Write a commentA capacity building event for the community representatives of the Newry Neighbourhood Renewal partnership was held recently at the Canal Court Hotel; the theme ‘Capacity Building for the Development and Sustainability of the Neighborhood Renewal Partnership Boards’.
Neighborhood Renewal Partnerships have been in existence for some years now and are funded by the Department of Social Development. The partnership is made up of representatives from community associations and residents groups from the areas of Derrybeg, Meadow and Armagh Rd, Martins Lane, Greater Linen Hall, Carnagat, Barcroft, Three Ways, Drumalane and Quayside Close and Ballybot.
The partnership also includes representatives from statutory bodies such as SELB, Southern Regional College, Department of Social Development, Newry and Mourne District Council and the Confederation of Community Groups.
As well as receiving training in community development and capacity building, the partnership workshop heard Gerard McGivern, Director of Economic Development, Newry and Mourne District Council, talk on the issues, responsibilities and challenges for communities and their representatives through the migration to super councils. He also provided information on the role of the council in Neighborhood Renewal Areas and community planning and funding.
Southern Regional College Assistant Director, David Vint, praised the contribution of the guest speaker and said that he hoped the workshop would prove to be a valuable community asset and through its activities provide a platform to help stimulate ideas and enable those who have benefited to use their skills and experiences to develop NRPB’s in accordance with Council changes.
The general feedback from participants on the event was positive, with community representatives commenting that they would like to continue on with training specifically working with statistics and data resources with a view to empowering groups for the better in the Newry West area.
