Areas At Risk Pilot Programme
This programme is not open to the general public to apply to.
Purpose:
The Areas at Risk Pilot Programme was established in 2006 to identify and intervene in areas at risk of slipping into a spiral of decline. The Department, through the Voluntary and Community Unit, in conjunction with a range of other partners, will help to support these communities, which perhaps feel neglected or isolated in order to help build confidence and a sense of belonging. The types of areas that the programme will operate within include for example:
- ‘Interface’ areas that lie outside of Neighbourhood Renewal areas;
- Areas in economic decline;
- Areas at ‘risk of decline’ for example, those areas that without targeted support may move into the top 10% as defined by Noble;
- Areas at risk of ‘descending into instability and crisis’ or areas in which there is a decline in community cohesion which threatens peace and stability;
- Areas where the loss of the service provided by organisations would have a significant negative impact on the local community.
Current Status:
The pilot programme is currently operating in the following areas:
Phase One
- Sydenham (East Belfast)
- Taughmonagh (South Belfast)
- Seacourt (Larne)
- West Portadown
- Rathenraw (Antrim)
- Dunclug (Ballymena
- Limavady
- Dhu Varren (Portrush)
- Ballynashallog (Londonderry)
Phase Two (Announced 13 November 2007 by Minister Margaret Ritchie)
- Lower Whitewell (North Belfast)
- Ballybeen (Dundonald)
- Gilford (Banbridge)
- Annadale (South Belfast)
- Scrabo (Newtownards)
- Killicomaine (Portadown)
- Alexander/Lisanally (Armagh)
- Ashfield Gardens (Fintona)
- Seymour Hill (Dunmurry)
- Craigyhill and Antivlle (Larne)
- Harryville (Ballymena)
- Caw/ Nelson Drive/ Lincoln Courts (Derry/Londonderry)
Phase Three (Announced 28 January 2009 by Minister Margaret Ritchie)
- Beechfield (Donaghadee)
- Lettershandoney (Derry/Londonderry)
- Strathfoyle (Derry/Londonderry)
- Ferris Park (Larne Town)
- Doury Road (Ballymena)
Process of Selection
In order to ensure that the communities participating in this programme meet the criteria a strategic partnership has been established chaired by the Voluntary and Community Unit. Permanent partners are the Development Offices (BRO; RDO; NWDO) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, in both cases involvement is devolved to local offices. Other statutory bodies are invited to join on an ad hoc basis as and when their expertise would lend significance to the programme.
Potential areas for inclusion in the programme are sought from the permanent partners, who also have to provide an evidential basis for inclusion. Other sources of reference include local politicians including Councillors and MLA’s. Each nominated area is considered against criteria before being sent to Minister for consideration and approval.
Once an area has been included a local voluntary organisation is nominated (by the permanent partners) to act as the lead organisation. This organisation is charged with assisting to carry out a community audit. The Department take the lead in appointing a consultant to carry out the audit which can be supported through programme funds, before submitting a project proposal.
The project proposal is considered by all partner organisations and subject to unanimous agreement.
Programme Objectives
The key objectives of the Programme are to:
- reduce the level, frequency and impact of interface violence within the community;
- increase levels of economic activity within the targeted areas;
- stabilise targeted areas to the point that the area is either no longer considered as an ‘area at risk’, or that the risk of the area slipping into decline is prevented;
- increase community cohesion and capacity;
- strengthen community infrastructure in those areas where it is weak; and
- achieve a more sustainable approach to community participation and development.
Funding Level:
Total amount available £1 million per annum.
Telephone: 028 9082 9371