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31 July 2005

Over the past number of years the Council, through its small grants scheme has supported a number of initiatives with the principle aim of reducing community tensions and the potential for conflict within interface areas during the summer months. Following on from the successful projects that the Council has supported over the past 2 years it has been agreed that the CR/CD Grants Development Scheme will again be open to applications for diversionary based work during the summer period of 2005.

Over the past number of years the Council, through its small grants scheme has supported a number of initiatives with the principle aim of reducing community tensions and the potential for conflict within interface areas during the summer months.

The main area of support to date has been given towards the setting up of communication networks between local community activists through the use of mobile phones. This work has proved successful in enabling community activists to deal with such issues as rumour control, plans for synchronised interventions, relaying information to the community, contact with statutory agencies and political representatives as well as offering moral support to those working in often difficult and challenging circumstances.

Through its on-going meetings with community organisations the Council recognised the need to support work that provided activities which diverted those (often young adults) who were most likely to get caught up in conflict between interface communities. The purpose of this work was two fold; firstly it sought to provide resources to take groups out of their areas at times when the potential for interface conflict was very high. Secondly, the work sought to provide positive alternatives that encouraged participants to reflect on their own community experiences and how they could make positive contributions to community life through participation in community events.   

Following on from the successful projects that the Council has supported over the past 2 years it has been agreed that the CR/CD Grants Development Scheme will again be open to applications for diversionary based work during the summer period of 2005.

The CR/CD Grants Scheme will be giving priority to projects which best address the following issues.

Work that:

1. enables participants to reflect upon their own identity and that of other communities.
2. clearly seeks to promote good community relations and which involves participants from differing communities.
3. specifically seeks to provide diversionary activities during times of heightened community tension.
4. provides a space for participants to make a positive contribution to the life of their community through taking part in larger community events.
5. develops the skills base of participants to enable them to recognise and respect difference.   

CR/CD Grants Development Scheme staff are available to offer assistance in the planning and development of projects to any group considering making an application for summer diversionary programmes.  Given that the processing time of a small grant application takes between 8-12 weeks it is strongly advised that applications are submitted well in advance of any proposed start date.