Theme 1.1: Building positive relations at a local level Strategic Grants

The Southern Cluster PEACE III Partnership is responsible for delivering elements of Priority 1 of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) and has the specific role of administering Theme 1.1 at a local level. The Southern Cluster Region includes: Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry & Mourne Council areas.

Under a partnership approach, the Southern Cluster Partnership is delivering the Beyond Tolerance strategy, which aims to establish initiatives that will improve trust and tolerance, and reduce levels of sectarianism and racism. This is the key aim of the Strategic Grants Programme. As we enter Phase 2 of the PEACE III Programme, the Partnership is inviting applications from appropriate groups/ organisations within the Southern Cluster region to apply to a Strategic Grants Programme and would particularly welcome applications from socially excluded groups/ organisations who will address the key aim of the priority.

The Partnership particularly welcomes/encourages projects that can demonstrate an active partnership approach, cross community participation and cross border networking.

A specific budget has been made available for this priority. The maximum grant award available for any individual organisation will be between £80,000 and £120,000.

For a full information pack and application forms please contact: Sonya Burns, PEACE III Programme Manager, 9 Monaghan Court, Monaghan Street, Newry, BT35 6BH.

E-mail: sonya.burns@newryandmourne.gov.uk

Alternatively, application forms can be downloaded here:

Southern Peace III Strategic Grants Programme Application Form

Southern Peace III Strategic Grants Guidance Notes

Peace III Southern Partnership Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan Phase II (2011 – 2013)

and are also available from www.eugrants.org or www.newryandmourne.gov.uk

Please note the closing date for applications is Monday, 30th January 2012 at 4pm.

The Special EU Programmes Body is the managing authority for the European Union’s PEACE III Programme.

Download conference invitation and programme

The ‘Living in the Banbridge District’ guide is an important resource, containing useful information on a wide range of local services including health, housing, education, employment, transport and community safety.  The guide is available in English, Polish, Bulgarian and Russian.

The information guide has been developed by the Challenge of Change priority, in partnership with the Banbridge District Policing Partnership and Banbridge District Council and supported by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

For more information, please contact Kate Bingham, Challenge of Change Project Officer on 02830 313167 or e-mail: kate.bingham@newryandmourne.gov.uk

The PEACE III Southern Partnership is hosting an innovative conference entitled “Space to Talk” on Thursday 12 May, starting at 4pm in the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown.

The event will look at dialogue as a mechanism for peace building and will feature case studies and a local study visit looking at mediums where dialogue has been successfully incorporated using innovative methods.

The event will feature a key note presentation from Kai Brand-Jacobsen Director, PATRIR (Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania) who will look at the concept of “Space to Talk” and the importance of using dialogue in peace building and conflict resolution.

To register your interest or for more details, please email julie@event-ful.co.uk

Download Space to Talk Flyer

The event was organised by the Southern Cluster Partnership with Craigavon Borough Council being the delivery agent for this priority. Investing in Our Future is one of seven priorities across the Southern Cluster area, including Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne. This priority is one of seven across the Southern area and is led by Newry and Mourne Council. The event featured performances, films and presentations from a range of groups who have taken part in projects delivered through the Investing in Our Future priority, one of seven priorities outlined in the Partnership’s Beyond Tolerance Strategy.  The programme worked with a large number of young people throughout the Southern Cluster area to reduce racism and sectarianism.

Speaking at the event, Dr James McCammick, Joint Chair of the Southern Cluster Partnership, explained:

“Investing in Our Future has been delivered mainly through four programmes, a consortia programme, training and development programme, a creative young people’s programme and a creative art and drama programme. Though as other needs were identified additional programmes were added; such as local projects in each council area, a programme led apprenticeship scheme and a film making project.  At the event, many of the young people took the time to talk with other groups involved in the many programmes delivered through Investing in Our Future, to find out more about the work undertaken as part of this innovative and engaging programme”

The evening was hosted by Cool FM’s Sonya Mac, and some of the highlights included performances from two bands who have taken part in workshop organised by Making Music; a presentation from the Belfast Giants, who worked closely with Fuse Youth; and a film called Express Craigavon Halloween – created by young people who worked with BNL productions in scripting, producing and directing a very scary movie!

The University of Ulster Sports Academy, who have led a series of sport and good relations programmes through Investing in Our Future, were on hand to talk about their own unique project.  As part of their programme, primary schools took part in physical activity and inclusion and diversity workshops to promote intercultural awareness.  Following the workshops each pupil designed a poster, highlighting how sport can be used to assist cultural inclusion. These posters were entered into a competition, with the winning artwork turned into a mural by artist Adrian Harrison.  On the night, Lee Leonard, from St Patrick’s Primary School in Armagh unveiled his winning entry.

The event marked the end of the Investing in Our Future programme, but signalled the beginning of the legacy that had been created.

Supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and organised as part of the Challenge of Change programme, the convention is being addressed by speakers drawn from a range of sectors in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Cllr Mick Murphy, Mayor of Newry & Mourne, spoke in his opening remarks of the “exciting changes” that have already taken place. “Who would have thought 15 years ago that this part of Ireland would be a destination of choice for people from so many different countries? You only have to walk the streets of our towns and villages to hear the variety of accents and languages that now enrich our community. Migrant workers also continue to contribute a great deal to our economy. In Newry and Mourne, we want our area to be a place where everybody – irrespective of their religion or ethnic origin – can feel welcome and live their lives as they choose, free from discrimination.”

Dr James McCammick MBE, Joint Chair, PEACE III Southern Partnership (www.southernpartnership.com), added: “We are dealing with a very serious subject at the Convention Against Racism. Research has shown minority ethnic communities experience a range of challenges impacting on their wellbeing and everyday lives. Barriers exist around language; information deficits; poor awareness of rights and entitlements; isolation; abuse in an employment context; difficulties in accessing services; harassment; prejudice and racial discrimination.”

Before introducing ‘One Tribe’, a drama commissioned by Challenge of Change for post-primary schools, Justyna McCabe, Project Coordinator, Challenge of Change said the Convention Against Racism is well timed as there is an ever-present risk of slippage on the progress that has been made to tackle racism. “Vigilance is the key to uprooting racism and – just as importantly – making sure that the inroads that have been made on tackling racism are sustained and built on. One of the particular challenges in the current economic climate is that there is always a danger of scapegoating aimed at newcomers to our communities.

“One of the big values we see from the event is that it is allowing delegates to hear in a single day from people who work in policing; local government; the Travelling community; the trade union movement; migrant rights and community development. There is also real value in the networking that takes place on the margins of an event like this.”

Ken Fraser, Head of the Racial Equality Unit at the Office of the First Minister & Deputy First Minister set the Convention Against Racism in context by outlining some of the wider work underway to achieve equality.

The morning keynote speaker was civil and human rights campaigner Bernadette McAliskey who is director of STEP (South Tyrone Empowerment Programme), a not-for-profit community development organisation based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. In examining the history and forms of racism in Ireland, citing US President Barack Obama’s Irish roots, Bernadette McAliskey said “there is part of us that thinks we are better – genetically and historically – than people who’ve come here more recently. We assume we know what’s best for everywhere – recalling ‘didn’t we go out and civilise them?’”

Ms McAliskey added that the current period of flux provides huge opportunities for positive change. “We were never in as fluid a position as now. The only way is up – the best thing is we’re no longer stagnant, inwardlooking, myopic and selfish. There was never a better time to make this island a beacon of hope.” She also highlighted linkages between racism and sectarianism, saying “Ireland has racism to such a fine art that we can tell a person’s faith by their first name.”

Other morning speakers included Siobhán O’Donoghue, Director, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland; Kasia Garbal, Migrant Workers Project Officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions; Martin Donahue, An Munia Tober and Martin Collins, Asst Director, Pavee Point.

The afternoon keynote speaker, Catherine Lynch, Ireland Coordinator, European Network Against Racism (ENAR), spoke of the importance of reporting racism and the need for standard frameworks to be used to record and monitor racist and sectarian incidents. Ms Lynch said the main forms of racism witnessed in Ireland include racially-motivated violence and crime as well as discrimination in the provision of goods and services and in an employment context.

“Reliable data is very valuable in dealing with racism and reliable reporting provides an evidence base for policy and practice responses as it gives direction to the work being done.

“Reporting provides information not only on the extent of racism but on any particular problem areas (including hotspots). It also makes it more straightforward to provide redress and support for people experiencing racism. Many forms of racism are against the law and sanctions can only be triggered with reporting. Racism undermines our democracy and cannot be tolerated. The importance of standardising how we report and monitor racism arises from the need to ensure that the data gathered is comparable, credible and comprehensive.”

Other speakers at the one-day convention include Gerry Folan, Office for Integration, Dublin City Council; Darren Ferguson, Unite Against Hate and Brian Killoran, Information & Referral Coordinator, Immigrant Council of Ireland.

The concert was part of the Racism is Wrong campaign organised by the PEACE III Southern Partnership’s Challenge of Change Programme and supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The 18-year-old Welsh singer appeared along with top local band, Microlip, and Signature, the entertaining Michael Jackson tribute/Bangla dance duo which came second in Britain’s Got Talent, 2008.

Other local acts, such as the Newry and Mourne Multicultural Blues and Jazz Initiative, ethnic dancers USI Africa Entertainment Group from Co Louth and Polish singers Anyah and Ashiah performed at the full house show in Newry Town Hall.

Newry & Mourne Mayor, Councillor Mick Murphy told the audience: “All councils have a legal duty to tackle racism within their council area and it is something we take very seriously here in Newry and Mourne. We want our area to be a place where everybody, irrespective of their religion or ethnic origin, can feel welcome and live their lives as they choose, free from any kind of discrimination.

“This was a fantastic concert and what a great way to get young local people for all ethnic backgrounds together to have fun during the St. Patrick’s festival.  I would call on all young people to show their commitment to ending racism in our community by registering their support on the Racism is Wrong Facebook page,” added Joint Chair of PEACE 111 Southern Partnership, Councillor Charlie Casey.

Due to phenomenal demand, tickets for the Music Against Racism concert have now all gone!

The Peace III Southern Partnership Invites You To
Music Against
Racism Concert
16Th March 2011 7–10 Pm
(Doors Open At 6Pm) Newry Town Hall

FEATURING
X FACTOR’S LLOYD DANIELS
SIGNATURE (BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT)
TOP LOCAL ROCK/INDIE BAND MICROLIP

PLUS local musicians from all over the world | DJ/MC- Kevin McAllister FiveFM

Admission by ticket only (maximum 2 per caller, first come, fi rst served)

For your free ticket contact:
The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre,
Bank Parade, Newry. Tel: 028 3031 3180

Check out further details on
www.southernpartnership.com
or www.racismiswrong.org
or follow us on Facebook

Download Music Against Racism flyer here

Seminar 1

Date: Tuesday 22 February
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: Bellinis, Newry

Topic: Flags and Emblems by guest speaker Dr Dominic Bryan (Queens University)

Seminar 2

Date: Wednesday 23 February
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Venue: Halls Mill Inn, Laurencetown, Gilford

Topic: The New Norm by guest speaker Duncan Morrow (Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council)

For further information please contact Roisin Kelly on 30313024.

Hosts: Challenge of Change, PEACE III Southern Partnership

Speakers: Representatives from Office of the First Minister & Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), Newry and Mourne District Council, South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP), Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), An Munia Tober, Pavee Point,  Migrant Rights Centre Ireland,  Dublin City Council, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), European Network Against Racism (ENAR) and Immigrant Council of Ireland.

Please RSVP by 1pm, Wednesday, March 16 by emailing newry@bancenolan.ie or calling +353863065588

Please advise us of any special access, communication or dietary requirements.