Peace III programme 2011-2013

Harm

ony Comm

unity Trust

Report

Glebe House Peace III programme 2011—2013

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Glebe House is owned and run by Harmony Community Trust. It is 3 miles from Strangford village in Co Down. Glebe House is a unique and special place for people of all ages, from Ireland, north and south, and all over the world. Since 1975 children, young people and adults have been coming to Glebe House for a week, two weeks, a weekend, or a day, to live together, play together, work together, learn together, and while we're at it discover that life can be more interesting, more rewarding, more creative, more adventurous, and more fun than the labels that get stuck on us. H CT has been working for a peaceful, fair, inclusive society that respects and cherishes each person's humanity, dignity, aspira-tions, ideas and needs, allowing each person to determine and re-create her or his own identity, rather than conforming to sectarian, national, ethnic or social stereotypes, myths or stigmas. At Glebe House people of all ages create and renew friendships.

“It was an epic time, making new friends and playing weird games. I can’t wait to come back.” …..Breena, Teenage participant

“It was great ….and what I like most was the donkeys”... Charlie from Bangor

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Our remit from the North Down, Ards and Down, Peace III Partnership, was to deliver a programme of ac-tivities developing partnership working across the cluster area. The need had been identified that linkages should be further developed and sustained, enabling additional peace building work and thereby improving levels of trust within and between communities, and decreasing levels of prejudice in the area. HCT was well placed to deliver this cross-community linkages programme, because during Peace III Phase 1, we had established contact with groups of adults and young people with whom we could work in partnership. Our aim was to increase participants’ confidence and ability to develop their own programmes, to increase their knowledge and appreciation of different local communities, cultures and traditions, to celebrate simi-larities and differences for a future shared and peaceful society. We also aimed to encourage the use of the facilities and experience of Glebe House, as a resource for peace and reconciliation activities by local community groups and individuals in East Down. We are grateful that the Peace III Phase 2 funding enabled us to appoint the necessary project workers and administrative staff to undertake this work, which was to be additional to the ongoing community relations work undertaken by Glebe House. The reality has been that the demand for, and delivery of, programmes from groups within the cluster area has been 90% of our work over the past 3 years. We have had to involve all our small staff team, as well as committee members and volunteers, in delivering the programme. The administrative demands of Peace III have placed a heavy burden on a small voluntary or-ganisation such as Glebe House and I would like to thank our office staff, Bernie and Debbie for the contribution they have made to the success of the whole venture, as well as expressing appreciation for the hard work and support of our voluntary committee members, who are listed at the end of the report. W Without this contribution from HCT’s own resources we would not have been able to achieve the successes we have in developing genuine cross-community linkages among adults and young people as demonstrated in this report. Glebe House has once more proved its value as a shared and safe venue within the community for cross-community activities for all ages. The challenge for HCT is to find the funding necessary to sustain and extend this work in the future, thus continuing the ongoing task of overcoming sectarianism, racism and other prejudices, in order to create a shared and inclusive society. We are up for the challenge but need the financial support. Helen Honeyman Chairperson Harmony Community Trust Council of Management.

Chairperson’s Report Peace III programme 2011—2013

It was awesome and I can’t wait to come back. Chelsea-Marie

Committee Reports Peace III programme 2011—2013

Children & Youth Programme It is time to reflect on the value and success of the programme that Peace III funding has enabled HCT to deliver. As far back as 2007 it was felt that there was a need for us to develop our work with young people in the East Down area. We are grateful that Peace III enabled us to put this policy decision into practice. Children and young people from different backgrounds, who have worked together on an evolving series of activities which focused on developing their awareness of similar and different identities, beliefs, backgrounds and attitudes thus leading to the promotion of good relations and a sense of shared future. It has been encouraging to see the young people develop new friendships, self-esteem and confidence whilst enjoying new, fun and positive experiences. Glebe House has provided a safe, non-judgemental environment which has allowed partici-pants the freedom to spend time with new people and to enjoy time away from diffi-culties they may be experiencing at home or within their community. It is doubtful that many of these young people would have had the chance to mix without the input that Glebe House has provided. All young people are given the chance to express their feelings about their Glebe House experience and it is heartening to read some of their comments, which sum up the value of the programme!. “It was the best time I have ever had in my life.....” “I have made lots of new friends; I don’t want to go home!” “I can’t wait to come back to see my friends and the donkeys...” As we move towards a shared future, it is clear that there is still a need for the work HCT does, as unfortunately, sectarianism and deprivation continue to exist in all areas, including East Down. Peace III funding has ended but all efforts will be devoted towards seeking further sources of income in order that the invaluable work of Glebe House can be continued for future groups of young people. Sharon Heaney Chairperson Children and Youth Committee

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Committee Reports Peace III programme 2011—2013

Adult Programme It has been an interesting and challenging experience to have been involved in the Peace III Adult programme over the past 3 years. The challenge has been to ensure that all ac-tivities were underpinned by key principles of promoting understanding and addressing di-versity and difference across community and cultural divides in a mainly rural area of the province. The activities whilst interesting and exciting were a tool for providing opportunities for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to meet and explore their shared and differing social, cultural, religious and historical backgrounds. The first stages of the programme entailed creating opportunities for participants to meet and enjoy shared activities. As the participants developed deeper relationships and mutual trust, it was exciting to see the development of dialogue and discussion within groups that challenged preconceptions and understanding. More challenging activities ensued, such as a tour of the Shankill and Falls, a visit to the Belfast Islamic Centre and the Ulster Covenant and Easter Rising film presentation. Whilst all activities have been fun and some have been very moving and emotional, for both participants and volunteers, judging from feedback and comments, it has also been a mean-ingful experience for many participants. The challenge is to consolidate and build on the learning experience that this programme has provided. Thanks to the staff, Angela Fitzpatrick and Marie Hoeritzauer, for developing a creative programme and to the Adult Programme Committee members, Rob Sterritt, David Patter-son and Kate Acton, for supporting the staff. Dee Kelly Chairperson, Adult Programme Committee

“The important thing is to talk with your neighbours from a different commu-nity”…. Wilma and Bridie

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Children & Youth Programme

• A series of residentials at Glebe House for children's and youth groups from North Down, Ards and Down Districts in partnership with community groups, youth groups and schools, addressing issues of sectarianism, racism and other differences as well as similarities,

• Opportunities for children (8 to 12 yrs) and young people (13-17 yrs), for personal development through a supportive community learning experience, which has enabled them to develop their sense of social responsibility and leadership.

• An emphasis on promoting positive community relations, exploring similarities and differences between young people from different communities and developing a sense of community and an appreciation of shared history and cultural heritage

• Pairing of community groups from across the cluster area, participat-ing in preparatory meetings, an introductory weekend, followed by a 6 night residential and a follow-up weekend, Throughout the pro-gramme there were evaluation and monitoring sessions with parents, and community contacts.

• Training for local leaders who are not full-time youth leaders in good community relations practice with young people, sharing the skills and experience of Glebe House. During the three years relationships have been built between local community groups which will be suppor-tive, self-sustaining and developing for the future.

Project Aims Peace III programme 2011—2013

Adult Programme

The programme of activities has focused on encouraging peo-ple in local community groups and individuals from North Down, Ards and Down District areas to come forward to par-ticipate in cross community activities, with an emphasis on promoting positive and productive community relations, by sharing knowledge, experience and different cultural tra-ditions, The programme has included:

• Study visits on topics dependent on interests expressed by the groups but including visits to places of historical or cultural interest followed up by discussions • Day events with arts, music, storytelling and dance traditions and skills shared amongst participants. • Capacity building and skills training workshops for the support and development of community groups and their leaders. • Community Relations focused discussions and experiential learning sessions, • Practical work/study days, looking at political, social and cultural issues. • Visits to other sustainable community projects as examples of best practice. • Arts Workshops sharing different and common cultural

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Peace III programme 2011—2013

“being a volunteer is about learning about life”

“the craftroom is freezing”

“we all learn & share”

“my kids only meet Catholics when they come to Glebe House” “its like being a toddler

just one step at a time”

Volunteering

Without volunteers there would’ve been no Peace III activities at Glebe.”

“Thanks to our Volunteers and Community Contacts”!!

Hard work but Fun!

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Children & Youth Peace III programme 2011—2013

28 community groups and individual young people and volunteers took part in the programme,. Each group of children took part in an introductory weekend, a Summer week and an Autumn reunion. Community groups were usually involved for two years, but brought different children each year. This sustained contact allowed leaders and children to build relationships which could continue after the programme. This has been successful with several groups meeting formally and informally outside of Glebe House. Several groups who shared a programme of residentials are actively seeking funding to maintain their contact into 2014. As always the children have enjoyed coming to Glebe House, feeding and riding the donkeys, visiting the beach and Castle Ward, taking up crafts and tasting history in Down County Museum, exploring the countryside and each other’s cul-tures simultaneously. Contacts have been made and strengthened between groups and individuals, with young people meeting up in neutral zones. Some young people even tell us they are visiting each other’s homes. Previous to this programme many of them would not have even entered different sectarian ar-eas. This idea of Glebe being safe territory comes up often in comments. As always our programme depended on the support of community leaders and volunteers from the three council areas. They attended training courses to help run the residentials and develop sustainable programmes in their own ar-eas. Without the generosity of community leaders and volunteers the children would have missed out on the Glebe House experience. We thank them for their time, energy, good humour and enthusiasm. Karin McKinty Peace III Programme Worker

The Costa Del Kilclief

Togetherness is fun !

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Peace III programme 2011—2013

”it’s safe to be different here” “we all play together”

“donkeys need friends too”

“we do loads of things together” “we learn each others names”

“my new friends are cool”

Children’s groups

“I like the donkeys and the pond with the frogs” Robert

“We had a

fab time and

learned a lot”

Sinead and

Marie

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Peace III programme 2011—2013

”we are going to meet up when we get home”

”when can we come back ?”

”we now talk all the time on fb”

”this was my first time with ones from a different community,

they were like us” ”i planted a tree”

Youth Groups

“The more we get to know each other the more understanding there will be “

Adult Programme Peace III programme 2011—2013

The programme set out to challenge sectarianism and racism by developing cross community linkages across the hidden interfaces in the Down, North Down and Ards council areas. By building trust through workshops, study tours and day events, Catholic and Protestant partici-pants got to know and learn from each other. Diverse workshops, with a community relations focus, developed links between people to begin trust building. The study tours evoked personal memories and debunked a few historical myths. The day events provided people with space and time to discuss and exchange views. There was laughter when Liz said “I always wanted to be a Catholic so that I could get a Holy Communion dress”. Someone whose husband had been a policeman, related her experience when an attempt to abduct her was made. This was the first time she had ever told her story in pub-lic, indicating the feeling of trust and acceptance that was present. Another participant has commented, “Sometimes it’s not what you say- it’s what you don’t say”. Workshops creating a Peace Quilt brought together Ardglass, Portaferry, and Strangford stitchers, and generated discussions about the racist and sectarian attitudes which exist in the rural areas of Co. Down. As Bronagh said, ”Isn’t it grand that we’re all different but the whole quilt looks great” and someone added “It’s a pity the politicians can’t make our wee country work” Activities to address preconceived ideas, understanding diversity, awareness of our own stereotypes, accepting and respecting differences and similarities, help us to thrive in an ever changing society

HCT, with its expertise in community relations, has provided opportunities for people to meet on neutral ground and participants have been encouraged to explore and examine various atti-tudes to peace and reconciliation thus developing an open mindedness to current affairs past and present. It is incumbent upon HCT to develop these activities further to enable neighbouring, but dif-ferent, communities to work together. We hope the ripple effect of this programme may trickle down and give hope and inspiration to those engaging in future programmes. Angela Fitzpatrick Peace III Adult Programme Worker

Peace III programme 2011—2013

“its not what we say its what we don’t say !”

“meeting new people and sharing experiences”

“together we can make a difference” “can we make peace by dancing?”

Day Programmes

Mairtead “ A place of peace with good craic as well !” Mairead

“Never thought I would do this”John

“learning about our cultures”

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Peace III programme 2011—2013

felt making

woodcraft

woodcarving

family history

Computer Class

Christmas art

floral art work

Workshops Jack of All Trades but I’m getting the hang of it ! ...Harry

Singing

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Peace III programme 2011—2013

Loughgall Falls / Shankill

Portavogie The Mournes The Somme Centre

Derry / Londonderry

Study Tours

“A day of inspiration, information and craic!” Bernie

Tommy I had never been West of the Bann before, but we did-n’t have enough time to see every-thing!...”

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Community groups Peace III programme 2011—2013

• Aughlisnafin Youth Club

• Ardglass Youth Club

• Ardglass Friendship Club

• Ballygowan Youth Club

• Ballygowan group

• Ballyhalbert group

• Ballyhalbert Comm assoc

• Ballyhornan Family Centre

• Ballyhornan Youth Club

• Ballykinler Young Pensioners

• Ballynahinch Community Group

• Ballywalter Walking Group

• 9th Bangor Brownies

• Belfry Kids Club Newcastle

• Bloomfield group

• Bowtown residents assoc

• Castlewellan Youth Club

• Castlewellan Tuesday club

• Cedar I.P.S. Crossgar

• Cloughey & District Comm Assocn

• Clough Old Schoolhouse Group

• Downpatrick P.S.

• Drumaness Briginis

• Seaforde/Loughinisland Comm Grp • Millisle Youth Forum • Murlough Community Assocn. • Mustard Seed Bishopscourt

• Newcastle Wednesday Club

• Portaferry Seniors group

• Portavogie Cultural & Heritage grp

• Recon Holywood

• Redburn Loughview comm forum

• Redburn Youth club

• St Malachy’s PS Kilclief

• St Nicholas’s PS Ardglass

• S Mary’s PS Dunsford

• St Joseph’s PS Strangford

• Saintfield group

• Seaforde group

• Shrigley Comm Assoc

• Strangford Tuesday club

• Strangford Village Assoc

• St Finians PS Newtownards

• The Link Newtownards

• Vincent’s Downpatrick

• West Winds Estate, Newtownards

• YMCA Bangor

• Dunsford Arts & Craft group • Drumaness Youth Club

• Drumaness Seniors Club

• De Wind Cherryvalley,Comber

• East End residents assoc

• Flying Horse Forum, Downpatrick

• Glen Estate Residents Assoc

• Glenward Comm.Devt.Assocn

• Greyabbey individuals

• Hamilton Fold Ballynahinch

• Hillcrest group Ballynahinch

• Holywood Mens Shed group

• Holywood Womens Group

• Kairos Newcastle

• Kilclief Individuals

• Killinchy Womens Group

• Killough youth club

• Killyleagh friendship club

• Kircubbin Regeneration Group

• Kircubbin Digital Camera Club

• Ladies of Loughview Hollywood

• Langley Rd Comm Assocn

• Langley Youth Club

Figures & Statistics Peace III programme 2011—2013

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Figures & Statistics Peace III programme 2011—2013

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Figures & Statisticss Peace III programme 2011—2013

Basic Computing, Woodcraft. Family History, Photography, Floral Art, Quilt-ing, Community Relations, Cultural Heritage, Walk and Talk and other topics

Lughnasa Day, Burns Night, Halloween and Harvest Festivals, Songs and dance, Midsummer celebrations, St Patrick’s day, Easter and Christmas

Belfast Murals, Mourne Heritage, Ards History and \culture, The Big House, Down Churches, Derry/Londonderry, The Indian Centre, The Islamic centre, Armagh, Loughgall and others.

The Cross-Community Programme with Adults

Staff and Volunteers Peace III programme 2011—2013

Karin McKinty Children & Youth Programme Team Leader

Angela Fitzpatrick Adult Programme Team Leader

Marie Hoeritzauer Adult Programme Worker

Bernie Arm-strong Finance Offi-

Debbie Caldwell Administration Officer

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Children & Youth Committee Members Sharon Heaney, Robert Sterrett, Maureen Ridgway, Margaret McGowan, Sheina Rigg, Gerard McWilliams

Adult Committee Members

Dee Kelly, Kate Acton, David Patterson, Robert Sterrett

Glebe House Staff & Volunteers Diarmaid Mc Garrigle

Julie Gibson, Andrew Kelly Patrick O’Neill, Emiko Soekawa Gerard Mc Williams, Ivor Hill,

Eamonn Quinn

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Peace III programme 2011—2013

Harm

ony Comm

unity Trust

Glebe House

23 Bishopscourt Road Kilclief

Strangford Co Down

BT30 7NZ

Tel: 02844881374 Email: info@glebehouseni.com www.glebehouseni.com

A project supported by PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and delivered by the North Down, Ards and

Down Peace III Partnership