Glenarm and Carnlough residents team up for project

The Larne Cohesion Project was a partnership initiative between the neighbouring coastal villages, delivering a programme of activities which involved co-operation and joint working across a number of common themes

These included including arts, culture, sports, a youth development programme and peace building.

It was open to all residents of Carnlough and Glenarm with specific elements targeted at teenagers, young people and adults.

As part of the Larne Cohesion Project, participants enjoyed a sport-themed day at Ardclinis Activity Centre for 12-15 years.

A ‘Total Wipeout’ event was also held at the Glenlough Centre, while older teenagers from the villages came together to take part in team building activities.

Meanwhile, adults took part in an accredited training course, gaining an OCN Level 2 qualification in Good Relations and Civic Leadership.

The Culture and Arts Programme, including trips to the Somme Centre and Fort Dunree, was aimed at increasing levels of contact between residents, leading to a better understanding of cultural and shared history.

These events allowed participants to gain a better insight of the conditions which people had to face during World War One.

The Study Visit to Fort Dunree in Buncrana was aimed at adults and allowed participants to hear different accounts on how this Fort was used up to the end of the First World War, and the accounts from various people who were stationed at Fort Dunree.

A celebration event took place at the Londonderry Arms, Carnlough to mark the successful completion of the project and cement the friendships that had been made.

At the event, participants were presented with their certificates by the Chairman of the North East PEACE III Partnership, Bill Adamson.

The Cohesion Project was delivered by Larne Borough Council, funded under the European Union’s PEACE III programme and managed on behalf of the Special EU Programmes Body by the North East PEACE III Partnership.