Strathfoyle’s young people stage exhibition

Young people and adults from Strathfoyle who recently took part in an intergenerational project. Their photographs will go on display in Strathfoyle Community Centre on May 27.

The six-week ‘Through the Lens’ project was devised to engage young people and adults in an inter-generational project to promote relationships and to raise awareness of the impact of anti-social behaviour.

Funded by the Housing Executive’s Shared Communities Programme and the Derry Policing and Community Safety Partnership, was delivered by project co-ordinator Alex Duffy and Christina Butcher at Strathfoyle Youth Club and included awareness workshops.

The focus then turned to photography and those involved embarked on photography projects including graffiti spots, derelict houses, Enagh Lough and Crumlin Road jail, which has formed the basis of the exhibition.

Eddie Breslin, Cohesion Advisor, said: “The Shared Communities Programme aims to develop shared areas where people choose to live with others, regardless of their religion or race, in a neighbourhood that is safe, welcoming to all and threatening to no-one.

“We are delighted to have been involved with the ‘Through the Lens’ project as it will lead to better relationships within the community and a better understanding of how issues such as anti-social behavior can affect people within that community,” he said.

Alderman Drew Thompson, Chair of the Derry Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) said: “The PCSP was delighted to support this innovative, intergenerational programme in which our rural community safety warden team played an important role.

“I am confident that the initiative has built trust and relationships within the community and between the participants, the police and the community safety wardens. I would like to commend all those who participated in the programme and look forward to viewing their work at the end of the month.”

Alex Duffy, who is also Chairman of the Strathfoyle Community Association, said the project had been developed in conjunction with Strathfoyle Youth Club.

“We wanted to develop a project to engage the youth and adults in a joint programme. This project, by using a common interest, photography, has brought those groups together to build mutual respect and foster better community relations,” he said.

After the exhibition the images will remain on permanent display in the youth club.