Uniting Communities

In February 2022, SSYCC was successful in securing the tender for the delivery of the Department for Communities (DfC) ‘UC through sport and creativity’ in Portadown and Lurgan.  This programme is being delivered in partnership with Healthy Kidz and Oasis Youth and has been well received by the community and funder.  Around 395 young people/participants engaged so far, with a total of 65 sessions (many of the sessions were joint with other schools and between Lurgan/Portadown cohorts) delivered to date.  We have had a diverse group of participants with at least 20 nationalities involved in the programme to date.

In the first Phase (February-April 2022) of our delivery we secured the participation of all 7 Junior High Schools in the Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon area.  A number of sessions were delivered weekly in each of the schools and big joint Celebration events (up to 170 participants from schools) between schools were delivered during this stage where Good Relations, Sport and Creative sessions were part of the programme.  This phase of the programme was a success and DfC extended our involvement into Phase 3 of the programme, where it was scheduled that we would deliver over 30 sessions and a Residential to at least 75 young people in the Portadown/Lurgan area.

Following the successful Portadown and Lurgan cohorts, we had a 10-12 week programme (based at South Lakes Leisure Centre and Lismore School) for 75 young people involved in the initial cohorts. During this phase young people were further challenged to develop relationships with one another, challenge certain behaviours and attitudes towards people from different backgrounds and religious beliefs.  During this phase, some fantastic opportunities were provided to young people to be involved in sports, creative and experiences that developed their skills and confidence whilst developing positive friendships with people from different backgrounds.

SSYCC also delivered its biggest Residential under Uniting Communities.  61 young people took part in a 2 night residential at Greenhill YMCA, Newcastle where sport, creative, Good Relations and outdoor activities were embedded in the programme to ensure young people had an opportunity to develop stronger friendships with a diverse group of young people, develop skills and improve their confidence. The feedback received by young people and parents was fantastic.

During January to March 2023, we will be delivering an additional 9 sessions, including the creation of a podcast and meeting young people involved in UC South Belfast project.  The Department has indicated that SSYCC will be granted an additional £30k to deliver the next Phase of the Programme, focused on Social Action.

We then designed and delivered an oversubscribed 10-week programme for over 50 young people in the Portadown area.  SSYCC centre was the base for most of the sessions, with many visits to local clubs (including Portadown FC, Portadown Rugby Club). During this phase we deepened the partnership working with Cooperation Ireland, the organisation responsible for getting Young Leaders involved in our element of the ‘UC through Sport and Creativity’ Programme.