Current Projects
This programme aims to support the capacity of people and local organisations to build peaceful cohesive communities across the council areas by using mediation to strengthen these social partnerships.
The programme will aim to develop:
- Positive dialogue processes on good relations and cohesion issues
- Training and support to grow and deliver local mediation and facilitation skills
This is a four strand Model
1. Building civic support – This aims to create a supportive climate for local mediation in support of community cohesion
2. Infrastructure – Creating mechanisms to establish and maintain partnerships between local leadership regarding the strategic direction of the programme and it's operational delivery
3. Training – Improving locally based capacity to develop and practice mediation and associated disciplines in support of community cohesion
4. Practice Development – Supporting local mediators to make a transition from training to practice
The Programme
This model arises out of our learning from work in Local Government areas in Northern Ireland and in England.
Our overall programme will work in 8 areas over a 5 year period. Each project will last for three years.
The Outcomes
• Increased support for civic and community leadership
• Strengthen mechanisms for handling conflict, building good relations and improving community participation
• Increased engagement with and between communities
• The creation of more collaborative problem solving between citizens, civic leadership and public service.
• A light infrastructure involving civic, statutory and community leadership
Legacy of Project
• Strong social partnership between public representatives, public servants, civil society and the voluntary/community sector
• Improved local capacity to address social and economic needs
• Increased levels of engagement within and between communities
