Urban Villages - Focus Magazine {Issue 11)

SOUTH BELFAST Sandy Row, Donegall Pass & the Markets

Positivity & Creativity

Tackle the Stigma Over 100 young people from South Belfast have come together to design their own Mental Health & Wellbeing posters. These designs have been digitally printed and posted around South Belfast as part of our ‘Tackle the Stigma’ campaign. The designs are by young people for young people, and the aim is to help them understand that they are not alone, and it’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling. For more information on this project or to find out who you can talk to, contact Jonny Simms, Jonny@bscr.co.uk 028 9024 4449 to help support people from across the South Belfast Urban Village area throughout lockdown. The aim of the initiatives was to connect with people during this difficult time and help create a sense of positivity across the community. Digital & STEAM Packs Children from school years P4-P7 across the South Belfast Urban Village area, have taken part in a range of digital and STEAM activities. Participants received a pack with lots of practical ideas to help promote and upskill children’s digital and STEAM skills. Activities included, building your own Rocket ship T-shirt design and making an electric circuit using a lemon. BSCR has organised a range of different initiatives

the ‘toxic trio’ : the cost of sanitary products; a lack of education about periods; and the shame, stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation. The Lunar Project has donated a range of sanitary products to schools, youth groups and organisations within South Belfast. The Urban Villages Initiative have funded a banner that is being erected in the community to help challenge the taboo around the topic.

“It’s really fun and it is a better use of my time. I have been able to learn how to look after plants and create different experiments.” Hannah age 9 Lunar Project The Lunar Project is an initiative to tackle period poverty in South Belfast and has been endorsed by local MLAs and councillors in the area. The project aims to overcome what is often referred to as

Urban Villages Initiative | Focus Magazine Issue 11