Sandy Row Community Forum

Public benefits

PURPOSE The purpose of Sandy Row Community Forum is to advance citizenship & community development; and promote the benefits of the inhabitants of Sandy Row/Mid-Donegall Road of South Belfast & its environs DIRECT BENEFITS 1. A Connected & Engaged Community - Sandy Row is recognised as a vibrant community hub which is connected economically and

culturally to the wider development of the city. It is seen as an area that embraces new initiatives and opportunities. Citizens actively participate in community & civic life and social capital is in abundance. 2. A Culturally Confident & Safer Community - Residents state that they are proud of their area; People feel safe to live and work in the area; There is growth in tourism and visitors to the area; Diversity is embraced 3. A Financially Thriving Community - Entrepreneurship & self-employment is promoted as the first option for residents; The area encourages inward investment and is business friendly; There are opportunities for employment and support for local people to access jobs; skills development programmes are mindful of emerging opportunities and career opportunities; individuals are supported to thrive financially 4. A Healthy & Resilient Community - Residents have access to well-being programmes and services that ensure they are physically, emotionally & spiritually well-off. Sandy Row is recognised a community that supports and promotes the physical and mental well being of its residents as central to everyday life 5. A Greener & Sustainable Community - the physical & built environment is conducive to a healthier community through the provision of green spaces; new green technologies are present in households and new developments to ensure that running costs are reduced and environmental impact is low; the residential population is sustained through the provision of affordable homes ensuring housing needs are met into the future; 6. An Age Friendly Community - Sandy Row is a community built on equality for all people regardless of age; Opportunities are provided for everyone regardless of age to access basic services and to be involved in community life 7. A Learning Community - Education & learning are key priorities locally; Children are supported from birth in relation to their learning outcomes; Key Transition years are supported (nursery to p1/ P7 to Year 8/ Year 10 / Year 11 to 6th Year; College; or employment) Parents are supported to understand and navigate the education system. All abilities are supported to engage in learning & contribute to community life through an emphasis on life long learning EVIDENCE Sandy Row Community Forum’s work in relation to these benefits will evidenced through the recording of contacts; funding reports; annual reports; annual residents survey; partners & other stakeholder reports POSSIBILITY OF HARM This purpose does not lead to harm PUBLIC BENEFIT The residents of Sandy Row; Mid-Donegall Road; Wider South Belfast and city of Belfast will benefit from the purpose of SRCF. In delivery of the direct benefits the residents will be engaged & empowered to play a fuller role in the city & region PRIVATE BENEFIT Through the delivery of direct benefits individuals may be more likely to become employed; dereliction will be addressed and business within the local area see an increase in footfall. This is incidental to the main purpose of the organisation in advising citizenship & community development and is outweighed by the benefit to residents.

What your organisation does

Our Mission: Sandy Row. A prosperous and attractive place to live. A place where visitors and investors are welcome. A healthy, vibrant and positive community. The Sandy Row Community Forum acts as a neighbourhood anchor organisation for all the local community groups, bringing together diverse social partners to benefit the area.