The PEACE Programmes Learning Platform Level 1

Greater Dunmurry Village Community Safety Partnership (Pilot Programme.) is a Community Safety imitative taking in the communities of Dunmurry Village, Seymour Hill, Derriaghy, Miltown, Areema and the Colin Area. Background: The Greater Dunmurry area which takes in the Dunmurry Cross electoral ward has seen a large demographic change in the last 5 to 10 years with the expansion of Belfast and the Development of large housing developments from the private sector on the West of the city moving closer to the Dunmurry village area. Historically Dunmurry Village had always had its individual identity and relates to Lisburn socially and economically and is now the recognised boundary of Belfast. Dunmurry has been directly affected by the troubles with the murders of local people and neighbouring communities. The Communities of Seymour Hill and Milltown use the Dunmurry area for all aspects of their social activities and this is similar for the estates of the Colin area. From the 2005 period to the present there were numerous incidents of sectarian violence at the interfaces, and in the Village itself. These were highly published in the press and raised community tensions, heightening sectarianism in Dunmurry Village. Informal discussions began between community activists from all the communities concerned and mobile phone numbers were exchanged to assist in reacting to trouble and issues in a cohesive and joint way and thus promoting community relations and tolerance. Aim: The aim of the project is to minimise sectarian tension and violence in the greater Dunmurry village through mediation, dialogue and developing protocols, which promote cultural tolerance and diversity at times of increased political or sectarian tension. Objectives: To actively engage in a partnership approach to ensure that young people and the community in general could meet and socialise in Dunmurry village without the fear of intimidation or sectarian attack; Establish a line of communication to defuse situations of sectarianism as and when they occurred; Help to develop space for local community groups from both sides of the political divide to foster relationships, engage in dialogue and develop community relations projects. Without the pressure of interface violence and political pressures; Help to develop Dunmurry village socially and economically by promoting the area as a place where people from all communities can feel safe, can socialise and shop, and were young people can mix at ease. The project also allowed for dialogue and discussion on issues of parades and flags, and participants assisted the PSNI and the Loyal Orders and Bands in monitoring and marshalling local parades to pass off peacefully which promotes tolerance of cultural diversity and promotes community relations. Impact on Communities: 1. Dunmurry - for the last 6 years the community association has been working with Local Community Representatives from Seymour hill and Conway, Areema and local Neighbourhood Policing Officers on community safety grounds to help defuse Nationalist and Loyalist youths creating sectarian trouble at areas within the Dunmurry Village around the railway lines. This was achieved through contact by a mobile phone network. Two years ago this was extended to include the Colin Community Safer Partnership and representatives of Dunmurry Community Association. 2. Seymour Hill - the direct contact through the mobile phone network has greatly improved community relations between Seymour Hill and the neighbouring communities of Areema and the Colin area. The levels of stability within the locality have also helped the community association to develop relationships within our own community such as with local churches and schools. These relationships have helped to develop a more cohesive and progressive community and this is being assisted by the Department of Social Development investing into the community.