Peace cash now on offer for Community Integration schemes

Two separate programmes have been developed, one for the Ballymena and Larne Council areas and another for the Coleraine, Limavady, Moyle and Ballymoney Council areas.

The Community Integration Programme aims to increase the capacity of communities to address sectarianism and racism thereby supporting the development of cohesion, sharing and integration.

Speaking about the project, Patricia McCallion, PEACE III Manager, stated that “last year the North East PEACE III Partnership commissioned a number of reports throughout the North East to gain feedback from a wide range of community and statutory organisations regarding the potential for promoting activities aimed at reducing sectarianism and racism, whilst promoting reconciliation within the wider community”.

She added: “This exercise set out ways in which we could further develop and support local groups engage in activities that address sectarianism and racism. It also identified significant opportunities among local groups to support their ability and confidence to engage through a range of training and networking initiatives.

“As a result of this work, the Community Integration Programme has been identified as an all encompassing initiative that will support communities to move towards a more peaceful, stable, normal and integrated society”.

The Community Integration Programme will build upon existing good relations work within the cluster and where possible open new avenues for conversation and dialogue.

Suitably qualified organizations are now invited to tender for delivery of the Community Integration Programmes. Tender documents are available to download on:-www.northeastpeace.com