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Gilford Concerned Residents group

  • Removed

  • This charity was removed from the register on 20 Dec 2019
  • Charity no. 100637
  • Date registered. 17/11/2014

Public benefits

Since being established in 2012 Gilford Concerned Residents Group (GCRG) has made a positive difference to the lives of Gilford residents. In the first place the Group has created an opportunity for social inclusion and has given a strong voice and good representation to those who need to be heard. The Group holds public open meetings for residents

and have on hand speakers from public organisations. These events give citizens the opportunity to raise concerns, to ask questions of public reps and to put forward requests and suggestions for environmental improvements and enhancements. Through the work of the Group a number of road safety issues have been addressed including speed ramps installed outside the schools. A town warden has been appointed and has significantly improved the cleanliness of the area, this in turn has encouraged residents to take a greater pride in the area. The Group has organised and carried out a few litter pick events on the outskirts of the village with a number of volunteers. The Group also organised volunteers to help cut back overhanging trees and hedges that public organisations couldn't do within their budget constraints. Again the work enhanced the look of the area and for a number of residents it allowed greater light into their homes. It was GCRG that identified the need for and set up the over 50s cross community group in the village. That club now has over 80 members and is making a huge difference to many lives. The group is a lobby group, liaising and interacting with District Council, MLAs, MPs, Ministers and a wide range of public service organisations all on behalf of Gilford residents. The Group also works closely with PSNI in a bid to eradicate anti social behaviour and crime so that people can live in peace and without fear. In a bid to promote opportunities the Group has worked with Southern Regional College and has been successful in bringing an accredited IT training course to Gilford. This has encouraged a number of residents to further their skills, knowledge and education and all at nil cost to participants and on home ground. Working with NIHE and District Council we press to ensure best possible living conditions and facilities for all residents. Through our work we are now seeing new play parks established in the village for residents and work underway to provide walkways and cycle paths round the community centre. The Group is presently actively involved in lobbying for an economic investment in the former Dunbar McMaster mill in the hope that it will provide employment and overall a financial boast to local businesses. The public benefit in summary is better living, environmental, leisure facilities and economic investment for Gilford residents to enjoy. There is no private benefit or harm from the purpose of the organisation.

What your organisation does

In essence the Group is a lobby group. We meet regularly with residents in public forum, we meet monthly, we have representative spokespersons from all parts of the village to observe and raise issues on behalf of nieghbours. We write regular articles for local papers to let folk know what is happening, give profile to the area. We meet frequently

with public and statutory bodies to discuss issues of concern and to press for action and we hold seats on a number of committees and meeting groups. We have built up working relationships with politicians across the political spectrum and we press for inward investment, educational opportunities, improved environmental and living conditions.

The charity’s classifications

  • The advancement of education
  • The advancement of citizenship or community development
  • The advancement of environmental protection or improvement

Who the charity helps

  • Adult training
  • Community safety/crime prevention
  • General public
  • Men
  • Older people
  • Specific areas of deprivation
  • Voluntary and community sector
  • Women

How the charity works

  • Accommodation/housing
  • Advice/advocacy/information
  • Community development
  • Education/training
  • Rural development
  • Volunteer development

Charitable purposes

The main purpose of GCRG is to advance citizenship and community development in Gilford by ensuring access to a wide range of services, advancing the education of the residents, promoting the establishment of good leisure facilities and increasing the economic development of the Gilford area.

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