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Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group (SLIG) has launched a new peace building strategy to further develop the once troubled Suffolk/Lenadoon interface into a genuinely shared space over the next five years.
Pictured at the event: Jean Brown, Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group Chairperson and Reneé Crawford, Lenadoon Community Forum with members of Upper Falls Protestant Boys Flute Band and Gleann Chollain Irish Pipe Band who played together at the event.
The announcement was made by SLIG's management committee which includes representatives from both Suffolk and Lenadoon Community Fora at a special event in the Group's award winning shared facilities on the Stewartstown Road.
'The Interface and Beyond' focuses on six key areas for peacebuilding including creating shared minds and changing attitudes; developing shared spaces; developing shared interests; developing shared knowledge, understanding and advocacy; undertaking shared actions and providing opportunities for shared learning and development through national and international networking.
The strategy was launched as new research shows that overall 91% of all respondents in the area are supportive of peacebuilding work between the two communities. The study, commissioned by Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group and carried out by Millward Brown Ulster found that 90% of respondents from the area would like to see 'shared facilities' that could be used by both communities.
The survey of 400 residents also showed that in terms of housing, 55% of all respondents said they'd prefer to live in a mixed-religion neighbourhood.
When asked for their preferences on the potential development of Stewartstown Road interface, 85% of respondents cited preference for this to be a 'shared facility'.
Speaking at the launch, Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group Chairperson Jean Brown said:
"In the twelve years since the first discussions between Suffolk and Lenadoon's Community Fora took place we have come a long way - we are standing today in a building which is shared by both communities, which has brought jobs, childcare and retail services into the area, and which has changed the physical appearance of the interface beyond all recognition.
"However, today marks a new phase in the work of Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group, and we hope in the lives of our communities. Our new five year strategy is about building a shared and better future that will provide long term sustainability for the Suffolk and Lenadoon area and a better quality of life for all who live here - especially our young children.
"While we acknowledge the progress we have made SLIG is not complacent and recognise that a number of challenges remain which we are committed to overcoming for the benefit of all who live within the Suffolk and Lenadoon communities."
SLIG is committed to building a community where all within it feel safe, confident, valued and able to look to a future free of segregation and sectarianism.
For further information visit www.slig.co.uk.
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