Community Relations Council

The Project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland, is a unique cross-interface and community partnership which will support integration and the development of good relations through the creation of an agreed community vision, within the Greencastle, Whitecity, Longlands, Bawnmore, Throne, Upper Whitewell and Graymount community.

The Greater Whitewell Community Surgery offices are based on the Shore Road in Belfast and the staff and volunteers in the Project are committed to engaging all parts of the local community in the Project which is designed to bring about a better future and better quality of life for all in the Whitewell and Greencastle area.

The Greater Whitewell Community Surgery was created in April 2010 from a partnership between Greencastle Community Empowerment Partnership and Whitecity Community Development Association.  The two organisations embarked on the process of relationship building and worked together on shared programmes and education initiatives with support from the Linc Mentoring Programme and North Belfast Community Action Unit.

The International Fund for Ireland contributed £300,000 to the Project. Financial support was also provided by OFMDFM.

Dr Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman for the International Fund for Ireland, said at the launch: “The official launch today marks the start of a new chapter to provide a better future for all in the surrounding communities. The Project seeks to engage with all parts of the local community to come together and work on joint projects with a common aim of promoting good relations.

“This community now stands as a more inclusive place where the opportunity to create a greater shared understanding and space for local people from the two main traditions is very real. The Project has the potential to make a significant contribution to reconciliation and the emergence of a peaceful and shared future in a renowned interface area.”

“The Fund is very keen to support projects which have the potential to deliver sustainable, long-term, positive impacts long after the Fund ceases to exist.”

Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said: “This office is a symbol of commitment and dedication. It is a statement of intent to build a better community and OFMDFM is pleased to be associated with it.

“The creation of community spaces such as this can increase sustainability, cohesion and help to promote the increased participation of residents in other programmes of Active Citizenship.

“It is important to engage all parts of the local community in a process that respects and values local diversity and cultural identity. This ensures that everyone has a voice and feels a part of the wider community.

“Our intention is to support communities in the journey out of poverty and disadvantage and we hope projects such as this will partner us in this journey.”

Lord Mayor, Pat Convery said: “This project gives the local community the much needed opportunity to build relationships. Even when there are set backs we all must remain motivated enough to respect difference through inclusion, participation and sharing.”

Geraldine O’Kane, Chairperson of Greater Whitewell Community Surgery said: “We are delighted to welcome everyone here today to celebrate the launch of the project and share our common community vision for the future. Building on the current practice of crisis intervention the project will promote good relations through a comprehensive strategic model of Conflict Transformation. We hope to engage all areas of the community in our many projects and we aim to provide a better quality of life for all in the Greater Greencastle and Whitewell community’.