• Project name: Galliagh Community Centre
• Lead organisation: On Street Community Youth
• Partner organisations: On Street Community, Community Restorative Justice, Teach na Failte, Galliagh Womens Group, Rainbow Child and Family Group

Statement of support

The area of Galliagh in Derry is home to nearly 20,000 residents. The area has received bad press regarding anti-social behaviour and is often classed as on of the most under privileged areas in the UK! at the heart of it Galliagh was a rapidly growing community seriously lacking resources.

Officially opening in December 2022, The Galliagh community centre is proud to be the first multi-tenant community centre, bringing together diverse organisations to collaborate and deliver youth and community-led initiatives that benefit everyone. From inception to operation, this centre has been shaped by the voices of tenants, residents, and the broader community through consultations, focus groups, and feedback sessions. Every aspect of its services reflects the collective priorities and aspirations of the people it serves.

By uniting multiple organisations under one roof, the centre fosters collaboration and shared resources, amplifying its impact. Programs range from youth initiatives such as after school clubs, youth clubs, growth and development workshops to a full summer long Feile in 2024. In an inclusive approach, the centre does not only cater to the young people of the area but offers "something for everyone", whether its family events, men/womens group, community luncheon group, yoga, therapies, advisory services.. the list goes on ensuring a holistic approach to meeting community needs. These efforts are further enhanced by partnerships with local housing associations, schools, service providers, and civic groups, delivering tangible and measurable benefits to all residents.

At its core, Galliagh community centre is a place of empowerment. Through all services tenants and residents are supported in building skills that enable them to take an active role in their community. By nurturing these abilities, the centre not only addresses current challenges but also fosters a culture of sustainability and self-determination.

As the first of its kind it serves as a model of collaboration and innovation. It demonstrates the power of uniting organisations, community members, and youth under one vision to drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for everyone.

Outcomes and achievements

A breakdown of the weekly events, this give an idea of the audience participation but in no way can justify the gratitude of the people who attend this much needed resource in the heart of Galliagh, breathing community back into an area that was left to fend for itself for too many years.

• Luncheon - Mon and Fri = 100 people
• Art - 12 people
• Afterschool – 25 people x 4 sessions = 100 people weekly
• Kickboxing- 30 people
• Therapies- 10 per week
• Tea/coffee morning - 20 per week
• Womens group - 60 per week
• Youth health and wellbeing - 20 per week
• Yoga - 18 per week
• Advisory services - varies week on week.

This is not to mention larger projects such as Feile and other festive events which constantly bring young and older generations together. The spirit of Galliagh is restored in this community centre. A lifeline for many in the community and a place of open hearts, minds and welcoming open arms.

• Project name: Beyond Housing - Bridging Generations, Building Communities
• Lead organisation: Clúid Housing

Statement of support

Nestled in a generous open space overlooking the town of Charleville in North Cork, Deerpark View is home to a vibrant mix of families and individuals living on their own. The residents take great pride in their homes and the lush green area surrounding them, which has become a focal point for community pride and connection.

This innovative project began as a grassroots initiative to transform an underused space into a thriving community garden. The vision was simple: create a shared space where residents of all ages could come together to grow fresh produce, nurture plants, and foster a sense of community.

In just over two years, residents have gone above and beyond their initial vision, proving that from little acorns, big trees grow. What was once an underused green space has now surpassed even the most ambitious expectations, boasting a greenhouse, a thriving kitchen garden, and a beautiful meadow.

From the outset residents were involved in every stage, from planning to planting, ensuring the project reflected their needs and aspirations. Their collective efforts have yielded an impressive harvest of potatoes, herbs, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots, all of which have been shared out among the community.

The garden has become a hub of intergenerational collaboration, with young and older residents working side by side.

• “The best thing about the garden is being out there with the neighbours. People are talking about it, and they gather together young and old”. Patricia, Deerpark resident

The impact has also extended beyond the community itself, with visitors drawn to the vibrant space and partnerships formed with local groups like the Tidy Towns committee. Residents also received support from local shops who donated plants to get them started.

This project is a testament to the power of collaboration, proving that when residents and communities come together, they can achieve outcomes that go beyond housing to create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive spaces.

Outcomes and achievements

The project has transformed not only the physical environment but also the social fabric of the community.

Enhanced health and wellbeing

Access to fresh, homegrown produce improved residents’ diets and promoted healthier lifestyles. The garden provides a calming space for relaxation, exercise, and mental health benefits.

Intergenerational collaboration

Young and older residents worked together, sharing skills and forming meaningful relationships. The project bridged generational divides, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Skill development and empowerment

Participants learned sustainable gardening practices, from growing plants from seed to cultivating fruit trees. These skills have empowered residents to take an active role in community and personal projects.

Improved community cohesion:

Stronger relationships were formed among neighbours, creating a more connected and supportive community. Shared responsibilities and achievements instilled a sense of pride and ownership.

Environmental impact and sustainability

The meadow, plants and trees have enhanced the wider estate. Residents adopted eco-friendly practices such as composting, water conservation and wild planting to support the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Stronger links with the wider community

The garden has become a welcoming space for visitors, strengthening connections with surrounding communities. External support from groups like the Tidy Towns committee and public representatives added momentum to the project.

• Project name: Empowering tenants to participate in shaping the future of their homes
• Lead organisation: Choice Housing

Statement of support

The Victoria Housing Estates (VHE) stock transfer and refurbishment project is a shining example of commitment to tenant involvement and community empowerment. This transformative initiative has demonstrated a dedication to improving services, neighbourhoods and the lives of tenants across multiple locations in Northern Ireland.

From the outset, Choice recognised the importance of tenant engagement in the success of this £25 million refurbishment program. The project's foundation was built on extensive consultation with former VHE tenants, acknowledging their long-standing campaign for essential improvements to their homes. This collaborative approach set the tone for a project that would put tenant needs and voices at its core.

The scale and complexity of the project, involving 301 properties across six different neighbourhoods, presented numerous challenges. These included the need for temporary decanting and the transfer of tenancies from a private to a social landlord. Despite these obstacles, Choice's commitment to tenant involvement remained steadfast.

A cornerstone of the project's success has been the implementation of a comprehensive community engagement strategy. This strategy went beyond consultation by actively involving tenants in the design and delivery of the refurbishment works. Key elements included:

• A dedicated tenant liaison officer: Acting as a vital point of contact, ensuring continuous communication between tenants, Choice and contractors.
• Weekly tenant surgeries: This innovative "drop-in" facility provided a space for tenants to address concerns, ask questions, and participate in decision-making processes.
• VHE newsletter: Regular updates kept tenants informed about project progress, upcoming phases and timescales.
• Personalised engagement: Face-to-face communications and telephone consultations throughout the project allowed for tailored interactions, addressing individual tenant needs and circumstances.
• Local elected representative updates: Engagement with political representatives ensured broader community involvement, support and transparency.

This approach empowered residents to participate in shaping the future of their homes and communities. Tenants were involved in decisions, from agreeing on the scope of works to selecting finishes from approved samples. This level of engagement improved the quality of the works and fostered a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

The project's commitment to capacity building is evident in its efforts to develop tenants' skills and confidence. By involving them in the decision-making processes, Choice has equipped tenants with valuable knowledge about housing management and community development. This empowerment extends beyond the immediate project, encouraging tenants to be more active in their communities.

Evidence of the project's success in delivering measurable benefits for the community is clear. The refurbishment of over 165 properties, including 70 previously void homes, has not only improved living conditions for existing tenants but also contributed to reducing the social housing waiting list. The implementation of energy efficiency measures, such as new heating systems, is helping to reduce costs for tenants, addressing fuel poverty concerns.

The project has demonstrated flexibility in meeting diverse community needs. The completion of four major adaptations showcases Choice’s commitment to creating inclusive living spaces that cater to tenants with specific accessibility requirements.

The positive impact of this tenant-centric approach is reflected in the testimonials from both residents and community leaders. Eddie Neeson MBE, a Choice tenant, praised the refurbishment and the support provided by the tenant liaison officer. Paul Maskey, MP for West Belfast, highlighted the positive difference the project has made, emphasising the collaborative nature of the planning process.

The VHE stock transfer and refurbishment project exemplifies the transformative power of genuine tenant involvement. By placing residents at the heart of the decision-making process, Choice has delivered much-needed housing improvements and fostered a sense of community empowerment. This project serves as a model for how housing organisations can work hand-in-hand with tenants to create lasting positive change in communities.

Outcomes and achievements

The VHE stock transfer and refurbishment project has achieved remarkable outcomes, demonstrating significant progress in improving housing conditions and empowering tenants:

• Extensive refurbishment: Over 165 properties fully refurbished, including 70 previously void properties, reducing the social housing waiting list.
• Energy efficiency improvements: Installation of new heating systems, insulation, and double-glazed windows, reducing utility costs for tenants.
• Innovative retrofitting: Two properties received enhanced retrofit specifications, including external wall insulation, triple glazing, and solar PV systems.
• Successful decanting: Over 80 occupied properties have undergone the decant and recant process, minimising disorder to tenants.
• Accessibility enhancements: Four major extensions/adaptations completed, providing long-term, enhanced accessible living accommodation.
• Efficient delivery: Average construction period of 20 weeks per property, with zero defects handovers achieved through rigorous quality control processes.
• Stakeholder engagement: Continued buy-in and engagement from tenants and community representatives, recognising individual needs and circumstances.
• Community regeneration: The project has resulted in major improvements to tenants' quality of life, transforming neighbourhoods and fostering community pride.
• Tenant empowerment: Through active involvement in decision-making processes, tenants have developed skills and confidence in housing management and community development

These achievements underscore the project's success in not only improving physical housing conditions but also in empowering tenants and revitalising communities.