Community and Restorative Justice Newry/Armagh
Repairing harm through restorative justice is at the core of Community and Restorative Justice Newry/Armagh’s work. Its Digging Deeper Project coordinator Ewan Morgan says work creating structures and new ways of engagement throughout South Armagh is paying off.
It is small steps but local inspectors and sergeants have been coming to neutral venues to meet key stakeholders in urban and rural areas for what is described as critical engagement.
“Police now see it as a template to be used in other ‘hard to reach areas’.”
CRJ Newry/Armagh have organised a number of residentials and workshops over the last year and worked with womens’ groups too. Being a border constituency Brexit has been one topic focusing minds and drawing discussion from men, women and young people in the area.
“My eyes were opened as to how clued in young people were,” Ewan said. “They spoke about EU citizenship, cross-border living and working and the risk of losing everything.”
The flagship project in the Digging Deeper project - ‘The South Armagh Community Council’ - has just launched to create a positive impact on communities.
Challenges around building trust are ongoing with lots of honest, up front, discussions. Ewan believes tackling problems along the way will be through improving understanding and by economic, cultural and social development of areas.
For further information about our funding programmes, or for information on how to apply for funding, please contact the person(s) or organisation(s) identifed at the end of the relevant programme summary in the areas of activity section.
International Fund for Ireland
Seatem House
28-32 Alfred St.
Belfast
BT2 8EN
+44 (0)28 9031 2884