Established in 2001, Building Communities Resource Centre (BCRC) supports community and civil society organisations through diverse projects and programmes including social, cultural and economic development to benefit people in the Causeway Coast & Glens area. Working for social injustice, integration, co-operation, shared education, cultural heritage, social affairs, marginalised groups, dialogue and peace and reconciliation, BCRC’s Ethnic Communities Project team sought financial assistance with the delivery of its ‘Creative Cultures’ programme and refurbishment of its designated ‘Safe Space’. Cllr Callaghan spoke highly of the organisation’s work and, acknowledging that community development and cohesion was a crucial part of BCRC’s ethos, the Committee agreed an Irish Society grant of £1,500 for facilitators to run four workshops (delivered by BCRC’s Cultural Ambassadors); materials for each session; and two sofas, soft furnishings, pictures and paint to upgrade the Centre’s ‘Safe Space’.
Fergal Quinn (Ethnic Communities Officer) contacted us in June 2024 to say “There are no words to convey our thanks to The Honourable The Irish Society for their generous financial support. The Creative Cultures was a phenomenal success both in terms of the presenters and participants. Four Cultural Ambassadors spoke on the cultures of India, Moldova, Iran and Ukraine providing the audience with the opportunity to not only listen but engage in creative activities and discussion with the speakers. One attendee said that they previously had a ‘negative attitude about asylum seekers but after listening to the presenter I can clearly understand the truth of not just why, but how, they got here’. Others commented that they were ‘deeply grateful for the chance to learn about different cultures and perspectives through your program’ and ‘These enriching experiences have broadened my horizons, opened my mind to new possibilities, and fostered a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world’”. Fergal also advised on the “truly sensational” difference refurbishing their Safe Space had made – now providing “a safe and secure place of sanctuary where victims of hate crime can come to report such incidents to the PSNI and confidentially discuss the issue” and and offered BCRC’s “thanks to The Honourable The Irish Society for helping to create this unique and beautiful part of our building”.
