Sixty groups interested in alienation programme

SIXTY Protestant organisations have expressed interest in a groundbreaking new programme aimed at addressing alienation in the North West since it was launched late last year.

Members of the Gateway to Protestant Participation (GPP) held a positive meeting at the Sollus Centre, Bready, last week where they were updated on the positive work of the new scheme.

GPP is designed to "encourage the participation of the Protestant community by promoting a shared sense of belonging, addressing issues of marginalisation and tackling attitudes to racism and sectarianism.”

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It was partly inspired by a 2005 report by St Columb's Park House that highlighted the depth of Protestant alienation in the area and has a budget of half-a-million-pounds to spend addressing marginalisation in local communities over the next 15 months.

Speaking after the meeting Willie Lamrock, General Secretary of the Londonderry YMCA which is spearheading GPP said: “One of the catalysts behind the development of the GPP was the lack of confidence and capacity within Protestant groups to work within their communities to create cohesive and vibrant Protestant Communities.

“Today our steering group was updated on the range and breadth of community engagement with the Project Outreach Workers.

“Over 60 groups across the four counties have expressed an interest in participating in the capacity building programmes; this is overwhelming and demonstrates the potential impact that the GPP programmes will have on the Protestant Community.

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“Our three project outreach workers have been working with community and youth groups, loyal orders and bands and a range of church based groups.

“We have also been instrumental in supporting Protestant groups to establishing links with other community groups and more strategic groups such as government sponsored agencies and departments.

“We will continue to support groups over the coming months, to ensure Protestant groups are in a position to access funding, develop programmes and improve the lives of those in their community.

“Next month we will be selecting those groups to come onto our capacity building programme and starting to roll out a programme of training for the community and voluntary sector.”

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