-
Status
Received: 17 days late
-
Income
£2.6K
-
Spending
£1.8K
Public benefits
The direct benefits which flow from our purposes include a stronger and more cohesive community spirit in the area. The area is officially designated as deprived. We believe it is important for the disparate elements of our community to build strong links, develop a sense of their heritage and culture, and create pride in themselves, and in the
area. Through our reimaging project we are adding to the identity of the area through the provision of a variety of activities and facilities; play areas, sports facilities, outdoor gym, walking routes and a community building which all ages can enjoy, and where they can meet together regularly, socialize and attend functions. Local heritage and history is kept alive along with walking routes, many following traditional paths and rights-of –way. This allows a closer affinity with neighbours and with nature. A co-ordinated network of safe paths, places of interest and local facilities also encourages a healthier lifestyle and also attracts visitors and helps us develop tourism. BARN was very proactive in establishing Neighbourhood Watch throughout the area; co-ordinators work very closely with BARN and the local PSNI to keep the area safe. The officers have been proactive in providing support, advice, guidance and technical assistance. With their help, encouragement and support, we have achieved many successful projects and meetings. At the meetings such things as lights, door chains, alarms and security lights have been given for the elderly and vulnerable in the area. Again we have been pro-active in a number of areas such as a Spring Clean which improved the appearance of our site and with the floral displays in the summer months adding colourful enhancement to the area. The latest successful project was the extensive refurbishment of the Birches roundabout. This was the result of numerous meetings and lobbying councillors and other public bodies. It now stands out as a gateway to the Birches and the regions beyond. Now it’s bright, attractive and welcoming, whereas before it was dreary, dismal, overgrown and festooned with litter. Going forward we wish to develop a community building suitable and available to all as there is no such building available at present. We also wish to improve the physical appearance of the area, more to ensure the area looks well and is attractive and inviting to both locals and visitors to the area. These benefits are demonstrated through successfully working with the community development team at Craigavon Council, and a hope to continue this partnership. BARN is held in high esteem and was honoured by being awarded the Pride of Craigavon Award. The integration of new residents shows the benefits also. Several members have completed their community and leadership training. The beneficiaries are all the citizens of the Birches area regardless of their age, gender, religion or nationality. There is no harm flowing through this and the only area to benefit is Birches itself and the residents who live there.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
BARN WANTS TO PROMOTE THE LOCAL AREA, AND TO MAKE IT APPEAR MORE ATTRACTUVE AND INVITING BOTH TO LOCALS AND VISITORS COMING TO OR PASSING THROUGH THE AREA. WE WANT TO RAISE THE STATUS OF THE AREA AND ENCOURAGE MORE RESIDENTS TO BECOME INVOLVED AND TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE AREA. WE ORGANISE A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE AREA: CLASSES,
TRAINING, OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEISURE SUCH AS CONCERTS, TREASURE HUNTS AND DAY TRIPS. WE PROMOTE AND LIAISE WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH, THE COSY CLUB, PEATLANDS PLAYGROUP, BIRCHES PRIMARY SCHOOL AND OTHER LOCAL GROUPS. WE ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO KEEP THE AREA TIDY AND ATTRACTIVE. LITTER AND DUMPING HAVE BEEN A REAL PROBLEM SO WE MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY. WE HAVE ORGANISED CAMPAIGNS TO TIDY AND IMPROVE THE AREA SUCH AS OUR SPRING-CLEAN IN 2012, AND HAVE LOBBIED PUBLIC BODIES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- Community safety/crime prevention
- General public
- Men
- Older people
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Community development
- Environment/sustainable development/conservation
- Heritage/historical
- Rural development
