of When people feel confident enough to make Mc Kinley, the full-time interface worker, and Community Centre have doubled. and social exclusion. residents, political representatives, and all harder and more definitive decisions it is Cathal Toland, the part-time interface worker Under the stewardship of Cathal Toland and other relevant stakeholders in order for any with the group, for an update. In the past ten hoped that, with the current support and For further information contact: Maria Perkins, the two part-time interface months Darren and his co-workers have been progress to be made. Skegoneil and Glandore encouragement from statutory agencies Dianne Menaul workers based in Lenadoon, a number of very busy. residents are equally appreciative of the fact like CRC, BCC Good Relations and NIHE, the Dream Ireland Ltd projects have produced some positive results that in order to maintain an environment community will feel more confident to make 18-22 Hill Street Darren reported that training, on both a single for the young people of the area. These have that is conducive and beneficial to all in the progress. Belfast BT1 2LA identity and cross community basis, has included: an art project where a group of 13-16 area, good relations and working together Tel: (028) 9032 1320 been a major focus within the two areas: “A year olds brightened up the community centre 2006 saw a number of successful cross The main interface: the junction of Queen Victoria Gardens and are key. Unfortunately, the capacity within the Email: [email protected] number of participants completed training by painting cartoon characters on the interior community activities take place, including Skegoneil Avenue, a major flash point during the events around protestant community in Skegoneil is low. Drumcree. in Principled Negotiation Skills and Child walls; a late night soccer scheme for 16-18 Photo: Malachy Mulgrew Protection. This involved members from year olds, which runs from 9 pm – midnight, both Suffolk and Lenadoon. Within Suffolk and First Aid Training with three participants of Donegall Road right up to Serious Street. The Low Points: The insecurity of keeping our staff One of the things that we find here among our itself, people took part in a course of training from Suffolk and nine from Lenadoon. Cathal population in this area at one time would have on short notice from time to time, as a result of the young people is that they are reluctant to travel delivered by Community Dialogue, entitled was also excited about their up and coming interface been somewhere in the region of 15,000, but with short-term funding system. outside of their own area to find work. We are ‘Conflict & Diversity – What does this mean for Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, which redevelopment over the years it has shrunk to working with them to build their confidence and to protestants, unionists & loyalists?’ Following will see a number of young people involved Media attention on the negative things in the area profile approximately 2,500 – 3,000. We still have a lot let them experience the benefits of working, so that – the media does not seem to want to highlight this, they carried out a course of study looking in a combination of outdoor pursuits and of redevelopment going on so the area continues in the future they will be confident enough to work the positive work and progress that happens in the at ‘Children and Political Violence in Northern community work training. to change. We work hard here to integrate the outside of their area. area. Ireland’.” ‘new build’ residents with the ‘local’ community. Darren also stressed that there has been a We have a training scheme running at the minute As is common in most areas, we have a high level Another big focus for SLIG for the past twelve lot of work carried out on the ground which High Points: Funding from the Big Lottery – a in association with Graham Construction, who are of unemployment so we work closely with local months has revolved around work with the has produced good results in tackling the ‘Transforming Your Space’ grant – has allowed us to building a new apartment complex in the area. This employers etc. to encourage them to employ youth of the Suffolk area, with some ground- problems associated with reoccurring tensions create community spaces in the area and these are company has agreed to take on four young people people from the area. Some of the facilities that breaking progress being made. Darren gave at the interface: “I feel that most progress was absolutely gorgeous. from the area as apprentices to train them up in the we have within the community include the primary some examples of this work by highlighting the made in reducing tensions on the interface, Glenda Davies - construction industry. school, the community centre, and a new youth Visit by John Speller – government minister – to recently formed Youth Forum in Suffolk. “The with further expansion of the mobile phone Sandy Row Community Forum club. launch the Sandy Row/Greater Village Area Project We built a good working relationship with Days idea of the Youth Forum is to give young people network. This work was actively supported by Team. Hotel during their recruitment process to fill their a voice in their community. In July 2006, three Belfast Interface Project (BIP) through their Post: Area Development Manager with Sandy Your Typical Day: When I first come into the Launch of the KITE project, which is ‘Kids into vacancies from within the local area, with a total of young girls from the Suffolk area took part in Conflict Transformation Support Project. By Row Community Forum for five years now. I am office in the morning I would go up and speak with Training and Education’ – aimed at encouraging our 27 jobs secured at the time. an international exchange programme with the end of the summer we had measures in responsible for overseeing the implementation the girls – the finance officer and the administrator children to ‘reach for the sky’ in their approach to young people from Spain. In addition to this, we place to deal with most incidents arising at of the work associated with the Sandy Row - have a cup of tea, discuss any problems in terms The KITE project mentioned earlier. life. neighbourhood development strategy. This of finance, grants etc. I would then meet with have worked on various single identity projects the interface. Although incidents did occur, the Hobbies: What? When am I not doing all of the covers issues such as housing, education, some of the Forum member groups and generally When David Hanson came here in February 2006 including developing environmental schemes, quick response of community representatives above? Ha!! My husband and my dad laugh at me environment, physical and economic take a walk around the area to keep up to date to announce that we would receive funding for a summer scheme, a community festival and stopped them from escalating.” and ask, “Why do you put yourself through all this, regeneration, children and young people, and with certain projects, identifying any problems. local projects under Neighbourhood Renewal creating a community garden. why don’t you get yourself a proper job?” No, I For further information about SLIG, contact: people with special needs. So my job covers a My typical day would always have some form of (£657,000). I almost burst into tears!!!! love spending most of my spare time with my five “As a special treat for both young and old, the Darren Mc Kinley, Cathal Toland or Maria very wide range of issues. meeting. I would go up to the McMichael Centre year old son and, I suppose, just going out and elderly from both communities enjoyed a carol Perkins and carry out some development work with them Examples of good practice: We have a number Your Community: Our area of benefit if chilling out with a glass of wine. I like going out service with performances by children from Suffolk and Lenadoon Interface Group in terms of future projects around IT and training. of initiatives that we are currently involved in that you like, takes in the area between the Boyne would be worthy of mention, but too many for this with the staff on occasion. Suffolk Primary School and Oliver Plunkett Tel: (028) 9030 8198 Bridge to the Lisburn Road end of Sandy I would spend a lot of time devising projects and Primary School. To add a cultural theme, Suffolk then chasing funding to carry them out. article. 10 Row, and from the Shaftsbury Square end 11 interfaceinterface Promoting social and economic regeneration in Belfast’s interface areas Is there a particular issue INTERFACE Comments For more information contact the office or visit our website. that you would like to see As part of our ongoing evaluation of Interface, highlighted in Interface? we invite readers to submit comments on each Plans are also underway for a seminar that issue. Comments can be about the previous will look at models of mobile phone network Send us an article about an issue that you feel issue in full or about the particular merits operation and discussion on examples of good needs to be highlighted, or about the work or weaknesses of specific articles. We may practice. you’re doing. Alternatively, BIP can write an publish comments, with author’s permission, article in consultation with you. Or maybe you WEBSITE UPDATE! and internally record them for our monitoring have some photos of a project you’re working and evaluation purposes. Comments must The much-anticipated map of NIO-identified on that you’d like published. While Interface be attributable to a named individual or interfaces is now live. particularly welcomes input from within our organisation with accompanying contact membership, we are happy to consider articles The map features links to location photos by details. We reserve the right to edit comments and submissions from others involved in good Frankie Quinn and explanatory notes by the received. practice in addressing interface community Institute for Conflict Research. issues – community workers, women’s groups, BELFAST INTERFACE PROJECT Go to www.belfastinterfaceproject.org and click youth, elderly, ethnic groups, statutory bodies, IS MOVING! on ‘At the Interface’. local businesses and everyone else! It’s been on our wish list for some time, and Contact Gary Mc Clean at we’re delighted to announce the securing of [email protected] new offices in the Cathedral Quarter Managed or 9024 3579/9024 2828. Workspace, opposite Central Library.

Interested in joining? From April 2nd our new address will be the one Belfast Interface Project has three categories that appears at the bottom of this page. of membership: Note that our phone numbers remain the • Community group same. • Associate • Individual UPCOMING EVENTS If you support our mission statement, meet our The 4th in BIP’s thematic discussions series criteria (see our website for details) and wish will be on March 16th, 9.30 – 12.45 in NVTV to join BIP, please get in touch. We will send studios, 3rd floor, 23 Donegall Street. This is you an information pack or our Development an opportunity to hear and put questions to a Worker, Gary Mc Clean, can come out to meet panel of MLAs on their vision for interfaces. with you.

Interface is the news-sheet of Belfast Interface Project and reflects the views and diversity of our membership groups. Interface seeks to promote good practice around interface community issues and increased communication between groups across the city. The editor reserves the right to amend articles where appropriate with the consent of the author. The views expressed in Interface do not necessarily represent those of the management committee.

How to contact Belfast Interface Project 3rd floor 109-113 Royal Ave Belfast BT1 1FF t (028) 9024 2828 f (028) 9031 4829 e [email protected] www.belfastinterfaceproject.org

Belfast Interface Project is funded by the Community Relations Council, the European Programme for Peace and Reconciliation Measure 2.1, the International Fund for Ireland Community Bridges Programme, Belfast City Council Good Relations Unit and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.