East Belfast Community Development Agency

An event was held at Avoniel Leisure Centre Wednesday 20^th January 2010 as part of the Fit Futures programme and was launched by Robin Newton, Junior Minister. This event was co-ordinated by the Health Development & Connections Team in EBCDA. It involved joint working with the 4 local cluster schools – Elmgrove, Nettlefield, Avoniel and Beechfield Primary Schools, Belfast City Council and Avoniel Leisure Centre. The day started with an Athletics Morning inviting other primary schools to compete with a total of 120 children taking part. This was followed by a Health Information Afternoon which was a great success with approximately 500 people attending on the day. The adults thoroughly enjoyed the pamper section availing of Massage Treatments, Hairdressing & Turkish Shaves, whilst the children had a great time with the magician, balloon modelling and face painting and trampoline.

EBCDA facilitated a workshop on community planning in the Ann Napier Centre, Clarawood on Tuesday 2 February 2010.

Community planning has been defined as the process through which public sector organisations work together and with local communities and the voluntary sector, to identify and solve local problems, improve services and share resources.

Colm Bradley and Annie Clarke from Community Places outlined how community planning fits into the wider Review of Public Administration proposals, and provided examples of how it is implemented in Scotland. Barbary Cook of Belfast City Council described the Council’s role in Community Planning and took part in a question and answer session with participants.

EBCDA will continue to provide updates enabling the community sector in East Belfast to prepare for community planning, as well as opportunities to discuss how groups can be supported effectively in this process.

Visit www.communityplaces.info for more information on community planning.

A New Year welfare benefits check for members of local men’s groups, Ballybeen Men in Focus and Tullycarnet Wisecrackers, took place on January 28th at the Ballyoran Community and Enterprise Centre.The workshop was organised jointly by EBCDA Health Development and Connection Programme and the Wise Men of the East Network.  It was jointed facilitated by Age Concern, Help the Aged and East Belfast Independent Advice Service.

The event was a great opportunity for men to check their rightful entitlements.   And, to hear about access benefits and financial advice to help boast their income.Access to what local help and support is available for them was also promoted, in what was a very successful morning.