East Antrim Focus Group
Progress Report
We started in February 2005 with 8 individuals who had a vision for Transforming Loyalist Communities across East Antrim. Today there are over 100 people actively involved in developing the work of the local Transformation Groups.
Project proposal for a "Strategy Mapping" programme has been drawn up and submitted to a Funding Agency. This proposal has been referred to consultants for an Economic Appraisal. The Consultants have met with the Focus Group Coordinator and the appraisal has now been referred back to the Funding Agency.
Funding has been secured to employ the Coordinator for six months (April - September). This has now been suplemented by a three year funding grant to maintain the employment of the Coordinator and provide basic running costs.
The Community Resource Centre in Monkstown has been refurbished to provide a base for the Focus Group and for the Local Monkstown Transformation Group.
We are currently working on a major funding applications to secure resources for projects in each of the Council areas.
The Forum Web Site is currently under development
Seven presentations and dialogue sessions have been facilitated for loyalist, community and civic representatives across the constituency.
The Focus Group has facilitated three Standing Conferences. Th first in October 2005 brought together some 40 activists and critical friends, the second in December 2005 was attended by 65 activists, critical friends and observers while the 3rd, held in the Knockagh Lodge on 6th June 2006, drew an attendance of 120.