Endorsements

Darren Kirby, Manager, Greater Shantallow Area Partnership
“The Greater Shantallow Area Partnership and the Off The Streets Initiative have a very positive relationship and together have formed a number of formal and informal working arrangements with regard to the delivery of programmes for young people in the Greater Shantallow Area.”

“We are pleased to endorse the ongoing work of Off The Streets and wholeheartedly support their efforts to engage young people in dynamic and innovative programmes. An indication of the belief we have in their work can be measured by our recently forming a partnership with them and NWIFHE in the delivery of the ACCORD programme. We wish Off the Streets every success in their efforts to secure short-term funding and are confident that it will be maximises fully and effectively.”

Donnie Sweeney, Project Co-ordinator, NIACRO, Derry
“In 1999 the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NIACRO) established a community safety project in the Galliagh area of Derry~Londonderry. At its core, community safety is concerned with a partnership approach to problem solving. It was therefore extremely important that organisations from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors already working in Galliagh/Shantallow, not only support the project but actively take part in the implementation of an area action plan. That aim of the plan is to reduce crime, the fear of crime and antisocial activity.”

“Off The Streets Initiative has wholeheartedly supported our approach since the beginning. Not only have they contributed to the Community Safety Taskforce, the group charged with managing the project, but they have developed a number of programmes to address the various issues in relation to young people at risk. NIACRO values the support and expertise brought to our work by organisations such as Off The Streets Initiative. We look forward to their continued contribution to improving the quality of life for those living in the Greater Shantallow area.”

Gerry Gallagher, Community Education, North West Institute of Further and Higher Education
“NWIFHE has worked closely with "Off the Streets Initiative" on a range of programmes over the past three years. Their approach to developing community education within communities has been very professional and Off the Streets has a track record of targeting and engaging with the most marginalised sections of society. Our partnerships with Off the Streets have been very productive in developing a range of innovative courses to meet the needs of young people. We look forward to continuing this successful relationship over the next few years and extending the range of programmes offered.”

Sinead Tierney, Millennium Volunteer Co-ordinator, Volunteer Development Agency
“Through the MV Programme, Off the Streets has identified a wide variety of quality volunteering opportunities for young people in the Galliagh Area. The Young People are encouraged to identify their needs through review meetings with their Volunteer Co-ordinator. With the support of Off the Streets the young people are encouraged to develop new skills whilst benefiting their local community.”

Helen Henderson, St. Columbís Park House
“Off the Streets Initiative has been involved in the Education for Citizenship Programme in St Columb's Park House over the last 3 years. Off the Streets have facilitated projects including; setting up a local youth forum and publishing posters to campaign against the growing issue of joy-riding. The representative from Off the Streets that has been involved in the project has been extremely committed and dedicated, and their feedback has been invaluable for the development and improvement of the project. Off the Streets is also represented on the Steering group for the Project along side UU, QUB, WELB, Public Achievement and young representatives from the action projects. We look forward to working with Off the Streets in the future.”

Oonagh McGillion, Strategy Manager, LSP
“Your project is well recognised for its valuable contribution to local youth development, capacity building, urban regeneration and peace and reconciliation. There is no doubt that this initiative has helped in building the self-esteem and active participation of young people in the Greater Shantallow Area.”

Brendan Bonner, Western Investing for Health Manager
“I have been aware of the work that Off the Streets has been doing and have been encouraged by reports heard from other sources in respect of the initiatives that you are taking forward….I would have no hesitation in endorsing support for the Off the Streets initiative, as the type of project that is reaching out to young people and is fully engaging them in the development of initiatives and support.”

Mark Durkan MLA, Leader of the SDLP
“I have attended many initiatives by this group and have witnessed the good work they carry out for young people from this area of high deprivation. This group have an understanding of the importance of inclusion, the need for diversity and the importance of giving our young people confidence in their abilities and a pride in their community”

Noel Crossan, Bradley McDaid
“At Bradley McDaid we have acted as accountants and auditors of Off the Streets Community Youth Initiative for the past four years and have accordingly worked closely with the organisation over that period. We can confirm that our experience to date has been of a dedicated staff supported by an able committee of the highest integrity which has implemented and continues to operate a system of strict financial controls coupled with sound money management, which has been prepared to implement, without hesitation, any audit or financial recommendations which we have made.”

Young People

“The group was lethal and everyone got on and we had great craic. No one made me feel bad at any time throughout this project and I was constantly in a good mood within the group. I enjoyed the workshops.” (Tommy, 16)

“I enjoyed the whole course especially taking the photos and developing them all. I helped out by creating ideas and by being in the photos that were displayed. Learnt about the setting of a camera, producing and developing photos. I know stuff now I didn’t know before. Me to be more confident and get involved in more things.” (Kerry, 16)

“I learnt how to work in a team. I learnt more about Galliagh. I learnt the process of editing, recording and interviewing. I can do more things than I thought I could do. I enjoyed talking about Galliagh, I enjoyed making the overall video, and also writing the letters”. (Ciara, 13)

“Everything was great there was nothing I didn’t like. I came nearly every week I was quiet at the start but then more on the weeks I started talking more. I learnt a lot about teamwork and about other people’s opinions. I learnt that I can start something and then finish it.” (Saiorse, 16)