Urban Villages Focus Magazine ISSUE 9

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Our Generation Programme – Building emotional resilience

Urban Village areas will benefit from a cross-border and cross- community project that will build positive relations by developing ‘Our Generation’s’ emotional resilience, empathy and understanding. A partnership, led by Action Mental Health, has been awarded substantial funding through the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, to build positive relations and emotional resilience in communities impacted by the Troubles. The PEACE IV Programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. Match-funding provided by The Executive Office and the Department of Rural and Community Development will see this programme delivered across Urban Village areas and border counties. It is expected to reach 35,000 children, young people and adults during the life of the programme.

Children and young people will take part in the programme design and delivery; providing peer support, developing skills and confidence to improve well-being in their communities. They will act as agents of change, building peace and resilience for future generations. The Executive Office Junior Ministers Declan Kearney and Gordon Lyons welcomed the investment and the combined focus on mental health and peace building. Minister Lyons said “It is an issue which impacts on communities across the region and too many families are struggling or have already lost loved ones. This new project will complement existing community–based initiatives and encourage more joined- up approaches to reach those most in need.”

Minister Kearney added: “Communities with a history and ongoing experience of deprivation and social tension are the ones most impacted by the legacy of conflict and division. This project will support meaningful cross- border relationships and build on the good relations focus of the Urban Village Initiative.” In the months ahead the project partners will engage with groups and existing projects in Urban Village areas to build on good practice and offer additional assistance. For more information on “Our Generation” contact your local Urban Villages coordinator.

“Our Generation” is a cross-border partnership project which will be delivered through seven regional organisations - Action Mental Health, Donegal Youth Service, Co-Operation Ireland, Youth Action NI, Youthwork Ireland, Playboard and Ulster University.

Urban Villages Initiative | Focus Magazine Issue 89