An action packed Community Fun Day was held today (Saturday 16th June 2012) at the Interface at Cliftonpark Avenue, North Belfast to celebrate the launch of a major cross community partnership project.

The Bridging the Interface Project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland will support Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum and Lower Oldpark Community Association to work together to improve relationships and ensure people no longer live in fear of interface violence.

It aims to develop and maintain a structured long term engagement with young people and equip and train a core team of young people and adult volunteers who will work together to promote good community relations and transform the interface.  It is anticipated that up to 200 young people will be involved in the project.

Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE, Board Member, International Fund for Ireland said:

“Segregation and sectarianism remain very real challenges in Northern Ireland and the communities in Lower Cliftonville/Lower Oldpark interface at Manor Street/Cliftonpark Avenue continues to experience these difficulties in their day-to-day lives.  The Fund is committed to providing opportunities which bring together individuals and groups from both sides of the community and the border to explore common issues and experiences.

“The Fund’s Building Bridges work has a particular focus on creating cross-community and cross-border opportunities for young people through a series of programmes which also enhance their employability, skills and self-esteem.  The two organisations involved in this project have been working together on a cross-community basis for some time and exist to improve the quality of life for all residents across the Interface.  I wish them every success with this project.”

Speaking at the launch event, Manus Maguire, Manager of the Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum said:  “On behalf of the Forum, I wish to express our gratitude to the International Fund for Ireland for the vital financial support for this project.  We have worked in partnership with Lower Oldpark Community Association to create the conditions for this project to happen and we now see this launch as another important step in progressing the relationships and understanding we have developed together and with other neighbouring communities.”

“This project is about building positive community links between nationalist and unionist traditions and others in our multi-cultural society by encouraging reconciliation, tolerance and collaboration. We are grateful to the Fund for the support we have received to deliver this project.”

Janice Beggs, from the Lower Oldpark Community Association said:

“The positive community atmosphere at this launch event signals a clear message that communities are working together and are seeking a peaceful interface and improved inter-community relationships.

“We are most grateful to the Fund for their support which will enable us to role out a significant programme which will go some way towards bringing people from all sections of our community together in a shared space and through our activities, addressing the silent sectarianism which is still evident in our region.  We are delighted to continue our existing partnership with Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum on this project”

Funding of €260,000 has been provided by the International Fund for Ireland for the ‘Bridging the Interface’ Project, under its Community Bridges programme.  Additional funding was also provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Belfast City Council Good Relations and the Big Lottery.