The Community Bridges Programme exists to support:

•reconciliation for a shared future;

•organisations delivering projects with the potential to make a significant contribution to reconciliation and the emergence of a shared and peaceful future on the island of Ireland; and

•organisations wishing to undertake activities that address issues of conflict and division related to the troubles.

Priority is given to applications from organisations:

•located in areas that have experienced a high degree of violence and polarisation;

•working to secure a shared future for young people and future generations;

•undertaking work with singular identity communities where there is a clear path towards cross community engagement and reconciliation and clear buy in from the local community

1996-2011

•Nearly £30m•Almost 200 projects•From £25,000- £1m•55 Current projects to a total value of £13.2m

•Strong Cross-community and cross-border emphasis•Close Developmental partnership with Community Relations Council, agent for the programme•Set the tone for other IFI initiatives on

•Sharing in Education•Shared Neighbourhoods•Re-Imaging

Community Bridges Programme

•Addressing conflict at interfaces

•Increasing local capacity to tackle intimidation and sectarianism

•Develop sustainable and meaningful cross-border relationships

•Involve marginalised young people in community relations work

Community Bridges Programme

•Hard Gospel

•Parkside Community Association

•Concerned Residents of Upper Ardoyne

•Teachers Education Programme (UU)

•Good Relations Development – Newry and Mourne

Community Bridges Programme

•Spirit of Enniskillen

•Peace and Reconciliation Group

•Fermanagh Trust

•Glencree Reconciliation Centre

•Corrymeela Community

•LINC

•Groundwork NI

Three key examples

•Inter-community work with Young People

•Cross-Border work

•Beyond Interfaces

Away from Violence Away from Violence was developed due to increasing concern about the high levels of violence experienced by young people and how this culture is normalized and accepted. 

Four trainee Civic Educators are based with local partner organisations, and supported by local volunteers and training developed specifically for this project.  They work within the host community, and also with neighbouring communities on a cross-community basis.  Young people spend time exploring the nature of violence and how it affects them and their communities, and then choose an issue to develop into an action project.  Examples of projects completed to date include: a film on sectarian rioting, an information leaflet on personal safety and a heritage exhibition.                                                                                                             

Youth LinksEncouraging links between young people and workers on both sides of the border which will promote understanding of different cultures and traditions and to build a more inclusive society. •This project worked with over 600 young people aged 8-25 yrs from border areas in Donegal, West Tyrone and Fermanagh and explored diversity and equality in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.•With cross-border participation at its core, a primary goal of the Youth Links project was to introduce a successful cross-border project for young people that would address the concept of a shared heritage and promote a shared future. The young people had the opportunity to learn about the rich and varied culture of the area, with the aim of building trust and respect for each others’ culture. •The participants used art, music, sport and dance to address issues around community identity and difference.

Greater Whitewell Community Surgery

•Area of ongoing community tension•New Interface Erected 2005 behind integrated school•Hazelwood Partnership Initiated 2006•CRC Pathfinder Support for Community Development Initiative•Seven Areas Project•Greater Whitewell Community Surgery

Agreed Four core area priorities on cross-community basis

•Regeneration•Youth and young people•Health and wellbeing•Community Safety

North Belfast In Mount Vernon the young people have completed an exhibition on the heritage in their area.  There is also activity in White City and Greencastle areas, where young people have made films about the impact of 'peacelines' on their lives.  The group in Westland produced a short film on the dangers of sectarian rioting in their local park.

West Belfast Current projects include the Heritage Group where the young people created an exhibition on the heritage in their local community.  Young people from the West Belfast groups in Springmartin and Ballymurphy have been working on a New Belfast Community Arts project called, 'This Is Me' to design a piece of art based on their different cultures for display in their centres. 

ClaudyClaudy Away from Violence have completed an Exhibition on their Heritage as young people local to the Claudy area. The project has been very exciting with trips to Corrymeela, sessions about issues that matter to the young people, and many photography sessions.  Meanwhile, a new girls’ group has been established in Claudy to look at gender-specific issues including domestic violence and self-image as part of the Breaking the Cycle project These groups are working on the production of a DVD and a Peace garden

PortadownYoung people from Corcrain and Redmanville participated in the Heritage project completing an exhibition which was on show in the local Town Hall.  Young people from St Mary’s have been focusing on the issue of drugs as part of their action project.  Work is being pioneered

with members of the community policing team in Cocrain/Redmanville/Rectory Park.