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Tuesday 3rd July 2007 Larne LSP ensures EU peace funding impact continues Larne Local Strategy Partnership has released its fifth annual report, detailing how it is successfully delivering Priority 3 of the European Peace II Programme. During the report period, the LSP supported/developed 20 local projects involving over £250,000 of EU funding. In addition, three projects - involving £22,350 of funding - were supported through the Department for Social Development Local Community Fund. Projects were supported under three themes; Community Infrastructure, Social Economy and Small Grants. The Larne LSP also developed a major strategic initiative based on community cohesion. The LSP successfully applied to EGSA for EU funding to establish a network of support tutors for the Borough of Larne to support individuals with essential skills. The programme eventually involved 17 participants and concluded with a celebration event in June 2006 with the presentation of certificates by the Mayor, Councillor Danny O'Connor. Projects were supported from a range of local groups which included; Millbrook Community Association, Seacourt Community Council, Carnlough Rowing Club, Glenarm Community Pre-School, Craigyhill Community Association and Dixon Park Residents Association. The annual report, submitted by Chairperson Norma Shannon, covered the 2005-2006 period and demonstrated the considerable benefits of the EU funding to the community in Larne and the large amount of peace work being carried out in the borough. Presenting the report at the organisation's annual general meeting Norma Shannon thanked her fellow directors for their support and commitment to the local community. She stated: "Larne LSP continues to administer and deliver Priority 3 of the Peace Programme in an integrated and co-ordinated way involving all partnership members. And if you look the benefits of the Peace II funds can be seen all around us. The capacity building and employment and learning initiatives, business support and development and capital infrastructure projects we have funded have all contributed to growing community ownership, achievement and pride in Larne. I am confident that as we go forward we can continue to help facilitate a better and more peaceful community here." At the AGM Norma Shannon also paid tribute to fellow members of the partnership and to the efforts of the management and staff at LEDCOM, which administers the work of Larne LSP. The current Office Bearers were re-elected, Mrs Norma Shannon (Chairperson), Mr Bill Adamson (Vice-Chairman) and Mr Billy Breen (Treasurer). Norma commented: "A highlight of the year for me was the celebration event to mark the success of the Larne Tutor Network Programme. I was delighted to hear the personal stories of achievement which made the programme so worthwhile." Formed in 2001, Larne LSP is the Local Strategy Partnership for the Borough of Larne. Every council area in Northern Ireland was required to forge a local strategy partnership to be eligible to administer and deliver the peace funding. The annual report also spelled out other activities undertaken by Larne LSP, which included meeting with Jim Allister MEP to brief him -on LSP activities, acting as the strategic partnership of the Community Safety Initiative and hosting a workshop to assist project promoters with funding administration. Thursday 21st December 2006 LARNE LOCAL STRATEGY PARTNERSHIP PEACE II EXTENSION PROGRAMME MEASURE 3.1 - LOCAL ECONOMIC INITIATIVES FOR DEVELOPING LOCAL COMMUNITIES (ERDF) Community Cohesion Programme Larne Local Strategy Partnership (Larne LSP) invites proposals from suitably qualified organisations to develop a programme of support for grass roots community activity throughout Larne Borough and to develop improved relations/networking between groups and communities through the establishment and facilitation of a community forum. Larne LSP would particularly welcome partnership proposals with one lead delivery agent. There will be one successful applicant appointed to deliver the programme. To download a Programme Brief and Application Form please click here or for further information please contact: - Patricia Brennan Larne Local Strategy Partnership C/o LEDCOM Ledcom Industrial Estate Bank Road LARNE Co Antrim BT40 3AW Tel: 028 28 270742 Fax: 028 28 275653 Email: PatriciaBrennan@ledcom.org CLOSING DATE Friday 26th January 2007 @ 12.00 noon Thursday 21st December 2006 Top Posts at Larne LSP Change At the Larne LSP's December meeting, Mrs Norma Shannon, a partner in local business Inver Garden Centre, was appointed Chairperson of Larne Local Strategy Partnership succeeding long time Chair, Geoffrey Kerr. Bill Adamson was appointed Vice-Chairman, succeeding Mrs Jacqueline Moore. Mr Billy Breen was re-appointed as Treasurer. Larne LSP is the local strategy partnership for Larne Borough, with a voluntary membership drawn from the business, community/voluntary, trades unions, statutory and local authority sectors. The LSP has been responsible for administering almost £1 million of E.U Peace funding, supporting 51 projects across Larne Borough with a significant impact on community development. The LSP's new Chair and Vice-Chair paid tribute to their predecessors and the work they had done to promote peace and reconciliation in Larne. "Geoffrey and Jacqueline have shown tremendous voluntary commitment to helping the Larne community and deserve much praise. Bill Adamson and I will endeavour to follow their example and will keep working to make Larne a better Borough", said Norma Shannon. Thursday 5th October 2006 LARNE LOCAL STRATEGY PARTNERSHIP (Larne LSP) REPLACEMENT NOMINEE Larne LSP invites nominations from the Community & Voluntary Sector for membership of the Local Strategic Partnership. For further detail and a nomination form please contact:- Patricia Brennan Larne Local Strategy Partnership c/o LEDCOM Ledcom Industrial Estate Bank Road LARNE BT40 3AW Tel: 028 28270742 Fax: 028 28275653 Email: PatriciaBrennan@ledcom.org Closing date for receipt of nominations is Thursday 2nd November 2006 at 5.00pm. Friday 23 June 2006 Funding boost for Larne community groups Successful Project Promoters Another 15 community groups in the borough are set to benefit from funding totalling £230,000, awarded by Larne Local Strategy Partnership (LLSP) under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Larne LSP has made the awards via Peace II Extension funding across three categories - small grants, the Larne social economy and Larne community infrastructure. Among the recipients of the small grant funding is Dixon Park Residents Association, which is providing an office, drop-in and information centre at Elizabeth Avenue in Larne. The group is aiming to regenerate community spirit in the area and provide a focal point for initiatives. Another small grant recipient, Carnlough Rowing Club, will be refurbishing its club building and increasing accessibility for other community groups in Carnlough and Glenarm. LSP Members with Brian Martin, Chairman, Carnlough Rowing Club Acceptable Enterprises (Larne) Ltd, whose award came under the Larne social economy category, is to use the grant to fund a part-time job dedicated to developing its mobile phone recycling initiative. The funding announced will also benefit the community infrastructure in Larne, and Mid Antrim Museums Service has come up with a unique cross-community history programme involving a number of local groups. It will explore historical events in Larne from different individual community perspectives and create dialogue and communication between different viewpoints and allegiances. LSP Members & Local MLA Roy Beggs The announcement of successful applicants was made last week by LLSP chairman Geoffrey Kerr. Speaking at the announcement he said: "I am very pleased with the scope and breadth of the successful projects. All of them will further enhance the peace and reconciliation process and make an essential contribution to individual communities, but more importantly to the Larne community as a whole. "In recent years there have been very positive outcomes from the wide range of projects supported by Peace II funding. Collectively they have made a substantial contribution towards a socially inclusive and better Borough of Larne. "Altogether Larne LSP has supported 51 projects in the borough, and our announcement today means that the total funding under EU Peace and Reconciliation programmes in the Larne area has reached £994,000. The LLSP chairman added: "We have had the role of administering the Peace II Programme since 2002. I believe the LSP members have done this in very effectively and in the process made a vital contribution to the development of reconciliation, mutual understanding and respect between and within communities and traditions in Larne." Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Mayor of Larne Councillor Mark Dunn said: "I congratulate each of the project promoters and wish them much success as they use the funding to get these vital projects underway. There is a tremendous movement of community led initiatives in Larne and the projects funded here this evening bear testimony to that. LSP Member Liz Bird chats to Project Promoters He added: "On behalf of the council and LLSP, I would like to thank the Special European Programmes Body and the EU for the funding made available for Larne. Thank you also to the LLSP members who gave freely of their time to assess and score a large volume of applications." Friday 23 June 2006 Larne celebrates essential skills success Larne is celebrating the completion of two essential skills projects focused on helping local people improve their quality of life and employment prospects. Organisers behind the two projects, the Larne Tutor Network Programme and the Larne Life Skills Programme, recognised the achievements of over 30 participants last week at a joint celebration of essential skills in the Ballygally Castle Hotel. The Larne Essential Skills Celebration also acknowledged the success of both programmes and the valuable contribution that the essential skills learning and training has brought to the Larne area. Participants of both Larne Tutor Network and Larne Life Skills Programme The Larne Tutor Network Programme was initiated by Larne Local Strategy Partnership (LLSP) and delivered by Larne Adult Education Centre in association with LEDCOM, with funding provided by the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) through the EU Peace II programme. The programme has resulted in the creation of an accredited pool of essential skills support workers and volunteers. They are now available to help support essential skills and to assist community and business organisations or anyone who wants to tackle their reading, writing and maths skills. Running from September 05, the programme had 18 participants. Between them the participants gained a total of 23 qualifications in various combinations of Level 2 City & Guilds 9295 Certificate in Adult Learner Support, the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), and the Advanced ECDL. LSP Members, Ald. Danny O'Connor (Mayor) and representatives from EAIFHE, Ledcom, DEL and EGSA. Norma Shannon, who represents the business sector on LLSP, said: "The aim of this programme was to create a network of essential skills support workers across Larne Borough. It offered accredited training to people working within community and business organisations. We have been delighted with the uptake and the improved awareness of the need for essential skills support in Larne. The development of essential skills is very important for the business community, as it will help ensure the whole community can take advantage of the growing number of job opportunities." The Larne Life Skills Programme was free to participants and was funded by EGSA through Peace II. The programme, also delivered by Larne Adult Education Centre, focused on helping adults with reading, writing, numeracy and literacy. The programme attracted 25 participants. Patricia Lindsay, Manager of the Larne Adult Education Centre commented; "Essential skills are at the very heart of learning, improving the literacy and numeracy skills in addition to IT skills is key to building the qualification and skills profile of the Borough. I am delighted that Larne now has a valuable resource of trained essential skills ambassadors, and I would congratulate all our tutors and students on their success" One person who completed the programme said: "I have gained a lot from this course, not just by improving my essential skills, particularly in numeracy, but also through developing my confidence. I now feel ready to tackle more courses next year." The Mayor of Larne, Alderman Danny O'Connor, presented all of the participants on both courses with a certificate at the celebration event. He said: "The development of essential skills throughout the community is vital if everyone in Larne is to have the opportunity to improve their employment prospects and quality of life. This is an important priority for Larne Borough Council and for me as mayor." Ald. Danny O'Connor congratulates Kerry Gilmore - a participant on the Larne Tutor Network Programme. Thursday, 18 November 2005 OPPORTUNITY FOR LARNE COMMUNITY GROUPS TO MEET FUNDERS Larne community groups that are looking for funding for projects will have an excellent opportunity to meet potential funders next week at a series of events throughout the Borough. 'Meet The Funder' Event Funders in attendance include, Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery, Lloyds TSB, Sports Council, Rural Development Council, North Antrim Leader, Community Foundation NI, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Larne Borough Council, Larne Community Safety Partnership and Larne LSP Monday 28th November 2005 Larne YMCA, Larne 4.30pm - 8.00pm Everyone Welcome! No appointment necessary. LSP Funding Clinics Check if your project is eligible for Larne LSP Peace II Funding Assistance available with the Application Process Tuesday 29th November 2005 LEDCOM, Bank Road 9.30am - 12.00pm Tuesday 29th November 2005 Glenlough Community Centre, Carnlough 4.00pm - 7.00pm Wednesday 30th November 2005 LEDCOM, Bank Road 9.30am - 12.00pm Wednesday 30th November 2005 Ballycarry Community Centre, Ballycarry 4.00pm - 7.00pm Please contact Patricia Brennan or June Scullion @ Ledcom to arrange a suitable appointment time on one of the above dates and venues - Tele No: 028 28 270742 / Fax: 028 28 275653 / E-mail: patriciabrennan@ledcom.org "This is a great opportunity for Larne groups to find out about possible funding for their projects, I would encourage everyone to attend the Meet The Funders event and the LSP clinics. Much of this funding may not be available in future years", said Larne LSP Chairman, Geoffrey Kerr. Larne LSP is currently inviting applications under three E.U Peace 2 extension programmes: - Small Grants Programme Closing Date for applications 18 January 2006 Larne Social Economy Programme Closing Date for applications 28 February 2006 Larne Community Infrastructure Programme Closing Date for applications 28 February 2006 For further information contact Patricia Brennan on Tel: 028 28270742, or patriciabrennan@ledcom.org. Wednesday, 26 October 2005 Peace II Extension The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation has been extended for a further two years for the period 2005-2006. Larne LSP will deliver priority 3.1 Local Economic Initiatives for Developing Local Communities. Larne LSP are now open for applications. Further detail on specific criteria and how to apply can be found on the Application Forms page. Please contact us if you have any queries. Patricia Brennan Larne Local Strategy Partnership Ledcom Industrial Estate Bank Road Larne, BT40 3AW Tel: 028 2827 0742 Email: PatriciaBrennan@ledcom.org Tuesday, 28 September 2004 More community projects to benefit from Peace II grants Larne Local Strategy Partnership (LLSP) has announced that seven community groups in the borough are to receive over £65,500 from the latest round of Peace II funding. The announcement brings the total allocated by Larne LSP to £764,000, and altogether 34 projects have been supported in the Larne Borough area. This grant aid from the Larne partnership with matched funding from project promoters will result in a total project spend of almost one million pounds in the Larne area. The projects supported in this round of funding include training and development programmes as well as support for childcare and after-school clubs. This is the final allocation by the LSP of the available funding under the Peace II, although the possibility of extending the programme until 2006 is currently being examined by the authorities. The role of Larne's LSP has been to administer Priority 3 of the EU Peace II Programme, which supports projects that contribute to the development of reconciliation, mutual understanding and respect between and within communities and traditions in Northern Ireland. LSP chairman, Geoffrey Kerr, said at today's announcement: "These seven projects show that there is great enthusiasm and commitment right across the community for building a better Larne for everyone. There is a growing sense of community and pride in the borough and projects such as these will further enhance that. "In recent years we have seen very positive outcomes from the wide range of projects supported by Peace II funding, and I am also aware of the substantial contribution they are making to creating a socially inclusive and better borough." Among the projects being funded is WILLOW: Women Into Learning Leadership, Opportunities Working Together, which is run by Linn Road Women's Group. The project offers a training and personal development programme to help women develop leadership skills which they can then apply in their local communities. Brenda Hegarty, Programme Manager Special EU Programmes Body, the managing authority for Peace II, said: "Peace II is designed to help Northern Ireland become a more stable and prosperous society and to promote reconciliation here and in the border region of Ireland. The projects announced today are evidence once again of the creative response that local community and voluntary groups are making to the challenge of building economic and social inclusion in Northern Ireland." The list of successful applicants in full is as follows. Seacourt Community Council Funding of equipment costs to support environmental activities in Seacourt, for example, clean up campaigns, provision of flower displays and assisting vulnerable residents with upkeep of their properties. Larne YMCA Employment of a part-time worker for an after schools programme and evening youth work with a community relations focus. East Antrim Institute of Further & Higher Education New childcare centre based in the new East Antrim Institute building operating as a community business. Community Development Services Ltd Accredited NVQ course in early years care and education, training and assessment for 18 female returners. Factory Community Group Tailored training intervention programme to enhance skills capacities and improve the employability of residents in the local community. Craigyhill Community Forum Information technology programme for young people and their parents providing support and learning in a safe community environment. Linn Road Women's Group Women's training and personal development programme aimed at building capacity and developing leadership roles for women in the local community. For further information please contact: Patricia Brennan Larne Local Strategy Partnership Ledcom Industrial Estate Bank Road Larne, BT40 3AW Tel: 028 2827 0742 Email: PatriciaBrennan@ledcom.org