Mid and East Antrim PEACEPLUS Co-designed Local Community Action Plan
The PEACEPLUS Action Plan for Mid and East Antrim has been developed through comprehensive engagement and co-design across the entire Mid and East Antrim area. The identified projects will be delivered through partnership between the Council and groups within the community, voluntary and social enterprise sectors to address diverse needs.
Delivery of the programmes and projects below will develop more inclusive, understanding communities across Mid and East Antrim.
The projects within these three PEACEPLUS theme are listed below.
Theme 1 - Local Community Regeneration and Transformation
Community Social Enterprise Hubs Programme
Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne will each benefit from a renovated community social enterprise hub, which will accommodate the social enterprise and community needs of the Borough.
Community/Sports Facilities Major Capital Works Programme
Capital development at three shared spaces/facilities will be supported to enable increased physical activity, health and wellbeing opportunities.
Community/Sports Facilities Capital Enhancement Programme
Accessibility, sustainability, health and safety are factors in the planned refurbishment works of 10 facilities across Mid and East Antrim. These will include a variety of sports clubs and community spaces.
Theme 2 - Thriving and Peaceful Communities
Community Social Enterprise Hubs Programme (Programme Support Element)
An 18-month programme of community and social enterprise training and activities will take place in each renovated Community Social Enterprise Hub in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne.
Strengthening Communities Programme
Area-based programmes in the towns of Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne will be developed for shared learning, co-operation, and celebration between local community and voluntary organisations across the Borough. They will aim to address the specific needs and skills of the local area and increase cross-community activity and participation across all areas of Mid and East Antrim.
Events and Festival Programme
We will work in partnership with local organisations to deliver a series of events across Mid and East Antrim to promote inclusive communities.
Social Enterprise Development Programme
Working in partnership will local organisations bespoke programmes will be implemented in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne to meet the needs of community and voluntary sectors.
Plot to Plate Programme
A PEACEPLUS programme to deliver a health and wellbeing programme that will encourage outdoor activities, improve nutrition knowledge, and promote sustainability and horticulture's wider mental health benefits.
Women’s Programme
A programme of events and training for women from across Mid and East Antrim to help build their confidence and skills.
Youth programme
Opportunities for our younger generations to share cultural experiences and create long-lasting inclusive communities in the borough. This will be a combination of facilitated and youth-led events.
Theme 3 – Celebrating Cultures and Diversity
Who Do We Think We Are? Programme
A series of events working with local schools and community groups to capture local stories, celebrate local history and legends through arts and creative activities e.g. poetry, storytelling, art, song, and drama.
A fun way to foster a deeper sense of belonging and understanding of their communities.
Veteran's Programme
The aim of this programme is to increase social inclusion among individuals and families from the services background. The primary focus will be about building trust, relationships, and confidence through local level cross-community events, outdoor shared learning programmes, intergenerational events, and cross-border shared learning events.
Sports Cluster Programme
Sports clubs and physical activity groups from across different communities throughout the borough will come together and develop multi-sport programmes.
It aims to build physical literacy, core skills, and lasting relationships between clubs from different sporting and community backgrounds.
It’s Our MEA Too - Conscious Inclusion Programme
Through collaborative working a number of awareness raising campaigns and events will take place at a local level throughout the borough.
This programme will create resources and guidance for organisations and community groups on adjustments that could make their events/premises more inclusive.
It’s Our MEA Too - Inclusion of all Backgrounds Programme
This programme aims to build, improve, and sustain relationships between minority and resident communities in the Mid and East Antrim area.
By working together residents can increase levels of understanding, integration, and civic participation among all groups. Activities will include cultural awareness training, developing inclusive programming, language support, and facilitating opportunities for positive interactions for all.