Owenkillew Development Company Ltd deliver 'Our Space, Our Place' project for Newtownstewart Community Forum

LOCAL community group Newtonstewart Community Forum have partnered with Owenkillew Development Company Ltd for the ‘Our Space, Our Place’ project since summer 2024.

The project, supported by PEACE PLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), explored the development of a shared youth space in Newtownstewart and also included a number of youth group activities which took place throughout July and August 2024.

The project originally aimed to scope and examine the potential for creating a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on existing Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) greenspace in Newtownstewart, alongside the delivery of a cross-community summer scheme for 55 young people from the Newtownstewart area which was conducted throughout July and August 2024.

Following extensive research, discussion among all stakeholders, it was agreed that as no suitable site could be found for the MUGA, an alternative popular option was to redirect the budget towards the provision of a wooden structure in the Newtownstewart Community Garden to develop this resource as a shared space, hub, meeting area and shelter when undertaking gardening activities.

This has now been erected and Newtownstewart Community Forum have plans to develop this area over the next few years to benefit the local community.

The summer scheme included a variety of engaging and enriching activities designed to foster Good Relations and personal development.

Two cross-community residentials took place at accommodation based at Owenkillew Centre, Gortin, where participants engaged in wellbeing workshops and outdoor activities.

Day trips to Emerald Park, Lake Kilrea, Escarmouche and Coasteering on the North Coast formed part of the activities of the summer scheme alongside cultural awareness trips to Belfast and Derry/Londonderry to enhance cultural understanding.

The initiative, funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the theme of Community Regeneration and Transformation also comprised a number of community relations workshops.

Sessions focussed on shared history designed to develop strong community relations among participants and creating awareness of different cultures.

A spokesperson from Owenkillew Development Company Ltd said: "We are delighted to have been a part of this project that assists in taking a step towards building stronger, more cohesive communities.

"We hope all participants have benefitted by taking part in this initiative, getting the chance to nurture friendships and learn new things.’’

A spokesperson from Newtownstewart Community Forum added: "By providing young people with shared spaces and activities, we hope to foster lasting relationships and a deeper understanding of our shared history and culture.”

The project started on July 2024 and concluded this month.

A closing celebration event took place on Friday, August 15 at Owenkillew Centre was attended by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Owenkillew Develpoment Company Limited, Newtownstewart Community forum and young people who participated in the programme