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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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Carson Project

Documents 116 days overdue

Overdue: 116 days

Charity no. 102843 Date registered. 28/01/2016

Public benefits

Purpose One: Conflict Resolution . The direct benefits which flow from the purposes include education on the deep roots of conflict that lead to violence, with approaches, methodologies and resources to address and deal with conflict and violence within and between communities, build relationships and reconcile divided communities, networking

opportunities for individuals or groups to meet with other minority or socially minded groups and support to organisations providing awareness-raising and education in all matters of diversity. The purpose which flows includes increased participation, in activities and events to ensure the attainment of the community to increase their skill, social interaction, improvement in mental and physical health. The benefits are demonstrated through oral and written feedback from participants, independent evaluation, reflection and feedback by facilitators of respective programmes and other organisations. In providing training, there is a risk of triggering unresolved issues and hurts from those impacted directly by violence. However, programmes allow for the opportunity to deal with such hurts safely and in a safe environment, and as such the benefits far outweigh any potential harm. Purpose Two: Advancement in education for the Community of Ballymena and surrounding areas. The benefit which flows from this purpose includes seeking funding for resources and courses for the group to reach out the community inhabitants and build essential links. This is demonstrated through having an active community development group that works in partnership with the community and other bodies. The public benefit will be the empowerment of residents to improve their living conditions, enhanced knowledge and understanding to all in the area through receiving an education and training in first aid, child protection, environmental issues, cultural awareness, committee skills, suicide and drug awareness, youth and enhancement of the young community inhabitants, increased volunteering opportunities and new skills to improve employment opportunities. The benefits are demonstrated through the results achieved, regular feedback from those and evaluation of the services provided. This purpose does not lead to harm. The benefit is for the community of the Greater Ballymena area and its environs, specifically those who have or will attend the courses on offer. Purpose Three: Culture and Heritage The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include the promotion and of the history, culture, musical and marching heritage of the Ulster tradition to the community of the Greater Ballymena area, its environs and the general public. The benefit which flows from this purpose is culture validity. This is demonstrated through sharing experiences and stories with others, learning through factual education about historical topics, engendering a sense of belonging whilst confirming validity of their culture and how it contributes to their community. These benefits are evidenced through participants and members of the public who make use of our services. The purpose does not lead to harm. There is no private benefit.

What your organisation does

Our organisation is made up of ex-combatants from the previous conflict. We are heavily involved in community issues and passionate in ensuring a peaceful community for all. We have been involved in ground-breaking inter-community work with members of the Catholic Nationalist Republican community to help all better understand the causes of

conflict and how to reduce the conditions of conflict. We have also organised and facilitated various education courses not only providing vocational qualifications but education regarding history, culture and identity. Parading in Northern Ireland has at times been a contentious issue in the community and at times this has led to disorder and community discord. Carson Project members have been involved in stewarding parades in Ballymena to provide a safe environment for all.

The charity’s classifications

  • The advancement of education
  • The advancement of citizenship or community development
  • The advancement of human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity

Who the charity helps

  • Adult training
  • Community safety/crime prevention
  • Ex-offenders and prisoners
  • General public
  • Unemployed/low income

How the charity works

  • Community development
  • Cultural
  • Education/training
  • Heritage/historical
  • Volunteer development

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2023

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2022

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2021

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charitable purposes

Purpose 1 To promote for the benefit of the public in Northern Ireland education in the preservation of public order, the provision of services for mediation and conciliation between people, organisations and groups who are involved in disputes or interpersonal conflicts where that dispute or conflict results from or may lead to acts of nuisance, vandalism, sectarian or racial abuse or breach of the peace Purpose 2 The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by (a) promoting activities to foster understanding between people from diverse religious, racial and political backgrounds; (b) cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity. Purpose 3 To advance the education of the public in the history of Northern Ireland and Ireland to increase a better understanding of our shared history Purpose 4 To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of Ballymena in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society

Governing document

Constitution

Other name

  • 4 Trustees
  • 1 Employees
  • 8 Volunteers

Contact details

  • Tel: 07856399282

Public address

  • Carson Project, 176 Queen Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 2BQ

Trustee board

Trustee
Mr Rodney Quigley
Jim
Mr Colin Graham
Miss Kim Berry

List of regions

  • In Northern Ireland
  • Mid And East Antrim Borough Council