VIEW

Independent voice for community/voluntary sector

Issue seven, 2012

Website: viewdigital.org

VIEW

‘Society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members’ A woman suffering from multiple sclerosis hits out at Atos system and welfare cutbacks pages 4-7

VIEW

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Urban village

Website: viewdigital.org

CONTENTS

Page 2

Social media

Pages 8-9 Journalist Lucy Gollogly reports on a new housing/office centre – set to open its doors in east Belfast

Page 14 Why it’s time to make Facebook a vital part of media strategy for your communityvoluntary organisation

Pussy Riot

Thumbs up

Pages 10-11 A number of statues in Belfast (one of them pictured right) were adorned with Pussy Riot masks in support of the jailed trio

Page 18 The Mela cultural festival attracted huge crowds to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast. It’s also the Big Picture winner

Health survey

Getting it right

Page 12 We report on a new survey – launched by the Public Health Authority – to find out the health needs of people in Belfast

Page 22 Eileen Mullan comments on the issue of governance problems in the boardroom and how they should not be ignored

Editorial

VIEW, the online publication for the community/voluntary sector in Northern Ireland.

By Brian Pelan, editor

I

first heard of Cecilia Burns when the news was announced by the BBC on its website that she had died. She was 51 years of age when she passed away. She lived in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

What brought her story to public attention that she suffered from cancer and that she had been declared fit for work by Atos – the private company who carry out Work Capability Assessments.

Ms Burns was not prepared to keep quiet about what had happened to her and voiced her anger at her treatment and the decision to reduce her benefits by £30 a week..

Before her death, Ms Burns said that dealing with the side effects of the treatment were bad enough, but she had been angered by the cut in

benefit after she went for a medical.

“I know there's other people out there and they’re all scared to come forward,” she said.

“I was treated badly. I've been working since I was 17, I’ve paid all my stamps, all my National Insurance. The only time I was ever sick was when I was pregnant with my two sons.

“It has had a financial effect on me but it’s more (that) they're getting away with it. They are just treating you like a second class citizen. That's how I feel – that I don't count, I don’t matter,” she said.

Shortly before she died Ms Burns won her appeal and her benefits were reinstated.

The lives of the disabled and those suffering illnesses have been made much worse by the

actions of Atos and the government.

VIEW decided in this issue to give four pages over to those who have decided to speak out about this policy.

Christine McDonnell, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, spoke to me about the real fears she is suffering that her benefits may be taken away and that she could also be declared fit to work – even though she is obviously not ready to go back to work.

During my interview with her in her home, Christine became visibly upset many times. Her own words that “a society should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members” should serve as a wake-up call to what is happening to disabled people and the sick.

VIEW TO GET SMART WITH NEW MOBILE PHONE APP. ON THE WAY SOON TO A MOBILE/IPAD NEAR YOU ...

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Profile 1, Describe the nature of your role.

I’ve been in this position for about four years. My role within the organisation is to provide leadership and to identify any opportunities where counselling is needed and to see how we can creatively finance these to make those services available free of charge to those people that urgently need our help.

2, What are the main challenges facing you?

The challenge is always knowing that there is a huge need for the service but such a lack of funding to meet everyone’s needs.

The key to it is trying to be really specific about what needs we can meet and what we can finance and the need to recognise that we must act in colloboration with other agencies.

3, Is it difficult to get your message out?

It had been until fairly recently but in the last couple of years there has been more interest in counselling and more attention given to addressing mental health issues.

So there has been more information in the Press and the ongoing work in schools and youth and community groups has helped to reduce the stigma that might have been associated with counselling. The area of mental health and counselling is more forefront in people’s minds.

4, What differentiates your organisation from other counselling services?

One of our key features is that we provide a counselling service right across the age spectrum – from very young children to much older adults and families – for a range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship breakdown, self-harm and suicide. This makes us distinct as many organisations focus on a specific age group or theme that they can provide counselling for.

We’re unique in providing a broad range of services.

5, How do you measure the ‘success’ of your organisation?

“Success” for us is evidenced in raising the profile of mental health issues and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. We measure this by looking at the number of people who are willing to ask for support and in the personal stories from clients who use our services and hearing how it has helped and improved their lives.

6, What do you expect the Well-being Survey, recently launched by the Public Health Authority, will reveal?

It will be interesting to see how people are perceiving mental health issues or will the survey reveal that people are still more focused on physical health well-being.

Mental health issues still tend to come down the agenda as it’s not so obvious to people.

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Page 3

We talk to Karen Collins, the Chief Executive of New Life Counselling, about the challenges facing her organisation

7, Do you provide counselling to people who are suffering trauma as a result of the Troubles?

The origins of this organisation came out of the trauma associated with the conflict. The organisation was set up to counsel and support families who were living through the trauma in this very specific part of Ardoyne. Our services have developed geographically from that base. Originally, we were only servicing the Ardoyne community but now it is very much a cross-community initiative for a wide range of issues.

We have also an office which is based in the Duncairn area of Belfast. We also do a good deal of our work through schools and community centres right across Northern Ireland.

8, How is the organisation funded and how secure is it?

Among our key funders are the Department for Social Development, the Community Relations Council and the Public Health Agency. We are also involved in tendering for work so we would be paid for delivering services; for example for the Department of Education and for several of the education and library boards and health trusts. But there is never enough money to fund everything. We do rely on donations from the public, from grants, from trusts, the Big Lottery, and Children in Need.

We are secure at the moment but there is a need for this service to expand to meet the need that is there. At the moment there are about 400 people needing to access this service that we don’t have the resources to provide them with.

9, What is the best part of the job?

The best part of my job is knowing that my skills are really in looking after the management and finance behind the scene. And that by doing that it enables the counsellors to get on with what they are good at and to see the difference that makes in people’s lives.

10, What is the most difficult part of the job?

The most difficult part is knowing that there is such a huge demand for the service and that we can’t meet everyone’s needs.

11, Who or what has been the greatest inspiration in your career to date?

The team that I work with here at New Life Counselling have been a huge inspiration. They are all so dedicated to their job and seeing the difference that makes to people’s lives. The wider team in this organisation have been a substantial inspiration to me 12, How do you relax when you are away from the job?

I love spending time with friends and enjoying good food and conversation.

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Website: viewdigital.org

Page 4

‘I would feel that justice was

Many people with disabilities in Northern Ireland are facing stressful times as their benefits are hit by changes in the welfare system. Christine McDonnell, orginally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the US, but who has lived in Northern Ireland for more than 12 years, suffers from multiple sclerosis. She told VIEW editor Brian Pelan of her deep concerns about welfare changes an the role of private company Atos Healthcare

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n a typical wet, blustery day in Belfast, Christine McDonnell spoke to VIEW at length in her home in west Belfast about her medical condition and the deep stress she is experiencing over welfare benefit changes.

Christine said: “I came to Belfast in 2000. I have had part-time jobs at the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Community Restorative Justice organisation.

“In 1995, I had an episode of optic neuritis, where your vision is affected. This can be an early indicator of the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). But, apart from that, I was in great shape.

“I was later examined by a neurologist in Belfast who diagnosed me as suffering from MS. I was put onto a drug called beta interferon. It was developed in the 1980s for cancer treatment because it kills your immune system. GlaxoSmithKline, a leading pharmaceutical company, developed it to be used for treating MS. I lasted for about 16 months on it, but my condition deteriorated rapidly. There is no cure for MS. At present, I manage my symptoms with a lot of alternative therapies.

“In terms of disability benefits, I started at the bottom of the ladder with partial disability. Even then they put you through the hoops. A doctor came to the house and letters had to be submitted. Agnes Fraser of welfare advisory body Tar Isteach helped me to fill out the forms. I finally reached a point where I was in a very bad way. The people that I was dealing with could see my symptoms and they eventually moved me onto full benefit.

“By following news reports, I started to learn about Atos and what might be coming my way. I figure that I may be called in next year to undergo a work capabilty examination.

At present, Atos Healthcare operates the Medical Referee Service. This service was previously delivered by the public sector but was privatised in 2010. Since the service was privatised many disabled clients have not been able to be examined at Royston House.

According to Christine’s husband Gerry, many people who have been called for an assessment are being sent to Atos Healthcare centres in Ballymena or Portadown. “You are asked if you can independently evacuate the building in Belfast in case of an emergency. If you say no, then you are sent to Ballymena or Portadown.

“According to interviews in recent TV programmes about Atos, if I can press a button I can work,” said Christine. “What kills me is that I would love to work. I would give anything to be able to work but MS is not a consistent illness – it’s day out and day in how you are feeling. A society is judged by how they treat their must vulnerable members. What does this Atos process say about this society?

“The coalition government had the chance to say that this assessment process is not fit for purpose. At present, they are burning up money in the administration of it.

“The amount of money being spent on the appeal process is unbelievable.”

Christine’s condition has also been exacerbated by her need for a knee replacement . “She has been waiting for seven years now,” said Gerry. “She has been designated as an urgent case.”

Christine said: “I have been feeling very stressed since I heard out about the Atos assessment tests.

“It’s in the back of your mind all the time. Someone may examine me who is very indifferent about my condition and doesn’t know anything about me. I’m

Under stress: Christine McDonnell at her home in west Belfast and (right) at a recent protest outside Royston House in Belfast, where medical assessments are carried out by Atos Healthcare. horrified at hearing the stories about people with cancer who have been declared fit for work.

“I have also noticed in the last few years, since all this stuff about Atos and disability benefits was raised, a serious hostility to people with disabilities. Disability abuse now seems to be the new OK. “A certain mentality has been fostered that we are all scroungers with fake illnesses, have 20 kids and live in fabulous council homes.

“The government and some of the media keeps feeding this perception to the general public. I’m convinced that this sort of spin has had an effect.

“If I woke up in the morning and heard that Atos had been scrapped, I’d feel that justice had been done.

The benefits system may need some

readjustment but not the slash and burn approach o Atos. It’s an awful system.

“More people need to come out and protest about this. The people administering the Atos system need to have a heart instead of this vicious approac to people who are already carrying an awful lot of pain.”

Gerry: “This Welfare Reform Bill still has to go through the Assembly. What I would say to the part is that if they have a social conscience at all they ne to look at this and show their social conscience.

“There should be unanimity across the board recognise that Atos is simply a cost-cutting, slashing exercise and it has nothing to with the needs and rights of the disabled.”

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Page 5

Website: viewdigital.org

s done if Atos was scrapped’

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In Britain, Atos Healthcare has netted over £1 billion to date and is running at a cost to the Department for Work and Pensions of £100 million a year.

More and more appeals are being lodged because of the flaws in the work capability assessment.

Employment and Support Allowance provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability.You have to undergo a medical assessment which is carried out by Atos Healthcare.

The Personal Independence Payment will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) from next year for eligible people of working age (16 to 64 years old).

Existing working age DLA customers will also be reassessed for the new benefit during the period October 2013 to March 2016.

The performance of Atos Healthcare in the UK in respect of medical assessments has been criticised by the Commons Select Committee for Work and Pensions and by individual MPs. It has also been criticised by by advocacy groups such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, disabled people's organisations and individual disabled people.

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KEY FACTS

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The Department for Social Development commissioned Professor Malcolm Harrington to undertake his third Independent Review of the Work Capability Assessment, as required by section 10 of the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2007.

The call for evidence asks customers to reflect back on a Work Capability Assessment they may have had in the past and compare it to their most recent experience.

Northern Ireland’s Department for Social Development last year awarded Atos Origin a contract to provide support services for benefits processing. The deal was valued at £82.2m.

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Website: viewdigital.org

Page 6

Speaking out in su

As the rest of the United Kingdom waited for the Paralympic Games opening ceremony in London to begin, activists from Disabled Peo Against Cuts (DPAC), Women with Visible and Invisible Disabilities (WinVisible) and the Direct Action Network (DAN) delivered a coffi the doors of Atos Origin's Headquarters in London, with messages from the relatives and loved ones of sick and disabled people who ha been through the French IT company's Work Capability Assessment and who were all taken off the benefits which made their lives both possible and bearable. Many of these people have since died or committed suicide shortly afterwards Image: © 2012 Pete R

Death of cancer sufferer who was declared fit to wor

A

cancer sufferer who had her benefits cut by government officials who said she was fit to work has died.

Cecilia Burns (51) from Strabane, Co Tyrone, had started a campaign in February to have the decision overturned.

Ms Burns had her benefits cut after she was assessed by government contractor Atos Healthcare.

She had her benefits reinstated just a few weeks ago, but died on Monday, August 27, During her campaign Cecilia said that she was "disgusted" after the government cut her sickness benefit and told her she

was fit to work. Cecilia had her Employment Support Allowance reduced by £30 a week even though she was still undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Ms Burns had described the medical test as a “joke”.

The government is seeking to reassess all 2.6 million people on incapacity benefit – and its successor employment support allowance (ESA) – by 2014 .

Before her death, Cecilia said that dealing with the side effects of the treatment were bad enough, but she had been angered by the cut in benefit after she went for a medical.

"I know there's other people out th and they're all scared to come forward," said.

"I was treated badly. I've been work since I was 17.

“I've paid all my stamps, all my National Insurance.

“The only time I was ever sick was when I was pregnant with my two sons.

“It has had a financial effect on me it’s more (that) they're getting away wit They are just treating you like a second citizen.

“That's how I feel – that I don't cou don’t matter,” she said.

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Page 7

Website: viewdigital.org

upport of disabled The Multiple Sclerosis Society

Disability Action

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which affects around 4,000 people in Northern Ireland.

While many people with MS want to and are able to work, it’s vital that those who are no longer able to work get the support they need. The MS Society believes that the current test for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is flawed, and wrongly finding too many people with MS ‘fit to work’.

We are also concerned that the introduction of a one year time-limit on contributory Employment Support Allowance for those in the Work-Related Activity Group by the Welfare Reform Act on April 30 will unfairly and severely disadvantage people with complex and fluctuating conditions like MS. We believe that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) does not fully recognise the barriers that disabilities and long-term conditions present to employment, and as a result, too many ill and disabled people are being wrongly classified as ‘fit to work’: this is evident in the high success rate of ESA appeals. The Citizens Advice Bureau in Northern Ireland reports that around 40 percent of appeals are successful).

The WCA is particularly poor at assessing people with complex and fluctuating conditions, like relapsing-remitting MS, and at recognising barriers caused by less visible symptoms, such as fatigue, generalised pain, and cognitive difficulties.

The current Work Capability Assessment is not fit for purpose and does not take into account the reality of many disabled people's lives.

We strongly believe that the descriptors (which are set by the Department for Work and Pensions) need to be changed to ensure that they better reflect the reality for many disabled people, particularly those people with mental health and learning disability.

The revision of the descriptors should then lead to a change in the questions that are used by Atos for the Medical Assessment. The health care professionals that are currently delivering the medical assessments on behalf of the Department need to have better training and there needs to be significant improvements to access at medical assessment centres.

As many people will be aware, the Department has currently announced details of a call for evidence for the WCA. Disability Action would encourage as many people as possible to respond – there is a questionnaire which can be downloaded from the DSD website. We will be using our experiences of working with disabled people to inform our response to the call for evidence.

‘I received a letter three weeks later telling me that I received zero points’ Work Capability Assessment: Ali’s story I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in September 1999, and continued to work up until April 2011. I then had to visit the local social security office where I was interviewed on how my condition was affecting me both mentally and physically, and how it may affect me in the future.

I received a letter at the end of 2011 requesting me to appear at a medical in order to see if I was fit for work.

Although I received the letter at the beginning of November, my appointment wasn’t until the end of January, giving me three months of stress and worry. Even though I had a fair idea I was unfit for work, especially with having poor mobility, but you still hear so many horror stories.

I was really anxious about it all. A lot of the

ple n to ave h Riches

questions seemed irrelevant.I went to the Employment and SupportAssessment at the end of January 2012 at 3.30pm – even though I explained that due to my MS I get very fatigued mentally by mid afternoon.

When I arrived I was seen by a local GP, who asked me a list of questions which I found difficult to answer because of my fatigue. I found myself still answering one question while he had already moved to the next, which meant after a very short time I wasn’t giving full and precise answers.

A lot of the questions he asked seemed irrelevant, like – how long did it take you to arrive at the social security offices from your home? And can you stretch your arms out in front of you?

Then he asked me to lie down on an examination couch, which I did with some difficulty. While examining my legs he even passed comment on a definite weakness down my left

hand side.After about 20 minutes or so the questions and examination were over.

I got a letter three weeks later telling me that I received zero points.

The letter was sent out on a Saturday morning, meaning I worried all weekend about what was going to happen to me, my wife (who is also disabled) and our home.

I contacted the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) first thing on Monday after a very stressful weekend.

After a face to face meeting, I was asked by one of their volunteers to go and get letters from my GP, OT, physiotherapist and reflexologist.

Once I got the letters together I went back to the CAB and they appealed against the decision which was overturned.

I cannot thank the CAB enough for their very efficient advice and help they provided.

Unions join protest against Atos TRADE unions, including representatives from UNISON and NIPSA, have joined demonstrations against the Atos system by holding a series of protests outside Royston House in Upper Queen Street in Belfast.

Pamela Dooley from UNISON asked why people with disabilities should have to fill in self-assessment forms.

Ms Dooley said: “If you have a disability you have a right to a benefit.

“People in Northern Ireland have to oppose these cuts and UNISON will be supporting further protest actions.”

Maria Morgan, from NIPSA, said: “It is apparent that the Work Capability Assessment is a punitive regime set up to get disabled and sick customers off the benefits that they require to live with some level of dignity. Our communities do not need social security cuts they need jobs and security. but when they are not available then the security net of the Welfare State should be what every community deserves, so we must protect it.”

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• The Irish Congress of Trade Unions are holding a protest against welfare cuts at Stormont on September 10.

Call: Pamela Dooley of UNISON

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VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Page 8

On a mission to Journalist Lucy Gollogly reports on a massive new housing/office project in east Belfast which is set to open its doors on September 17

I

n a rundown part of east Belfast, an innovative ‘urban village’ is rising out of a cityscape of twoup, two-down council houses, boarded-up shops and takeaways.

The Skainos project on the Newtownards Road has been commissioned by the East Belfast Mission, and when it opens on September 17 it will provide a place to live, work, study and worship for thousands of people. But it’s the green wall – or vertical garden – soaring 500 metres over the neighbourhood that’s got most of the attention.

The spectacular three-sided edifice is made up of more than 6,500 evergreen and deciduous native plants including ivy and geranium, and is designed to change colour with the seasons. Like the rest of the two-acre development, it’s eco-friendly.

Nutrient-enriched rain water and grey water – from laundry, dishwashing and bathing – will be used to water the plants and the garden will be a ‘green lung’ in this built-up environment.

But it’s what will happen inside the £21m building, designed by architects Donnelly O’Neill, which will potentially have the most impact on an area marred by high unemployment and social problems. As well as offices, shops and a new worship space for the Methodist congregation of the East Belfast Mission, the development will include a mix of owner-occupied, privately rented and social housing. Hostel accommodation for the homeless will also be on-site, with support to ease the transition to independent living.

The development – financed by the EU Peace III programme, Department for Social Development, International Fund for Ireland, East Belfast Mission and private funders – will include a community hall, café and services such as counselling, education and childcare. These will be provided by the Mission and other tenants, including Belfast Met, the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health, Age NI and Tearfund.

It builds on the work the East Belfast Mission already does – from training former prisoners to revamp donated furniture for resale in its Re-Store shops to delivering meals on wheels to the elderly.

Rev Dr Gary Mason from the Mission said the Methodist faith is central to those activities and the whole Skainos project.

“In Methodism, we would have a very strong social conscience. So it’s not just about going to church; it’s also about engaging with the poor and marginalised. So really, Skainos was born out of that. Skainos means tent (from the ancient Greek), so we visualise that under this tent there’s a multiplicity of different caring agencies engaging with the poor and marginalised in the inner city. We’re guessing that when it’s open at least 3,000 people per week will go through all the different ministries.”

The East Belfast Mission was established in its current form on the Newtownards Road in the mid-1980s, although it can trace its roots in the area back to the early 19th century.

Rev Dr Mason said the help they provide is desperately needed – the area is the fifth most deprived of Northern Ireland’s 566 electoral wards.

When I visited, the Mission’s Stepping Stone office, across the road from Skainos, was busy with people accessing services that help get the unem-

ployed into work. “We’re working across homelessness, social economy, peace-making, community, family and employability – it’s just a wide range of different ministries. Skainos was born out of the vision of the East Belfast Mission. In the early days, I would have called it creating an urban village in the inner city – that was the context – the birth-todeath approach to life.”

Rev Dr Mason said the support offered by the Mission isn’t restricted to one ‘side’ or the other – the Skainos Board has members from across the sectarian divide and the Mission is heavily involved in cross-community work. An Irish language co-ordinator has just been appointed and Irish language classes are already on offer. Rev Dr Mason himself has been involved in peace-building in Northern Ireland for 25 years.

The director of Skainos, Glenn Jordan, shares

‘In Methodism, we would have a very strong social conscience. It’s not just about going to church, it’s also about engaging with the poor and marginalised’

Rev Dr Mason’s emphasis on the importance of cross-community engagement. However, he said the sectarian divide obscured other social and economic problems.

“We built (Skainos) around this whole notion of shared space, but also recognising that the tradi- Clockwise, from above: Reporter Lucy Gollogly wi tional views of shared space are too limited – that Peter Tomlinson, and Kirk on top of the complex is, shared space between the traditional, Protestant and Catholic political communities,” he said.

“We’ve tried to push the notion as wide as we possibly can, recognising that there are all sorts of groups that are excluded or marginalised and under the cover of the Troubles over the years, these things haven’t been noticed.”

Mr Jordan said the development’s civic square is central to this ethos. Intended as a neutral space, and free from the painted kerbstones and paramilitary murals of some of the surrounding streets, it will be used for events such as concerts and markets. He hopes events like these will bring people together. “Rather than people existing in separate bubbles, we want to be able to attract people into this area who under other circumstances would never come near this community. We want people to come off the Sydenham bypass and come into inner east Belfast because there’s something happening in Skainos.”

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

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transform lives

th the Rev Dr Gary Mason and facilities technician Kirk Mason; mission superintendent Rev Dr Mason; Social Economy Manager overlooking a view of the streets of east Belfast , Images: Kevin

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

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Page 10

Pussy Riot com

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mnesty International recently recruited some of Belfast's best-known statues to stage a virtual demonstration in solidarity with jailed punk group Pussy Riot.

Statues and sculptures around the city staged the demonstration complete with colourful crocheted balaclavas and ‘Free Pussy Riot’ placards.

The demonstration was one of many staged by Amnesty International in cities around the world in defence of free speech in Russia.

Local Amnesty activists teamed up with the guerrilla knit-

ters of S.O.C.K (Secret Outside Crocheters and Knitters) to organise the colourful protest in solidarity with jailed punk group Pussy Riot, who were sentenced to two years in prison by a Moscow court.

Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director at Amnesty International, said: “The jailed Pussy Riot members are feeling the brute force of a state intent on throttling free speech.

“The trial of these women was politically motivated and we are calling on the Russian authorities to overturn the guilty

verdict and two-year jail sentence. A bers in Northern Ireland and throu tinue to demonstrate their support right to freedom of expression.

“Thousands of people have al support to Maria, Ekaterina and Na incarcerated by the Russian authori www.amnesty.org.uk/pussyriot.

Amnesty International is hold solidarity gig in the Black Box, Belfa

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

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mes to Belfast

Page 11

Amnesty International memughout the world will cont for Pussy Riot and for the

ready sent messages of adezhda the band members ities, at

ing a Pussy Riot ast, on Friday, September 7.

Above: Well-known statues in Belfast adorned with Pussy Riot masks in a show of solidarity with the three women imprisoned in Moscow recently. The demonstration was organised by Amnesty International

Images: MichaĂŤl Marie michaelmarie@mail.com

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

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Page 12

Views of Belfast citizens sought as survey is launched on health needs

By Una Murphy

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motional well-being and resilience are what most people strive for but they can be elusive qualities with all the stresses and strains of modern life.

The community and voluntary sector in Belfast is joining with statutory agencies in the city to draw up a plan of action – spearheaded by the Public Health Agency – to find out what changes could be made to improve emotional health and well-being.

A survey to find out people’s views is available online: www.haveyoursaybelfast.com and a paper copy is being sent out to homes in the city as part of a public consultation on a 10-year vision to improve the health and emotional resilience of Belfast people. The deadline for taking part in the survey is September 21 and public information events are being held across the city to encourage local communities to get involved.

Séamus Mullen, the Public Health Agency’s Head of Health and Wellbeing Improvement for Belfast, said that the regeneration of the city, lifelong learning, physical activity, tackling drug and alcohol dependency as well as emotional health and well-being are all part of the mix needed to improve the health of Belfast’s citizens.

“There has been a good buy-in by the statutory organisations, the community and voluntary sector as well as politicians – MPs, MLAs and city councillors. There is a range of people in place to provide this framework – we are looking at a 10year vision,” Mr Mullan said.

The Public Health Agency is tasked with tackling health inequality but the Agency needs to work in partnership with statutory agencies, the community and voluntary sector and politicians in order to achieve this goal, Mr Mullan added.

Improving the physical infrastructure with walking paths and cycle lanes to encourage physical activity as well as extending the Healthwise Programme between GPs and Belfast City Council’s leisure centres to help people suffering with depression are some of the proposals being looked at as part of an action plan to improve emotional health and well-being for the people of Belfast, Mr Mullan said.

“My role is to bring a range of different organisations together to identify poor health in the Belfast area and put plans in place to address it.”

The Public Health Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Belfast City Council have been working together in the Belfast Strategic

Launching the Belfast Strategic Partnership’s ‘Have your say Belfast’ survey, were (left to right): Irene Sherry, Anne Bill, Dr George O’Neill, Peter McNaney, Dr Eddie Rooney and Colm Donaghy Partnership for the past year to deal with health inequality across the city including mental health and emotional well-being. Chief Executives from statutory agencies including the Housing Executive, Police Service, Department of Justice, University of Ulster and Belfast Metropolitan College are among 30 organisations in the city supporting a plan of action.

The thousands of responses expected from the online and paper survey will lead to statistically significant sample of Belfast people’s views on what is needed to improve their emotional health and well-being, Mr Mullan said.

The survey involves a questionnaire which takes about five minutes to fill in and includes questions such as: ‘Thinking about where you live please choose five items from the list below that you believe would be most important in improving your quality of life.’

The tick box responses include ‘Better relations between different religious groups and racial groups’ and ‘more cafes (non-alcohol alternatives)’.

The Belfast Strategic Partnership Emotional Health and Wellbeing group joint chairs Irene Sherry and John McGeown have urged Belfast people to take the opportunity to give their views.

“Securing as much participation in this survey represents an important element for the BSP and that is why we want to go to every quarter of the city and talk to people,” they said.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Public Health Agency Chief Executive and chair of Belfast Strategic Partnership, said: “It is vital that the experiences of local people are fed into any plans that are developed to improve their emotional health and well-being.”

Further information can been obtained from the Public Health Agency telephone on 02890 279388 or carrie.crossan@hscni.net.

Spoilt for choices in study courses IF you’re thinking of going back to study – you might consider a range of community education courses.

These are programmes and activities developed in dialogue with communities. The purpose is to help people to build the capacity of communities to improve their quality of life – central to this is their ability to participate in the democratic process.

Organisations such as the EGSA (Educational Guidance Service for Adults); WEA (Workers’ Educational Association ); NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action); WRDA (Women’s Resource and Development Agency); Irish Congress of Trade Unions; University and College Union (UCU); Rural Community Network, The Open University; Colleges NI; Open College Network NI and Age NI are members of the Forum for Adult Learning NI (FALNI) which believes that learning is a basic right and enables people to take control of their lives.

The key objectives of of FALNI are growing a dynamic, innovative economy and promoting tolerance, inclusion, health and well-being. The Forum believes that improving, increasing and extending opportunities for adults to learn throughout their lives, has real public as well as personal benefits.

The longest established organisation – the WEA – has been in the business of delivering adult community education for 100 years.

The WEA offers courses from creative crafts to business enterprise courses for dozens of community groups, voluntary organisations, unions and employers.

Also look out for courses by Women’s Tec in Belfast – which helps women get into non-traditional employment, Conway Education which has been offering community education courses in the city since 1982 and the more recently launched Just Learning http://www.justlearningni.com/curriculum

If you are interested in the study and promotion of dialogue, conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation in Ireland and world-wide, look into the courses offered by The Irish School of Ecumenics a graduate institute in Trinity College Dublin, located in both Dublin and a campus on Belfast’s Antrim Road.

ISE currently runs three M.Phil. taught programmes, two in Dublin and one in Belfast (these may be taken alternatively at diploma level) available to study full-time or part-time: M. Phil. in Intercultural Theology and Interreligious Studies, M. Phil. in International Peace Studies and M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Courses in M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation are offered at Trinity’s specialist crossborder ISE campus in Belfast, or through week-long residential courses, in partnership with the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation in County Wicklow and through TIDES: Training and Consultancy, at Corrymeela, Co Antrim.

Advertising feature

Page 15

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The Charity investment landscape T

he third sector has been undergoing dramatic changes in recent years as those in charge are increasingly called to account and there has been a radical overhaul of how charities are run and monitored here in Northern Ireland.

One of the most important duties is the management of charitable funds, the basic principle of which is that they must take a prudent approach.

It is important to set out aims and objectives for such funds, which, after all, usually come about as a result of the generosity of the public, and the most effective way of doing this is by setting out an investment policy statement.

This enables the trustees to set out the charity’s aim when investing funds, including the position on risk, an indication of the asset allocation strategy, performance benchmarks and targets, the stance on ethical investment, the balance between capital growth and income generation and the scope of the investment powers.

Gone are the days of relative informality: this is a professional approach which is increasingly calling for a professional investment service. This should be welcomed by all concerned.

Both those who donate and those who administer such funds will in future be assured that there is no room for mismanagement or neglect.

There are several factors that should be considered by charity trustees: the level of risk that is acceptable; investment objectives and the timescale of the investment.

Leading on from this is the question as to where to invest such funds in the current low interest environment at a time when questions are being asked about equities which have performed relatively poorly in capital terms over the past decade or so.

It is unusual to see such a reversal of fortunes: a time when bonds have shown gains but equities have gone backwards.

This is the first time since the 1930s that this has happened and it is not limited to the UK, the picture is similar in both the US and Europe.

It is also strange to see the yields on equities far outstrip those on gilts: the current 10 year gilt yield of under 2% compares unfavourably with the yield on the equity market of 3.6%.

In these difficult and interesting times it is increasingly capital preservation that is the main priority and return is considered in terms of total return, that is capital growth and income produced, rather than being regarded as separate entities.

One other salient point is the risk attached to the banks – the days when money on deposit in the bank was virtually no-risk have long gone: the

problems besetting our financial institutions rumble on, reflected in the huge fall in share prices of the banks.

The question remains as to whether one should one commit funds to the market during such a turbulent time.

The difficulties of balancing all the considerations is best undertaken with professional guidance and a policy of a well-diversified portfolio which is subject to constant monitoring has much to recommend it.

This does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell investments and the value of any shares may fall as well as rise. Investments carry risk and investors may not receive back the amount invested.

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers.

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers is a trading name of Smith & Williamson Investment Management Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered number 131816.

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our history, your future

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers has had a presence in Belfast for over 150 years, providing bespoke investment solutions tailored to clients’ specific requirements. We offer a comprehensive range of advice and services to help navigate the road to successful investment.

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers. Advice for life. s $ISCRETIONARY )NVESTMENT -ANAGEMENT s !DVISORY )NVESTMENT -ANAGEMENT s )3!S AND 3)00S s %XECUTION /NLY $EALING s !CCESS TO )NHERITANCE #APITAL 'AINS 4AX !DVISERS s )NDIVIDUALS 4RUSTS #HARITIES )NSTITUTIONS 4HE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS CAN FALL AS WELL AS RISE AND INVESTORS MAY not get back the original amount invested. www.ccstockbrokers.com 4HE ,INENHALL ,INENHALL 3TREET "ELFAST "4 "' 4EL

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers is a trading name of Smith & Williamson Investment Management Limited.

Registered in England at 25 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AY No. 976145. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

A spot of kite flying far above Belfast Hills ...

Website: viewdigital.org

Page 14

Nine-year-old Beth McCourt from west Belfast proudly displays her homemade kite on Divis Mountain as part of a Belfast Hills Partnership kite making and flying event at the National Trust site in west Belfast. The event was aimed at enjoying the outdoors and being creative

It’s time to make Facebook a part of your strategy

By Louise Friel TODAY’S Facebook statistics tell us that there are currently more than 900 million Facebook users, approximately four per cent of which are based in the UK and 66% of which are in the 20 to 49-yearold age group.

More than 58% of Facebook users are described as daily active users, with 2.7 billion Likes, 2.5 billion posts and 70,000 queries made daily world-wide.

The community and voluntary sector is all about providing social and community support, listening to people, and addressing community needs.

So with so many of the public on Facebook, it makes sense for organisations in this sector to have a presence there too.

Currently in the UK and Ireland, although social media is a relatively new phenomenon, the sector appreciates the benefits that social media

can bring, such as extending communications channels with existing supporters and reaching potentially new supporters. Approximately 90% of the sector currently has a social media presence, with Facebook being the most widely implemented platform.

So, if it is widely recognised that social media has a positive impact in the sector, what are the barriers preventing the remaining 10% setting up a Facebook presence?

The main concerns appear to be: 1. A perceived lack of time and resources needed to develop social media strategies, and maintain social media sites. However, if social media is approached as an integral part of an organisation’s business plan, social media can be managed in a very efficient and effective manner.

2. Struggling with technology. However, the internet provides a vast source of online tips and support, while most training organisations now offer

affordable social media workshops, in response to the growing trends in social media use.

3. A fear that Facebook users may make negative comments online, available for everyone to see.

Facebook includes a number of permission controls that dictates who can make posts, whether videos and pictures can be included in posts, and can even moderate the wording of posts, to block profanities.

Next time we will examine why the majority of organisations that have a Facebook presence only have a very modest fan base.

For more information on using social media, contact Louise on 07739575204, or email info@desktopgenie.co.uk.

Check out Desktop Genies blog, www.desktopgenie.wordpress.com for regular IT articles.

Practical advice and a sensitive personal approach. We pride ourselves on our unrivalled commitment to clients’ needs.

Edwards & Co. solicitors advises charities and the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland on a wide range of legal issues including charity creation, charitable status and constitutional matters, trading and commercial arrangements, employment law, finance, fundraising and property law, as well as dealing with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

Our team offers a full range of legal services including mediation, criminal law, clinical negligence and personal injury claims, as well as family/matrimonial work.

Contact Jenny and Teresa: Edwards & Co. Solicitors, 28 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA. Tel: (028) 9032 1863 Email: info@edwardsandcompany.co.uk Web: edwardsandcompany.co.uk

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VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

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The Big Picture Some of the performers at this year’s annual multi-cultural Mela festival, which was held at Botanic Gardens, Belfast. The festival was hosted by ethnic arts organisation ArtsEkta Image: MichaÍl Marie. michaelmarie@mail.com If you want your community/voluntary organisation to be selected for The Big Picture in the next issue, send images to editorial@viewdigital.org

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VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

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VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Adapting to suit needs of vibrant sector

By Una Murphy

G

ood governance is a hot topic north and south of the border. In the Republic of Ireland, the Carmichael Centre in Dublin has developed new courses and seminars to help community and voluntary organisations to achieve and maintain good governance.

The organisation is a member of the working group that developed the Governance Code: a Code of Practice for Good Governance of Community,Voluntary and Charitable Organisations in Ireland – www.governancecode.ie “We are strongly encouraging boards of all community and voluntary organisations to use this practical guide to help them to run their organisations well and demonstrate their high standards of governance to all stakeholders,” Derek O’Reilly, the Carmichael Centre’s Training and Support Services Manager, said.

A new course called ‘Implementing the Governance Code’ is on the Carmichael Centre’s autumn programme.

Full details on all training and seminars are on: http://www.carmichaelcentre.ie/training-program Mr O’Reilly said that the Training and Development Programme was constantly adapting to suit the needs of community and voluntary groups.

It was designed to increase the effectiveness of the sector in the Republic of Ireland.

He said the courses are practically focused and use participative methods to give those taking part the opportunity to learn from others working in the sector.

The Carmichael Centre in Dublin is the first and largest shared services centre for the commu-

Seminars: The Carmichael Centre in Dublin nity and voluntary sector in the Republic.It provides training, information, support and meeting facilities to thousands of volunteers, board members, managers and staff at two listed buildings in

Dublin’s city centre.Almost 50 charities also have premises at the Carmichael Centre.

For more information, visit the website at: www.carmichaelcentre.ie

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VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Page 21

Website: viewdigital.org

Keynote talk: Motivational speaker Steve McDermott will address Active in the Community event

Have you signed up for Active in the Community event?

W

hat are the next five years going to be like for the Third Sector? The organisers of Active in the Community – a two-day event for the community and voluntary sector in Belfast – have set out their stall by promising practical help and encouragement, and even a little crystal ball-gazing.

More than 20 talks and presentations will be held during the conference and there is also the opportunity to look around 70 stands at the Ramada Hotel Shaw's Bridge, Belfast, on October 9 and 10.

With space for 70-plus exhibitors, organisers say that Active in the Community will be a great

place to make contacts, find new resources and catch up on some of the latest information available to the community/voluntary sector in Northern Ireland.

Among the exhibitors are Age NI Enterprises, Charity Bank, CO3 Chief Officers Third Sector, Cookstown and Western Shores Network, Edwards and Co, Family Mediation NI, Northern Ireland Scout Association and the Presbyterian Church in Ireland Yorkshireman Steve McDermott will present the keynote address ‘When The Going Gets Tough!’, and the hard times and the increasing need for the community and voluntary sector to work

together to make ends meet are reflected in other presentations including: - Legal Issues Arising When Organisations Work Collaboratively, Positive Partnerships for Practical Change, Marketing On A Shoestring – For Community Sector Groups and the Opportunities of Social Enterprise among the topics to be considered at the conference.

One and two-day conference passes to Active in the Community can be booked online at www.activeinthecommunity.com or by phone on 0044 (0)799 078 0453.

Keep up to date with developments about the Active in the Community event on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/aic.ni

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VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Comment Eileen Mullan is a Governance Specialist with Strictly Boardroom www.strictlyboardroom.com

Who are you going to call when it’s too late?

S

trictly Boardroom has consulted with 60 leading board chairs, chief executives and board members across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.

The purpose of the consultation was, first, to identify governance challenges faced by these organisations, and second, to gauge their opinion on how to maintain good practice and avoid failures of governance.

Insufficient skills on the board, micromanagement, a lack of defined roles, complacency, arrogance, risk aversion, poor relationships and communication were among the failures identified.

Boards should be professional, committed and dedicated to the work of the organisation.

Too many times I have come across apathetic boards that simply do not know what they are supposed to be doing.

Board membership brings with it tremendous personal and legal responsibilities. There is a clear lack of investment in governance: to compound the issue – often the executives, not the board, are sent on governance training.

The evidence presented by our study shows the ease with which those consulted recognised the array of potential pitfalls and problems they experienced.

It served to reiterate the breadth and depth of individual and collective responsibility, and the importance of nurturing a culture of good governance. This overview gives a flavour of the findings and offers suggested actions that will provide a platform for positive governance engagement.

Common sense There were a variety of opinions on what constituted ‘good governance’.

Some of those who took part in the consultation thought the bureaucracy associated with compliance and promotion of best practice was something that could potentially stifle dynamism.

The common theme of good governance that emerged was that it was based on effective leadership supported by a sound relationship, based on trust and mutual respect, between the executive and the board.

How do you know if your governance is good?

Most people consulted felt that they knew when this was the case but surprisingly few engaged in formal regular governance or board effectiveness reviews.

Many, however, did include governance as part of the periodic strategic review, and in most instances this was relatively light touch. There was evidence of internal resistance to board effectiveness reviews by both executives and boards, and in some cases it has required an external driver – such as quality accreditation or a qualified audit – to stimulate action.

Getting the best Getting the best from a board is highly dependent on the nature of the organisation and the experience of those around the table. A highly-professional organisation with public appointees expects a well-performing board, whereas the smaller scale voluntary or community group often has to build its own board capacity. In every case, however, there remain some critical factors that determine effectiveness, most notably the state of relationships and trust around the table and in particular, between the chair, chief executive and the executive team.

The role of the chair is of paramount importance in creating an environment conducive to open, assertive and confident participation, running meetings efficiently, and dealing with any tension that arises. Positive board development involves regular observation and analysis of board effectiveness. It is a constant learning process in a dynamic environment, requiring timely action to nip problems in the bud. Understanding roles and responsibilities is another prerequisite, not merely amongst board members, but also throughout the organisation. In this way the board can secure appropriate recognition and deference from the executive team.

Board performance One finding that was disappointing, but not surprising, was that contributors identified an obvious reluctance to address poor performance, especially from the chair. Boards do not undertake robust independent board effectiveness reviews; they tend to be more a self-congratulatory process undertaken in the confines of the boardroom with no input from executives and stakeholders. Or worse, nothing is done at all. Why is this case? Are they afraid of what they might find – or is it a case of putting their heads in the sand and hoping no one will notice? You would never consider not car-

rying out a financial audit to test processes, procedures and give assurance to the board and wider stakeholders. However no one considers that the board should also be tested and assurances sought on behalf of stakeholders that the board is fit for purpose.

I am no longer surprised when approached by chief executives or chairs, who say ‘I have a problem with my board’. Often a small amount of investigation reveals the reality of the situation: a clear lack of open and honest dialogue within the board, and between the board and executive. It would appear that board members and executives are still not grasping the idea that the challenge function is not an issue of personal criticism. Bad board behaviour is not checked, poor performing board members and chairs are not removed – the culture appears to be one of ‘why do anything – they only have a year left’. A completely inappropriate response; a year is a long time for an organisation to have poor leadership and ineffectiveness at the top.

All of this comes back to the board composition, what criteria are used and how people are appointed. Rarely do attitude, behaviour, commitment and the question of challenge come into the equation when seeking new board members – but these are all critical elements that should be sought when building a brilliant board.

Stress and adversity What is now clear is that governance tends to become an issue only when a problem arises and boardroom effectiveness is often tested in situations of stress and adversity – there is a need for support in prevention rather than cure.

There is a lack of continual investment in development of capacity for effectiveness and prevention of governance failure, yet there is widespread recognition of the need to evolve in a dynamic and increasingly complex and challenging environment.

Training for non-executive directors/board members needs to be on-going and look at behaviours, attitudes, commitments and the challenge role.

Independent board effectiveness reviews should become a mandatory requirement for all boards regardless of sectors – self-assessment is not good enough.

Poor board performance needs to be addressed. Annual appraisals of members and chairs needs to be undertaken. Chairs need to stand up to the responsibility and address poor performance. Chairs must also be appraised and be open to constructive criticism on their own performance.

There remains a lack of investment in governance and with budgets under additional pressure it is less likely to be a priority – until, of course, a problem arises.

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

PHoToLinE Photographer Kevin cooper has more than 25 years experience in Press and Pr photography. Kevin works to a wide range of clients in community and voluntary sector organisations as well as the trade union movement.

For quoTaTions conTacT Kevin cooper E: photoline@supanet.com T: 028 90777299 M: 07712044751

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Progress has been made on the new Charities Bill for Northern Ireland

By Jenny Ebbage

I

n a previous issue of VIEW we had spoken about the public benefit test. Progress has now been made and there is a new Charities Bill working its way through the Northern Ireland Assembly which reached the first stage of the legislative process on July 2, 2012.

This bill proposes to amend the public benefit provisions of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. This will mean that when the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is deciding whether a charity carries out a charitable purpose for the public benefit this will be determined with reference to the law relating to Northern Ireland which will include the cases and judgements of the courts.

This will be similar to the provisions which determine public benefit and apply in England and Wales in relation to the law there. We had previously reported that some types of charitable purposes are presumed to be for the public benefit, such as the relief of poverty, or the advancement of education or religion. It is intended that when this new bill is passed into law it will apply with retrospective effect and there will no longer be any presumption of public benefit – all charities will be treated the same way and will need to have a charitable purpose for the public benefit.

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland must produce guidance on the operation of the public benefit requirement and it will undertake a consultation exercise on this in due course.

There are some other proposed amendments set out in the Charities Bill. For example, a person who is subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim order will be disqualified from being

Seminar: Jenny Ebbage a charity trustee. There is also a restoration of a mechanism which would allow a gift left for mixed purposes, i.e. charitable and non-charitable, to be regarded as exclusively charitable only.

We will be going into this in more detail at our forthcoming In-Focus Seminar in Belfast in September.

This will also cover the forthcoming powers of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland to make cy-près schemes. This is where a gift left to charity cannot be used for its intended purposes and another purpose or recipient needs to be found.

The seminar will also include an update on some recent charity law developments. If you would like to attend please contact Jenny Ebbage at jenny.ebbage@edwardsandcompany.co.uk.

\

Irish School of Ecumenics M.Litt. and Ph.D. Degrees – Dublin and Belfast Email: ressec@tcd.ie ISE is recognized world-wide for the unique manner in which it brings the fields of politics, sociology, ethics, theology and religion into a disciplined interaction. The School offers supervision of Masters of Letters (M. Litt.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) work in a range of fields of specialization including: Religion and Politics; Interreligious Studies; Politics of Peace and Conflict; Intercultural Theology; International Relations; Ethics in International Affairs; Ecumenical Theologies and Theologies of Reconciliation.

M.Phil. in Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies – Dublin Email: ecumsec@tcd.ie Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies (ITIS) is a new and ground-breaking course that explores the complex realities of intercultural and interreligious relationships. Participants are enabled to draw on a wide and interdisciplinary range of scholarship – combining emerging and established fields such as comparative theology, intercultural ethics, political science and religious studies. There are four module tracks through the course, of which students choose one; Christian Ecumenical Theologies, Comparative Theology and Interreligious Studies, World Christianity and Intercultural Theology, and Religions and Ethics in a Pluralist World. Students also have an opportunity to participate in a European Intensive Programme, in which they meet and learn from scholars and other students in a variety of stimulating venues (September 9-25, 2012, the venue is Constanta, Black Sea, Romania).

M.Phil. in International Peace Studies – Dublin Email: peacesec@tcd.ie International Peace Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the sources of armed conflict and war. It examines the conditions for achieving sustainable peace through peacemaking and peacebuilding. The programme draws on the fields of international relations, ethics, development studies and conflict resolution. Our graduates are employed in the diplomatic service, in NGOs and international organizations such as the UN, in media and education. Others continue to PhD programmes.

M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation – Belfast Email: reconsec@tcd.ie This programme is a unique opportunity to study in a society in transition from conflict. Students can specialise in Master courses in conflict resolution or reconciliation, or pursue a joint Master course across both areas. Conflict Resolution offers specialisation in practical skills, meeting the needs of both experienced practitioners and those wishing to enter this field. Reconciliation Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to politics, theology and ethics and is excellent preparation for Ph.D. study.

The Master in Conflict Resolution will be delivered through short-block intensive modules.

M.Phil. students can study full-time for 12 months or part-time for 24 months.

Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict & Dispute Resolution Studies – Dublin Email: cdrssec@tcd.ie This programme interests those, in both the public and private sectors, who wish to study civil mediation and other non-adversarial dispute and conflict resolution processes (ADRs) which are increasingly a part of legislative and management structures in the EU and internationally. Through an alliance with Mediation Forum-Ireland those who complete the CDRS programme will have an opportunity to have their names included in the relevant specialist panel of Accredited Mediators. This one year programme is taught at ISE on two evenings per week over 24 weeks (September to April) with two practical, skill-based mediation training workshops held on Saturdays.

For further information about these programmes or all relevant closing dates please refer to the following websites: www.tcd.ie/ise; www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies; To apply on line – please refer to: http://www.tcd.ie/ise/_study/apply/.

Applications will be considered after the closing dates only if places remain.

Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin, Tel. +353.1.2601144, Fax: +353.1.2601158 683 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 4EG, Tel. +44.28.90770087, Fax: +44.28.90373986

T

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

Website: viewdigital.org

Page 24

Art auction at The Cuan aids cancer charity Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) fundraiser Lorna Watson has welcomed fundraising by staff at The Cuan in Strangford, Co. Down, who raised thousands of pounds for the charity through an auction of paintings by local artists. Ms Watson said: “The effort put in by The Cuan was phenomenal and NICFC is very grateful.

The auction was a great success. We are looking forward to The Cuan hosting its first residential weekend for NICFC this September.” The Cuan’s Sean Polly suggested the art auction to owners’ Peter and Caroline McErlean. Peter (right) is seen outside The Cuan with a painting by Melissa Houston

Police and Fire Games launched Under starter’s orders for volunteer recruitment at the World Police and Fire Games 2013 are, from left, John Tully (Chief Executive, 2013 WPFG) Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie (Chair of 2013 WPFG) Games mascot ‘Emergency Eddie’, 2013 Games patron Dame Mary Peters and Wendy Osborne (Chief Executive, Volunteer Now).

More than 3,500 volunteers will help deliver the World Police and Fire Games which will take place in NI from August 1-10 next year