The forum is attracting local businesses and forming part of a “collaborative voice for South Armagh, which represents the entire community.”

Ewan notes as well as the mainly Nationalist population there is a strong, vibrant Unionist community in South Armagh so work is ongoing to encourage more people to get involved by making them feel more comfortable to “put their toe in the water.”

“My message is the forum will represent everyone through effective communication and partnership. If you go on your own to make a point it may be listened to but if you go as a whole community it is hard for statutory or anyone else not to listen to it,” he said.

There will be strength in numbers.

CRJ Newry/Armagh is organising a jobs fair, and encouraging young people to steer clear of what is known as the ‘unregulated economy’ in the border area.

“We are taking small steps to address that around areas likes washed diesel and illegal diesel plants. We are quietly working away in conversations with different people of influence to move people away from that.”

Safer driving and safer tractor programmes that have also been rolled out have seen police comment on a noticeable change in driving attitudes in the area.

Conversations are also taking place with the disaffected and disassociated people in South Armagh.

“We sit with people one on one. Encouraging people, and bringing people information so they can have a more progressive outlook. If we reach people it can only be a good thing.

“We are very proud of what we are doing through the funding awarded by the IFI.”