Urban Villages - Focus Magazine {Issue 11)

Ardoyne & Greater Ballysillan NORTH BELFAST

Building community leadership

The North and West Belfast Scouts and Girl Guides have come together to start a Skills Building and Community Development programme for young people who aspire to leadership roles. A strong foundation has been laid for speedy progress to be made when restrictions are eased. From the outset, Covid restrictions prevented face-to- face meetings and volunteering was very restricted. But the scheme got off the ground during one of the windows of easement with an induction evening facilitated by the

award while developing skills through Open College Network units and volunteering opportunities. Belfast Activity Centre, a Duke of Ed Award Centre, is a delivery partner. The programme has recruited several volunteer role models including Trevor Ringland, Pamela Ballantine, Jenny McConnell and David Robinson. This is based on the Duke of Edinburgh Award - volunteering, physical development, skills development and an expedition, a programme for all youth uniformed organisations. Preparing local groups to reopen safely Ballysillan Community Forum (BCF) have led on the Keeping Healthy Staying Safe (KHSS) programme in the North Belfast Urban Village area.

Belfast Activity Centre and hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballantine.

Since then, meetings have been via Zoom and Google Classroom where young people learned about issues in youth and community leadership. Outdoor activities are planned and the young people will be introduced to Belfast Hills and other local community groups, once restrictions are lifted. The young people will progress towards a community leadership

Urban Villages Initiative | Focus Magazine Issue 11