Bann Maine West

Public benefits

1. To advance development by (a) providing support services, information, training, facilities and amenities. The benefits include increased local knowledge, access to information and education and the opportunity to utilise a local community hub. (b) creating and supporting initiatives, development projects and organisation events that strengthen

the community and voluntary sector. The benefits include reducing social isolation and improved community life for local people accessing projects and events. (c) promoting community capacity building. The benefits include increased community participation, motivation and experience leading to a confident and sustainable community. (d) promoting good practice among community and voluntary groups. The benefits include increased confidence for local people in their elected community representatives and more local people benefiting from an effective community infrastructure. (e) encouraging such groups to co-operate to achieve their aims. The benefits include an increase in partnership working, developing best practice and ensuring maximised participation and co-operation. 2. To provide and maintain a Forum to support, exchange views, share issues, crease a collective voice and work in partnership. The benefits include an increased understanding of good governance and partnership working, effective community representation, influence on policy making and the building of relationships between the community and statutory bodies and local authorities. 3. To promote good community relations, religious and racial harmony and equality and diversity. The benefits include increase social cohesion, reduced anti-social behaviour and sectarianism and an increase in community confidence, well being and community safety. These benefits are demonstrated through gaining feedback, both formal and informal, at each event/initiative and project carried out by Bann Maine West. Feedback is then analysed and benefits assessed Beneficiaries are all those living in the Bann Maine West areas of Ahoghill, Cloney, Cullybackey, Galgorm, Gracehill, Grange, Hillstown, Portglenone and Tullygarley. There is no harm or private benefit flowing from the organisations purposes.

What your organisation does

The organisation provides a central 'Hub' for community groups in the West area of Ballymena to enable member groups to access support, information and training. The organisation provides an opportunity to be a collective voice, work in partnership and look at opportunity to advance community development.