13th December 2002

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The University of Ulster has signed up to a project designed to address local concerns in the Holyland area of South Belfast.

Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice-Chancellor of the University and Jason McGowan, Overall President of the UU Students Union, today signed a Service Level Agreement supporting the Extern project – Need to Know – which will run in the area for an 18 month period from the New Year. The ceremony was performed at the University’s Belfast campus.

More than 1,500 households in the Holyland will targeted by the project which aims to provide residents, both long-term and short-term, with the opportunity to identify and address local concerns with the support of the statutory, community and voluntary sectors.

Around 1,000 University of Ulster students live in the area during term time.

The project, which has been funded by Peace II money, operated on a three-tier model of consultation and facilitation. Household surveys, focus meetings and a community conference will be held and among the aims of the project is to facilitate the development of a representative community infrastructure and an improvement in community relations.

Anne Monaghan, Community Liaison Officer with the University of Ulster, believes the project will complement the work she has been carrying out in the area for the past 18 months.

“We have been liaising with both local people and students over the past 18 months and have dealt with many issues brought to our attention by both groups. We believe that Need to Know will help us to build on the relationships that we have developed in the area, will enhance the community infrastructure and positively impact on community relations between students, as short-term residents, and older people and families, who are the area’s long-term residents”.

Project Manager, Eve Bremner of Extern, said: “The Need To Know programme is a unique
opportunity for this area. The project brings with it the vital support of key stakeholders; however, the role of the community itself cannot be emphasised enough. Need To Know depends on the commitment of all parties, including the local community.

“Our hope is that all residents of the area will recognise their role in developing and sustaining the Holyland, and experience the benefits of the programme first hand. Need To Know is an inclusive project and we welcome the constructive input of any local residents. Moreover, the project will provide free, accredited training in community development to the local area upon completion of the programme. In doing so the project will address the poor levels of community infra structure”

Mr McGowan said: "The Need To Know programme is an excellent opportunity for students to involve themselves in a meaningful projects within their communities. The Students' Union is fully committed to the programme which will greatly improve community relations between students and long term residents."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk