Project Directory - Project Entry

Description:

The Belfast Battalion of the Boys' Brigade wished to develop a '4 CENTRE STRATEGY' for its ongoing programme of activities and its increasing single identity and cross community work. To augment its facilities at
- Boys' Brigade House
- its Ganaway activity centre in the Ards Peninsula
- its recreation centre at Belvoir in South Belfast
it sought a centre for outdoor work and residential programmes situated in a location which will allow small groups to carry out training with immediate access to areas provided for hill-walking, mountain work and adventure activities.

A potential centre was identified in the Mournes, the acquisition of which was made possible with PSEP funding which in turn encouraged other funders to support the project and to make it financially viable.

Even as plans are prepared to fit out and to adapt the new Shepherd's Lodge Recreation Centre for the use of the Boy's Brigade and other youth groups, a number of units have already experienced the benefits of this well-situated facility. Contact has been established with non-BB groups and provisional bookings have already been arranged for cross community programmes involving individual units as well as trainers and leaders at headquarters level.

The acquisition of the Shepherds Lodge Centre will now allow the Belfast Battalion to develop its 4 Centre Strategy and to initiate new programmes in a unique and neutral environment aimed not least at work with marginalised young people and the encouragement of Peace and Reconciliation programmes.