As the dust settles on another successful programme of Good Relations activity for Choice Housing, the association reflects on the fundamental role these projects play in their organisation and the communities they support.
Through Choice Housings five shared housing schemes across Northern Ireland, the association contributes significantly to the delivery of the Department for Communities' ‘Housing for All programme’ – creating communities through diversity and inclusivity. Through a range of good relations initiatives and projects, tailored for the communities these schemes are part of, Choice is building foundations for these communities to thrive and prosper. A potential £33m may be invested in the Choice Housing, shared housing developments, and associated five-year Good Relations Plans.
Choice Housing is committed to the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Michael McDonnell, Choice Group Chief Executive said,
“If we are to deliver on our commitment to the Shared Housing Programme, we have a responsibility to support the communities that are embracing these housing options. This is more than just a financial contribution; this is a long-term commitment to providing the foundations for local communities to improve and build their community relations.
“We are one of many housing associations in Northern Ireland committed to improving good relations, promoting community integration, and successfully delivering the shared housing programme.”
Choice Housing deliver a range of good relations initiatives and projects throughout the year across all five of their shared housing schemes, but during Good Relations Week, which took place last month the association took the opportunity to work with a range of partners and deliver impactful events and activities all tailored to the local communities involved.
Young people from across Derry/Londonderry took part in a 3-mile rowing race in the River Foyle followed by a 2-mile cycle race for example. Working alongside Northwest Youth Services, participants from across secondary schools in the area signed up for the challenge which ended with a community celebration.
A cross-community football tournament in Ballymena brought together 250 young people across 20 youth teams and a range of partners, including the PSNI and Glasgow Rangers Football Academy with participating teams from migrant, PUL, CNR, and the Irish travelling communities.
Culture, diversity, and inclusion were all celebrated through dance, music, and food during a mini-mela in the Castle Mall in Antrim. The event brought together the world of dance and music, global cuisine, and amazing arts and crafts experiences for all the family. Partnering with Antrim Community Fridge, Castle Mall, C21 Theatre Company and Artsekta, the event was open to tenants from Choice Housing Shared Housing Developments – Fountain Hill well as partner organisations and community groups.
Dungannon also welcomed the return of the popular event which brought 400 runners together to compete in the one-mile relay in partnership with Galbally Runners. People of all abilities from running clubs, families, sporting clubs, businesses, and local schools competed on the iconic ‘Hill of the O’Neill’ in Dungannon
Michael added,
“These events and initiatives should not be underestimated for their impact within local communities, particularly when you see the numbers attending and taking part – it is this that will form a large part of how we assess our success in delivering the Shared Housing Programme and as an association we are committed to continuing this investment”.
As one of the largest independent housing associations in Northern Ireland, Choice currently provides 12,000 homes to meet the diverse needs of tenants and residents. Plans are in place to deliver much needed quality, affordable homes to the area, including plans for the latest shared housing project in Derry/Londonderry which aims to deliver approximately 900 homes over the next ten years at Rosses Gate. The first phase will provide 190 new social homes with construction well underway.
