Derry's Glen Development Initiative to launch new 'Recycle Reuse Initiative'

Derry's Glen Development Initiative (GDI) is set to launch its PEACEPLUS project, “Foyleside Recycle Reuse Initiative", on February 18 at 1.00pm in the Glen Community Centre.

This one-year project aims to engage local residents from across the Foyleside DEA in a range of upcycling initiatives, these will be delivered through a range of workshops and project based sessions.

The project will recruit 80 participants, focusing on residents from the Foyleside area and individuals with cross-community links.

Foyleside Recycle Reuse Initiative project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and is part of Derry City and Strabane District Council's theme 1.1 local Co-designed Action Plan. It’s under the Community and Regeneration Theme that aims to improve community places and spaces as well as cross-community work and is focused in the Foyleside District Electoral area.

Brian Duffy, Project Coordinator said: "We at GDI are thrilled to launch this programme. The Foyleside Recycle Reuse Initiative Programme will run over the next 12 months, featuring a range of activities and events that will promote good relations, reconciliation, positivity, and more. It will bring people who left the area during the conflict back together, rekindling old friendships and creating new ones."

"The PEACEPLUS Board were delighted to include the Reimage-Recycle project within our Local Action Plan," stated Sue Divin, DCSDC PEACE Programme Manager. "The co-design process identified an interest in the Foyleside DEA focused around recycling, upcycling and zero waste.

"The area will also reach out to develop cross-community linkages elsewhere in the wider city and district to ensure the project is cross-community.

"It will work with Men’s and Hen’s Sheds and also engage adults with a learning or physical disability, adults with mental health issues, adults from BAME, Refugee and Asylum seeker identities and other interested participants. Workshops will provide upcycling skills as well as opportunities for informal dialogue between different identities."

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, will officially launch the event.

She stated: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people across the City to get involved. The programme will build upon community relationships and promote good relations between residents from all parts of the City. I look forward to seeing this project unfold over the next year."