Groundwork NI Annual Review 2009-10

CONTENTS FOREWORD FROM THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

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FROM THE CHAIR & DIRECTOR

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Impact of our work

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CHANGING PLACES Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration (RCTR) Greencare North West Alpha Programme Banbridge Play Provision Programme

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Geographical Information System GIS Regeneration Resource Centre Quality Financial Report Groundwork NI Staff Board Members

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CERTIFICA TIO EM

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DELIVERING OUR STRATEGY

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GROUNDWORK NI

‘Grow Our Own’ Re-Imaging Communities Cultural Networks programme NE PEACE III Partnership, Community Engagement and Visible Manifestations of Conflict Programme

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A Junior Warden planting at the Holy Family Primary School, Derry/Londonderry

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Capacity Building Project - North Belfast Greencare Strabane Democratising Governance in Transition (DGIT) South West Cluster Peace III Partnership Peace Building Programme

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FOREWORD FROM THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Neighbourhood Renewal is the Executive’s key Strategy for tackling the underlying causes of deprivation in Northern Ireland.

As a cross-cutting strategy, Neighbourhood Renewal relies on partnership between local communities and all of the various statutory and voluntary organisations that work to improve our society.

Welcome to the Groundwork Northern Ireland Annual Review for 2009 – 2010.

It has become very apparent that a period of austerity is upon us with unprecedented cuts in public expenditure coming in the next Comprehensive Spending Review, on top of existing cuts. A number of commentators are calling this a “decade of austerity”.

During years of conflict in Northern Ireland, people from either side of the community divide suffered the consequences of inter-generational disadvantage. It is no accident that the areas and communities that suffered the most during these times are also the ones where the quality of people’s lives continues to be most acutely affected by segregation and deprivation.

The two go hand-in-hand.

Groundwork NI is not immune to this, nor are any of our partners in the public, private, voluntary and community sectors. A degree of mutual understanding and empathy is therefore to be expected.

Those who are the most vulnerable will be disproportionately affected. The onus is on all of us, regardless of which sector we represent, to do what we have been talking about doing for a long time - working collaboratively and delivering effective policy through services and programmes with energy and passion, that begin to work through the inequalities and the harsh realities of working class neighbourhoods, taking on board the fragility of our peace process. So joined-up delivery – here we come?

At times, the problems that often characterise disadvantaged areas: segregation, poor health, unemployment, dereliction, low academic attainment and a lack of community safety have seemed almost insurmountable. They are not. But to address the causes of deprivation we need a long-term commitment to tackling these problems. We also need to recognise that one community’s progress is inter-dependent on their neighbours – even if they live on the other side of a so-called peace wall.

For many years now Groundwork NI has been one of a number of community and voluntary sector organisations that has worked at street level to help communities to help themselves.

It will be crucial for the Northern Ireland Executive to make sound decisions as part of the next Comprehensive Spending Review for 2011–2015, in a transparent and equitable way.

As we head into a time of unprecedented budgetary constraint, I will continue to work with my Executive colleagues to ensure that the most marginalised people in our society are not further removed from the social, community, economic and physical renewal that is needed to ensure that everyone enjoys the prosperity that peace can offer. Failure to do so will be a failure to get the best from our greatest asset – the generation of young people growing up in our rural areas and on the streets of our towns and cities.

Groundwork NI’s vision is about changing lives through partnership – as a Minister in the Executive - their vision is my challenge. I look forward to making progress together.

Alex Attwood MLA Minister for Social Development

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Re-imaging Communities working in the heart of Tigers Bay, North Belfast

I value the work of Groundwork NI. It has been a pleasure for my Department to have been able to fund some of Groundwork NI’s activities over recent years.

The voluntary and community sector will feel the pain. Government should not expect public services to be delivered on the cheap by social enterprises. In turn, we need to articulate and demonstrate what it is we do and can achieve, and strive to be involved upstream in the inception and design of social policy.

A thriving third sector is an essential element of a healthy economy.

Partnerships with the private sector are even more crucial in supporting community-led regeneration projects in a time of reduced public expenditure. The Groundwork Federation has an excellent track record in doing business with business.

Recently Tony Hawkhead, Chief Executive of Groundwork UK, was presented with the 2010 Marks and Spencer Sieff award.

This is an award for those who have worked best with business to benefit

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communities and is recognition of an outstanding commitment to building effective partnerships between the voluntary and business sectors. The Groundwork “Greener Living Spaces” Programme is funded by the profits from the carrier bag charge introduced by Marks & Spencer in 2007 as part of their commitment through its Plan A, to reduce carrier bag use and help the environment. The scheme has so far generated £1.2million towards community projects.

This August, Cadbury unveiled Spots v Stripes, an ambitious programme that aims to get millions of people across the UK and Ireland playing games by 2012 - leaving a lasting legacy of community spirit. Cadbury is working in association with Groundwork to engage communities in events that help neighbours get to know one another, break down barriers and encourage people to take part in events and create a greater sense of community. The programme is managed in Dublin by Groundwork NI, in collaboration with the Northside Partnership.

Paul McErlean Chairperson

Groundwork NI’s authentic relationships with local stakeholders and partners, allow us to achieve so much more. In a time of scarcer resources, we need to build on those relationships and make the most of each of our strengths and expertise, and not succeed at the expense of one or the other.

Groundwork NI acknowledges and is appreciative of the tenacity of our stakeholders and partners working in and on behalf of their local communities.

We are also indebted to a complement of staff that work hard, are professional and place the values of the organisation at the heart of their practice.

Last but not least, thank you to the members and advisors of the Board of Groundwork NI for their leadership, commitment and exemplary governance.

In particular, we would like to record our thanks to and appreciation of Gerry Crossan, our previous Chair, who stepped down from the role at the end of his threeyear term in January. Gerry has done an excellent job of guiding Groundwork NI through the last three years and in putting in place a strong and robust process of governance that will serve the organisation well in the future.

Sylvia Gordon Director

In the financial year 2009-10 Groundwork NI, through its team of 29 staff, delivered the following:

136 PROJECTS COMPLETED TO A VALUE OF £3.2M*

OVER 2000 YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PROJECTS 1500 ADULTS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PROJECTS 60 SCHOOLS ACTIVELY INVOLVED WITH

GROUNDWORK NI 2 OVER 190,000m OF LAND IMPROVED

OVER £2.2M OF ADDITIONAL PROGRAMME

FUNDING LEVERAGED IN

Play area construction at the Glen, Derry/Londonderry

Gerry Adams MP MLA celebrates Ardmonagh Family & Community Group Alpha funding award

Greencare North West During Year 6 of its operation, the Greencare North West programme successfully leveraged in over £700,000 of additional funding to allow 6 projects to be implemented.

Alpha Programme In the 2009-10 financial year the Alpha Programme funded a total of 13 projects to a value of £347,000. These projects have secured additional leverage funding totalling £1,551,500.

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Re-imaging Communities at Tynedale, North Belfast

* This figure includes projects delivered through partnership organisations.

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RECONCILING COMMUNITIES THROUGH REGENERATION

CASE STUDY: BLACKLION CO.CAVAN

Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration (RCTR) is a three-year, £988,000 PEACE III funded regional programme, managed and delivered by Groundwork NI. RCTR is funded through the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, Priority 1 Reconciling Communities, Theme 1 Building Positive Relations at the Local Level.

In the past year Groundwork NI has been working with the local community through Kilinagh Community Council and Cavan County Council to design a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) for teenagers at the Lough MacNean Amenity Site.

RCTR is working in ten communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - Letterkenny, Blacklion, Kiltyclogher, Killowen and the Heights (Coleraine), Springfarm (Antrim), Areema (Dunmurry), Drumellan (Craigavon), Alexandra Park (North Belfast), Doury Road (Ballymena) and Castlederg.

The programme is designed to enhance the quality of life for people living in these communities through proactive community participation leading to positive relationships, with each community benefiting from a physical regeneration project that is the culmination of local peacebuilding work.

RCTR programme participants receive media training at the networking event held in Monaghan

The MUGA is one of a range of facilities at the site including a children’s play area and an adult outdoor gym. This is part of the ongoing development of the site and has been designed following consultation with young people, taking advantage of the natural beauty of the lakeside location.

Groundwork NI staff discuss park improvement plans with Alexandra Park Steering Group members

At the heart of the peace process are people. Here in Alexandra Park, Belfast we are working with people who are determined to move forward and lead by example. Their vision for this park is one without a peace wall dividing it in two. A park which they can walk the length of with family and friends from Crosscollyer Street to Alexandra Avenue and vice versa. An Alexandra Park that is truly shared.

Director’s Comment, Sylvia Gordon

Members of the Alexandra Park Steering Group meet with Finance Minister Sammy Wilson MP MLA and Pat Colgan, Chief Executive SEUPB

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“Kilinagh Community Council has been working for a number of years to develop the potential of the Lough MacNean Amenity Site. With the support of Groundwork we are now able to fulfil a dream and make a positive commitment to the young people of our area” MRS KATHLEEN RITCHIE, KILINAGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL

GREENCARE NORTHWEST

CASE STUDY: LINCOLN COURTS, DERRY/ LONDONDERRY

Greencare North West is a partnership between Aughrim Landfill Ltd, Derry City Council, the NI Housing Executive and Groundwork NI. The programme is managed by Groundwork NI and uses landfill tax credits to support regeneration projects across the Derry City Council area.

Now in its sixth year, in 2009-10 the programme saw the implementation of three major play and recreation projects at Glen, Maydown and Galliagh; the development of a multiuse games area at Lincoln Courts; a community planting programme with local schools through the NI Housing Executive’s Junior Wardens programme; and an allotment and community gardening project with Liberty Consortium.

During the year, Greencare North West levered in over £700,000 of additional funding to allow these projects to be implemented in full. Also, technical assistance was given to groups in Strathfoyle, Clooney and the Fountain, which will hopefully help further major regeneration schemes to progress in these areas over the coming years.

Lincoln Courts Estate prior to works commencing on site

Funding of £73,000 was provided by DSD through the Areas at Risk Pilot Programme, Derry City Council’s Parks Development Programme, Greencare North West and the PSNI. The NI Housing Executive supported the project by transferring the site to Derry City Council.

Lincoln Courts Estate after the Greencare North West programme support

Local residents enjoy a game of football on their new MUGA

“In an area of economic deprivation, the building of this MUGA has really benefited the community, which now seems to have a less depressed attitude. Over the years, nothing has affected the community as much. It seems that the only time that children do not use it is when they are in school!”

ROB COLLINS, LINCOLN COURTs YOUTH & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Members of St Paul’s Primary School, Galliagh taking part in the Junior Wardens programme

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A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and environmental improvement project were completed in the Lincoln Courts Estate.

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ALPHA PROGRAMME

CASE STUDY: HANNAHSTOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN

This environmental programme is managed by Groundwork NI and is funded through landfill tax credits generated from Alpha Resource Management’s operations at Mullaghglass landfill site on the outskirts of Lisburn.

The Alpha Programme has been operating for just over two years and has already awarded nearly £800,000 to 29 community and biodiversity projects, of which 16 have been completed.

Projects supported to date have included improving access and walking routes, improved play facilities, nature trails, football ground improvements as well as increasing biodiversity within both woodland and wetland habitats.

All projects are located within ten miles of the landfill site and grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available under two categories – Community and Biodiversity.

In this financial year the Alpha Programme has funded a total of 13 projects with £347,000 of funding. These projects have secured additional funding totalling £1,551,500.

In August 2009, Hannahstown Community Association secured £44,000 in funding through the Alpha Programme to help create a new landscaped community garden at the rear of the Community Centre.

Dame Mary Peters DBE pictured at the launch of the community garden

Members of Maghaberry Community Association celebrate their funding award from Alpha with the Mayor of Lisburn, Alan Ewart

The actual monetary value of the Alpha Programme is an impressive £1,898,500 of capital spend. When doing business with business, Groundwork NI makes the commitment to leveraging in additional funding with the purpose of making the best possible intervention.

Director’s Comment, Sylvia Gordon Members of Hannahstown Community centre enjoying their community garden

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The garden, designed by the landscape team at Groundwork NI, provides seating, a picnic area, an events and activity area and a panoramic panel depicting local landmarks. Other features to enhance the space include trellising, shrubs and climbers. Its core aim was to create a public recreational space for the benefit of everyone within the community and facilitate a series of community events within this new space. The community garden was formally launched in early May 2010 as part of the annual Community Festival.

“In the last 24 months the Alpha Programme has provided funding just short of £800,000 for biodiversity and community based projects.

The programme has funded an impressive and varied range of projects and Alpha Resources Management is delighted to a make a real difference by funding these community and biodiversity enhancement schemes.”

LYLE ANDREW, ALPHA PROGRAMME STEERING GROUP

BANBRIDGE PLAY PROVISION PROGRAMME

CASE STUDY: MAGLION, CO. DOWN

Groundwork Northern Ireland and PlayBoard were appointed by Banbridge District Council in 2009 to deliver the Council’s Play Action Plan over an eighteen month period.

A number of household surveys with residents living around the Maglion Park area were undertaken.

The Action Plan covers the construction of a signature park in Gilford; the construction of local play parks in Lawrencetown and Banbridge West; improvements to access in Annaclone, Dromore and Banbridge West; providing signage in all the parks in Banbridge District and upgrading existing parks in Banbridge West, Finnis and Dromore.

All the works required consultation with local children and communities to make the play areas unique and special to their respective needs. PlayBoard undertook initial consultation with each of the communities with

technical and landscape service support from Groundwork NI. The completed designs embrace the importance of children needing a play area that is innovative, challenging, varied in its play value containing natural and semi-natural elements such as play bark and sand, the use of grass mounding, boulders, tree trunks and timber play equipment.

The designs capitalise on the natural features of the sites and promote respect for the natural environment. Groundwork NI is now undertaking the detailed design and implementation of each of the play areas.

Key information was identified regarding the number of children in the local community and their use of the existing play park. The results concluded that a relatively low number of children in the area use the park.

However, most respondents felt if it were improved with new equipment and improved access, then there would be an increase in its use.

Groundwork NI Landscape Architects prepared a sketch plan based on the survey results within the Council’s available budget. This included a play area for an older age group. Various natural play features were incorporated into the designs from play bark, boulders and grass mounding to a climbing structure, climbing logs and a place for parents to sit.

Groundwork NI Landscape Architect’s concept images featuring natural play elements

“Banbridge District Council undertook a public procurement process to appoint an external contractor to undertake the community consultation, planning, design and project management of a playground redevelopment programme. The collaborative approach of Groundwork NI and PlayBoard was successful as it harnessed the complementary skills, experience and proven track record of each organisation within the play sector” BEN CORR, HEAD OF LEISURE, BANBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

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Two young boys enjoying natural play elements at Sure Start, Old Warren, Lisburn

Implementation is expected to start in Autumn 2010.

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CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT NORTH BELFAST

CASE STUDY: WESTLAND Westland Community Centre has been actively participating in the project and local people have benefited from the services and work carried out by FASA.

This North Belfast project is a partnership between Groundwork NI, Forum for Action on Substance Abuse (FASA) and North Belfast Community Development and Transition Group (NBCDTG).

The project’s core aim is to build the capacity of four areas and their surrounding communities through training, engagement and project development based on community need. The four areas are Tigers Bay, Westland, Upper Ardoyne and Ballysillan.

The project specifically addresses the well-being of communities with regard to addictions and enhances their capacity to respond to the misuse of alcohol, drugs and other substances through training, group work and mentoring.

45 people have received various therapies including acupuncture

48 individuals receiving counselling sessions, 288 counselling sessions in total

38 individuals receiving mentoring sessions, 288 mentoring sessions in total

40 people are participating on capacity building courses, plus further training in suicide, drugs awareness and triage

Adrenaline kicks in with a parachute jump on the Natural Highs programme

“Alongside providing clinics to deal with the varied symptoms and impact of drugs and suicide, this project has provided much needed capacity building in terms of applied suicide intervention skills, drug and substance abuse and motivational interviewing techniques.”

John Howcroft, North Belfast Community Development and Transition Group

Young people climbing to a new high in Newcastle, Co. Down

Young person gets to grips with growing your own at Westland

“Unfortunately many communities across Northern Ireland are damaged by high levels of drug and alcohol misuse. This project was established to provide treatment, education and support in co-ordination with local community workers using their experience and knowledge to target specific needs in North Belfast.”

“I know so much more about the dangers of drink and drugs than I did before. Jumping off the rocks into the sea was amazing - much better than any drug.”

Male participant aged 15yrs

Alex Bunting, Programme Manager, FASA

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Services have included complimentary therapies and acupuncture, targeted group intervention with youths of various age ranges, a programme of Natural High activities, and additional facilitation for the youth summer scheme. Young people and other community representatives will also be taking part in OCN and ASIST suicide awareness training. Westland Community Centre will be working to become Safe-T-Net accredited. To compliment the work that FASA have carried out though the programme, Groundwork NI have carried out environmental workshops with local children on the theme of ‘Grow Your Own’ including a raised bed project, linking the environment with community health and wellbeing.

GREENCARE STRABANE

CASE STUDY: CAIRDE, STRABANE

Greencare Strabane was a twelve-month programme run by Groundwork NI in partnership with Aughrim Landfill Ltd and Strabane District Council to support community-led environmental improvement schemes, using landfill tax credits.

Strabane Republican Ex-prisoners Group, Cairde, enables individuals from the ex-prisoners community to participate in job training programmes in computers, environmental and research work.

The programme supported an innovative community gardening initiative in conjunction with Cairde Strabane Republican Ex-prisoners Group; pathworks and landscaping at Urney GAA; as well as three

small schemes to install seating and litter bins with Strabane Sigersons GAA, Lisnafin/Ardnalee/ Trust Cross Community Development Association and Ballycolman Linkside Community Centre.

Cairde site prior to works commencing

Local people tending the land on their new community allotment

“This project simply would not have happened without the help and support of Groundwork. The entire community has benefited from the project and it has been widely remarked upon by the many visitors to the facility.”

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Strabane Sigersons GAA

Getting stuck in at the Cairde community allotments, Strabane

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Through Greencare Strabane, Groundwork NI supported Cairde in developing an area of waste ground into a community garden. The site includes growing areas, portacabins and landscaped educational areas, and now provides a focal point for promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles, as well as encouraging community interaction and learning.

“The project has allowed waste land to be turned into a community garden and allotment site. It is now a focal point for the local community. The support that we received from Groundwork was excellent” Cllr Jarlath McNulty, Cairde

DEMOCRATISING GOVERNANCE IN TRANSITION Groundwork NI, in partnership with Intercomm, has been awarded £439,000 from the EU’s PEACE III Programme under Priority 2.2 Key Institutional Capacities are developed for a Shared Society to deliver the DGIT programme. This initiative aims to define, test and implement a model of efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, to contribute to a shared society based on the specific themes of dereliction, interfaces and shared spaces.

The Programme will focus on three geographic locations; Duncairn Gardens and Whitewell in North Belfast and Bishop Street/Fountain in Derry/Londonderry.

Young people playing at Parkside Gardens, North Belfast

‘Democratising Governance in Transition’ (DGIT) is a unique, high-level partnership forged to inform the creation of an integrated and innovative approach to the delivery of public services in a society emerging from protracted conflict. This collaborative partnership will engage local community practitioners, strategists and academics and civic society leaders with a focus on developing innovative service delivery models that will target resources at the point of need.

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Local residents at Parkside Gardens, North Belfast

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The DGIT approach is to facilitate the problem solving of the attitudinal and behavioural barriers that currently block efficient service delivery and to demonstrate the benefits of working on the basis of common vision and collaboration.

SOUTH WEST CLUSTER PEACE III PARTNERSHIP PEACE BUILDING PROGRAMME

CASE STUDY: COLESHILL/ WINDMILL, ENNISKILLEN

Groundwork NI, in partnership with the Rural College, is delivering a peace-building programme in four priority areas in County Fermanagh on behalf of the South West Cluster PEACE III Partnership.

The housing estates of Coleshill and Windmill comprise of some 300+ houses and are situated side-by-side off the Sligo Road in Enniskillen.

Working with local stakeholders, a bespoke programme has been developed for each area that focuses

on delivering a series of actions to build relationships between the two communities. In the course of this work, communities are encouraged to identify and develop projects that demonstrate a commitment to tackling peace and reconciliation issues. This programme is part of the SW Cluster PEACE III Action Plan. It is funded by the EU PEACE III Programme under Priority 1.1, Building Positive Relations at a local level.

Flags on Coleshill, Enniskillen

“Through this project we have discovered what we have in common and how working together we can make our community a better place to live.”

June Livingstone, Coleshill Community Association

“We are delighted to be working with Groundwork to see environmental improvements in the two estates. These will make a big impact on people’s everyday lives and show a commitment to the West End of Enniskillen.”

Betty McNamara, Windmill Community Association

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Despite their close proximity there is limited interaction between the two estates. The project developed

by Groundwork NI aims to improve relations and increase community cohesion between the two neighbouring communities. The capital project will physically enhance areas of shared and recreational space through a community gardening programme, while the provision of a play area in Windmill will see a much-needed resource put in place.

The relationship-building element will create opportunities for the two estates to interact and get to know each other – the highlight being the residential to take place later this year.

Through promoting good relations, this project will enable both estates to assume a more proactive role in community development in Enniskillen and beyond.

Young child at the opening of the garden of reflection at Tullycarnet, East Belfast

The programme is designed to work in communities where there is spatial and social segregation often characterised by misunderstanding and misconceptions of the other community. Each of the four areas– Chanterhill, Coleshill/Windmill, Cornagrade and Roslea, display their own unique characteristics.

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‘GROW OUR OWN’

CASE STUDY: ‘GROW OUR OWN’ SEMINAR, DERRY/ LONDONDERRY

In March 2010, Groundwork NI, supported by the Department of Social Development, held a series of best practice seminars on developing sustainable community allotments.

These structured seminars offered those with an interest in community gardening projects the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the benefits, challenges and sustainability issues of developing and maintaining a community based gardening project. Over 200 people attended three regional seminars in Belfast, Derry/ Londonderry and Omagh. The feedback was extremely positive.

The overall aim of the “Grow Our Own” seminars was to facilitate and share good practice in developing and maintaining a community based gardening project.

As a natural progression to these seminars, Groundwork NI facilitated four further bespoke training courses for individuals and community groups who are keen to grow their own fruit and vegetables at home or who hope to take on an allotment.

110 people attended these courses and received a practical guide on how to grow their own vegetables and herbs. They also left with the essential ingredients to start their very own garden.

Sylvia Gordon launches the ‘Grow Our Own’ programme with Walkway community garden, East Belfast

We are promoting the benefits of growing our own locally-produced food and vegetables, getting communities involved, getting their hands dirty and seeing their efforts flourish.

Director’s Comment, Sylvia Gordon

Pam Warhurst from Incredible Edible supports Groundwork NI’s seminars

“There has been a significant amount of interest in these initiatives and I firmly believe that they make a wide and lasting impact on the communities in which they are formed. We should never forget the bigger picture, today allotments, tomorrow a stronger world.”

Pam Warhurst, Co-Founder, Incredible Edible

“This has been a very worthwhile seminar – I thoroughly enjoyed the site visit to the Playtrail’s allotments. It was extremely insightful to see how their land is being put to good use and Pam Warhurst was very inspiring.”

Mary McKeown, Seminar participant, Derry/Londonderry Growing their own at the Playtrail in Derry/Londonderry

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Guest Speakers from the UK and Ireland for these regional events included Pam Warhurst, co-founder of Incredible Edible, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, Phil Dewhurst, Offshoots Permaculture Project from Groundwork UK and Catherine Curran from Cook it! who prepared a series of dishes using the very best of seasonal produce from the Playtrail allotments.

RE-IMAGING COMMUNITIES

CASE STUDY: SPRINGMARTIN, WEST BELFAST

For the past three years, Groundwork NI, on behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, has been providing technical assistance to local communities to develop proposals and implement arts projects, which engage residents in developing positive artistic imagery and in moving away from negative and aggressive symbolism and territorial markings.

In May 2010 local councillor and MLA, Fred Cobain unveiled a new garden of reflection and sculpture highlighting the shared history of the Battle of the Somme at Blackmountain Grove in the Springmartin area of West Belfast.

This role includes negotiation and discussion with local activists, community consultation and engagement, commissioning of artists, tendering and project management.

In the past 12 months Re-imaging projects have been successfully completed in Taughmonagh (South Belfast), Caw (Derry), Tullycarnet (East Belfast),

Tullygarley (Larne), Omagh, Tigers Bay (North Belfast), Knockmore (Lisburn), Carrickfergus and Crumlin Road (West Belfast). Artwork has ranged from a mural celebrating the role of women in the community to a 50m wallmounted ceramic piece highlighting local landmarks and history, to stainless steel sculptures themed on the different generations living within an estate.

Fred Cobain MLA at the launch of the Garden of Reflection, Springmartin, West Belfast

“The Springmartin community are pleased that Groundwork and Ross Wilson have sensitively captured the theme of the Somme; the contribution that was made locally, and the comradeship of the 36th Ulster Division and the Irish divisions who stood along side each other in battle. We hope that the wider community, schools, and the children in the area will see this as a discussion point for the history of World War I, and the shared history between typically divided traditions.”

Mark Vinton, Springmartin Area Regeneration Trust

Artist and sculptor Ross Wilson with local resident Carson McAdams

“For me it has been an insight to work on this historic timepiece that points a signal to the sacrifice made by the many at the Somme. To visualise and use real images from the 1st July 1916 has been an emotional and insightful narrative.”

Artist and sculptor Ross Wilson

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Local residents from Tigers Bay at the launch of the mural Mother, Daughter, Sister

The Re-imaging Communities Programme is funded through the Shared Communities Consortium, led by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

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The project was developed by the Springmartin Area Regeneration Trust in partnership with Groundwork NI and Belfast City Council. It encompassed the removal of two UVF murals and other territorial markings, and included the landscaping of a disused green space with artwork in the form of three stone columns designed by renowned artist and sculptor Ross Wilson, dedicated to remembering the Battle of the Somme, and those that suffered losses in the local units. The sombre text is in both the English and Irish languages, to accentuate the point that the tragedy of War does not discriminate between religions.

Detail text from Mother, Daughter, Sister mural

CULTURAL NETWORKS PROGRAMME

CASE STUDY: SUNNINGDALE Over the years, the Sunningdale area of North Belfast has been plagued by fly-tipping, anti-social activities and community tensions linked to their bonfire site on the North Circular Road.

The Cultural Networks Programme is a partnership between Belfast City Council, Groundwork NI and 42 communities across Belfast.

This programme is part of Belfast City Council’s Peace & Reconciliation Action Plan. It is funded by the EU’s PEACE III Programme under Priority 1.1 Building Positive Relations at a local level. The programme has involved the establishment of six cultural networks, both Loyalist and Republican, across Belfast to deliver locally based cultural programmes to enable communities to engage in the positive expression of their cultural heritage and identity and consequently tackle negative physical manifestations of culture.

The primary focus of the programme has been in working within communities who have been involved in the transformation of the bonfire experience over the last few years as part of the successful Groundwork NI/Belfast City Council Bonfire Management Programme. Through the programme, Groundwork NI staff have mentored community based facilitators, supported the development and implementation of seven mural replacement projects and worked with communities to design and deliver peaceful and family-friendly cultural events across the city.

Community festival at Sunningdale gets into full swing

Young people enjoy the family packed fun day at Sunningdale

Getting ready for the family fun day cultural celebrations at Sunningdale, North Belfast

“The inclusion of this programme within the Belfast Peace Plan has enabled us to engage with a large number of communities across the city, supporting them in the positive celebration of their cultural heritage. Some of the achievements of the programme included greater engagement with statutory bodies on bonfire management resulting in further reductions in bonfire related statistics being reported to both the PSNI and the Fire Service, the removal and replacement of a number of murals and support for local community engagement programmes. Once again, the Council has been privileged and pleased to work alongside the excellent staff from Groundwork in the achievement of these goals.”

“Our participation in the Cultural Networks Programme was very positive. It meant that all the communities worked individually but collectively shared information to achieve the desired outcome – an environmental bonfire, free from anti-social behaviour with support from statutory agencies such as Road Service, NIHE, Belfast City Council, the Fire Service and of course Groundwork NI.” Joan Totten, North Belfast Alternatives

David Robinson, GooD RELATIONS OFFICER, Belfast City Council

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In 2009 the community decided to replace the bonfire with a beacon and move their 11th July activities to a more manageable site within the estate. This approach has been continued and built upon through the Cultural Networks Programme during 2010, with Sunningdale one of nine areas involved in the North Belfast network. Successes have included a complete absence of fly tipping linked to the bonfire, a safe and well-attended community festival in July and a programme of training and cultural activities for local young people. In addition, Groundwork NI and the community are currently working on the removal of a large & prominent local UVF memorial mural.

Partnership, Community Engagement and Visible Manifestations of the Conflict programme.

On behalf of the North East (NE) PEACE III Partnership, Groundwork NI, together with Mediation NI, is delivering a programme of community engagement and skills development with six communities within the Larne & Ballymena Council areas. The target communities are Carnlough, Glenarm, Ferris Park (Larne), Cullybackey, Dunclug and Harryville (both Ballymena). Representatives from each area are receiving tailored mentoring support from Groundwork NI & Mediation NI staff, which will culminate in a cross-community training residential in November.

The programme aims to leave more skilled and confident local activists who have the skills, confidence and commitment needed to tackle contentious issues. In addition each area will be able to access up

to £2,300 to support community activities linked to encouraging peacebuilding efforts in their area.

The programme is overseen through reference groups comprising Council good relations officers, the PSNI & NI Fire and Rescue Service staff and the Housing Executive.

This programme is supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the NE PEACE III Cluster.

This programme is part of the NE Cluster PEACE III Action Plan.

It is funded by the EU’s PEACE III Programme under Priority 1.1, Building Positive Relations at a local level.

CASE STUDY: FERRIS PARK, LARNE The programme started with the creation of reference groups in each of the council areas.

This group brought local knowledge to the baseline measurements, which resulted in the selection of the areas for engagement. One of the areas selected in the Larne area was Ferris Park.

The Factory Community Group is the main community group in the area. The main work of the Group is to promote community spirit and improve the facilities for the area. The group also works with a number of agencies to improve services and amenities in the area. The group is developing and has recently employed a full time worker in the area.

The area has various murals and flags flying in some of the local streets.

Recent discussion around re-imaging the area has taken place with a successful application for this work starting to be implemented.

The issues that have been highlighted in the various discussions in Ferris Park can be amalgamated into the following key areas:

Members of the Factory Community group pictured with Groundwork NI Good Relations Officer at Ferris Park, Larne

“The benefit of the programme is that it develops our group’s key strategic thinking around capacity, leadership and partnership working, which ordinarily gets lost with the day to day community work. It ensures that discussions are held to address the contentious issues within the area.”

Low level community pride by young people in their area

Lack of services and opportunities for young people

Low level of community volunteering in the area Levels of anti-social behaviour

Current misuse of drugs / alcohol in the area Levels of deprivation and poverty

PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT

Some aggressive paramilitary murals

The project will be an ongoing piece to work designed to support and mentor local people to address these issues.

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Sylvia Gordon, Director of Groundwork NI with Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Paul McErlean, Chair of Groundwork NI

NE PEACE III PROGRAMME

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GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

CASE STUDY: MAPPING OF DERELICT SPACE & GRAFFITI, NORTH BELFAST LOUGHVIEW COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP (LCAP)

Geographical Information System (GIS) is a new service offered by Groundwork NI. This computer based mapping and information system can benefit organisations and communities by allowing information to be visualised and understood, helping to answer questions and solve problems.

Groundwork NI has already successfully delivered a range of GIS projects and can help communities and organisations in decision-making, prioritising resources and service delivery by innovative use of GIS in both community consultation and strategic planning.

Gathering, visualising, analysing and presenting often complex information clearly and simply in maps, visual charts or databases can provide vital information to community led projects, action plans or funding applications.

We delivered GIS projects in 2009-10 for clients such as the Department for Social Development Neighbourhood Renewal Areas, Belfast Regeneration Office, Loughview Community Action Partnership (LCAP) and Mazars Consultancy.

LCAP GIS PROJECT The objectives of the LCAP audit were to: Identify derelict/wasted space Highlight prominent graffiti sites

Members of LCAP review key data presented on GIS Maps of the Loughview area

Identify ownership of highlighted space and existing regeneration plans

Work with LCAP to identify opportunities to regenerate prioritised derelict spaces and address graffiti issues

Process: A series of neighbourhood and community mapping

“By identifying opportunities to regenerate derelict spaces and graffiti issues the audit has enabled the group to move forward in a strategic way to address problem sites.”

consultations were carried out with LCAP, community organisations, statutory authorities and other organisations to identify relevant sites and locations.

Site visits for verification and information gathering Mapping of derelict space and graffiti locations within GIS, including background information and photos

Billy Hutchinson, LCAP Lead Partner

From producing individual maps & charts to specific reports, Groundwork NI’s GIS team can tailor a range of outputs depending on your specific needs

Key Outputs: Area maps and report produced integrating maps, photos with background information

Graeme Healy from LCAP carrying out a local audit in North Belfast

Action Plan Developed where opportunities were

identified to regenerate prioritised derelict spaces and address graffiti issues

“Groundwork NI provided the energy and expertise to focus the LCAP volunteer sub-group to assist with this piece of work. The resulting information and how it was presented using GIS and accompanying maps has been really useful” Graeme Healy, Chair, Volunteer Development sub-group

Sample GIS map: A vast range of information can be gathered from different sources, including community & resident consultations, questionnaires, fieldwork or site visits

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This community organisation wanted to develop a co-ordinated response to social and economic problems in Lower North Belfast. Groundwork NI was commissioned by LCAP in January 2010 to carry out an audit of derelict spaces and graffiti within the LCAP area.

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REGENERATION RESOURCE CENTRE The Groundwork NI Regeneration Resource Centre provides a space for inclusive dialogue, debate and events. The centre facilitated over 3,000 users in 2009-10, and is a key resource in supporting events for local neighbourhoods and hosting strategic meetings with the public, voluntary and community sectors.

Micheál Martin, The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited in the spring of 2010. Groundwork NI hosted a round table that included a significant number of organisations who receive funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs for peace and reconciliation purposes. It was an opportunity

for the Minister to hear about the achievements of the funded projects but also of the key challenges going forward in a period of lesser resources.

In July, Groundwork NI hosted a media briefing event to accentuate the positive cross-community work on the Duncairn interface. This was attended by local community representatives, statutory agencies and faith-based organisations.

As well as providing a facility for local communities, the Regeneration Resource Centre is available for hire by other organisations.

Happy times at the cross-community Christmas event held at Groundwork NI

Training room layout at the Regeneration Resource Centre

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Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, on his visit to Groundwork NI

Nick Price, owner and head chef from Nick’s Warehouse cooks up a feast at the Groundwork NI ‘Grow Our Own’ seminar in Belfast

During December 2009, the North Belfast Interface Network, the North Belfast Community Development and Transition Group and Tar Isteach used the centre to host a cross-community Christmas Grotto for children and young people living on the Duncairn and Limestone interfaces The Groundwork NI Santa received over 400 visits in a day packed with play, carol singing and an X-Factor performance!

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Groundwork Northern Ireland is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards in the work we do, with regard to both the environment in which we operate and in how we carry out our work.

We continue to achieve external recognition for our commitment to continuous quality improvement through implementing and developing our internal quality systems.

In April 2009, the Trust was successful in gaining BS8555 Phase III accreditation for our commitment to continuous environmental improvement. In July 2009, we achieved ISO 9001accreditation for the approval, design and delivery of environmental improvement projects.

Belfast Office

Director Sylvia Gordon Assistant Director Peter Watson Personal Assistant to the Directors Fiona Murray

In addition to the ongoing independent assessments of our key programmes, we have also introduced significantly improved internal evaluation methods for assessing both customer and staff satisfaction levels, measuring the impact of our projects and responding to comments and suggested improvements as to how we carry out our work.

Finance & Administration Manager Heather Pollock Finance & Administration Officer Malachy Gunn Administration Officer Siobhán O’Neill Principal Landscape Architect Judy Meharg Senior Landscape Architects Sonia Harrison Peter McDonald Landscape Architects Monika Landa-Jozwik Helen Turton

Groundwork Northern Ireland’s total income for the 2009/2010 year was £2.2 million, representing a slight increase on the previous year.

After deducting the cost of generating funds and governance costs, income available for charitable activities increased from £1.7 million in 2008/2009 to £1.8 million.

Total expenditure rose from £1.8 million in 2008/09 to £2 million in 2009/10. This represented an increase in programme expenditure of 10%, while the cost of generating funds fell from 21% of total expenditure in 2008/09 to 20% in 2009/10.

Principal AutoCAD Technician Gavin Keown

annual unrestricted expenditure. This reserve provides a buffer to absorb short-term delays in programme funding, finances working capital needs and provides funding to cover any unforeseen downturn in activity.

Clerk of Works Jerry Drew Project Team Manager Richard Rogers

Restricted reserves carried forward were £1.6 million. These represent funding that can only be used in accordance with the sponsor’s funding agreement for programmes of work and therefore do not form part of the unrestricted reserve that is under the control of the Trust’s Board.

North West Office £2,233,432

Expenditure

Local Government

Local Authorities Public Agencies European Union Private Sector (73% from Landfill Tax) National Lottery

Other

9% 13% 17% 15% 41% 3% 2%

Charitable activities Cost of generating funds Governance costs

Senior Project Development Officer Sean Curran

£2,011,985

Regional Landscape Architect Karen Kirkegaard

79% 20% 1%

South West Office

Senior Project Development Officer Carol Follis

The above summary financial information has been obtained from the Trust’s full audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2010. A copy of which can be obtained from the Company Secretary, Groundwork Northern Ireland, 63-75 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB or by emailing info@groundworkni.co.uk.

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Project Development Officers Madeleine Kelly Susi Stilec Barbara Wallace

Business Development & Marketing Manager Gary McNally Marketing & Communications Officer Aidan McLoone Good Relations Officer Robert Lee

GIS/Information Officer David Carver Policy & Research Manager John Loughran Senior Policy & Research Officer Ciarán Shannon Volunteers Kate Mitchell Lia Dong Shimada Victor Wilson DEL Graduate Intern Anne Guichard Student Placement Lily Gordon-Coven

The Trust’s unrestricted reserve carried forward was £280,392, which represents 18 weeks of

Income

Senior Project Development Officers Patsy Laverty Melanie Rintoul Melvyn Waddell

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BOARD MEMBERS (G)

Paul McErlean (Chair from 6/01/10) MCE Public Relations Ltd

(G)

Jeffrey JaffĂŠe

Independent Member

(F)

Neil Anderson CCEA

(F)

Eoin Donnelly Independent Member

Gerry Crossan (Chair to 6/01/10) Independent Member (resigned 6/01/2010)

John Kelpie Derry City Council

Advisors to the Board

Tony Hawkhead Groundwork UK

Andrew Hassard Belfast City Council

Scott Wilson Strategic Investment Board

Gerry Flynn NI Housing Executive (resigned 19/11/2009)

Rev. Bill Shaw Independent Member Denis Ritchie Federation of Groundwork Trusts Jackie Patton Independent Member

Cllr Janice Austen Belfast City Council (resigned 21/09/2009)

(F)

Cllr Conor Maskey Belfast City Council (appointed 21/09/2009)

(F)

Member of Finance & Personnel Sub-Committee

(G)

Member of Governance Sub-Committee

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DESIGN: WHITENOISESTUDIOS.COM

Members of the Alexandra Park Steering Group discuss park improvement plans

(F) (G) Clare McCarty

Clanmil Housing Association

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Front Cover Image:Taking a giant leap at Sure Start, Old Warren, Lisburn

Belfast Office Groundwork NI 63-75 Duncairn Gardens Belfast BT15 2GB T: 028 90749494 North West Office Groundwork NI Old Clondermot High School East Avenue Irish Street Derry/Londonderry BT47 2DB T: 028 71341844 South West Office Groundwork NI C/O Aisling Centre 37 Darling Street Enniskillen BT74 7DP T: 028 66325129

www.groundworkni.org.uk info@groundworkni.co.uk

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FSC Groundwork Northern Ireland is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 63-75 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB. Company Registration No. NI 25852. Charity Registration No. XR22322. VAT Registration No. 690 8061 23