Redeeming Our Communities endorsed by Justice Minister David Ford
Tyrone Football Manager Mickey Harte will be joining a dynamic line–up of special guests and performers on stage at the ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) Northern Ireland Launch event at Belfast Waterfront on Wednesday 9 May.
The launch of ROC Northern Ireland is set to be a landmark event drawing together people and organisations from statutory bodies, local authority, faith groups and voluntary agencies throughout Northern Ireland, in a concerted effort to make our communities kinder, safer places to live.
Recently Minister of Justice David Ford commented on how ROC stands to compliment and contribute to Northern Ireland’s Community Safety Strategy:
“Supporting safer communities is a key tenet of the new Northern Ireland Community Safety Strategy, ‘Building Safer, Shared and Confident Communities”. The newly established Policing and Community Safety Partnerships will be central to the delivery of this Strategy.
I was interested to hear of the work of ROC in various areas of Great Britain, and believe ROC has a valuable contribution to make in Northern Ireland. I am keen to see the Department of Justice working with faith groups and local voluntary bodies to build positive partnerships and find practical solutions to local problems. “
As well as hearing from Mickey Harte and other community champions, the entertainment on the night will include live music from X Factor Finalist – Janet Devlin, Joanne Hogg of Iona and the Belfast Community Gospel Choir. The Revie School of Dance and Vibe Academy will bring lively contributions, and Jim Eastwood of ‘The Apprentice’ will be helping to host the evening. These performances and guests will support a line up showcasing inspiring stories of community action from a wide variety of local and regional organisations.
Debra Green, the founder of ROC, said, “I am very excited about the launch of ROC in Northern Ireland. We have received a very warm welcome, and I sense that this is the right time for greater collaboration for the good of our communities. Working together is the key to greater effectiveness and getting more done. We all want to live in safer, kinder communities and this will be achieved as each one of us makes a contribution, however small. Let’s take this opportunity to be part of this movement for change.”
Her words have been echoed by The Right Rev Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe who said: “Getting influential groups to engage creatively together is a key factor in transforming communities. From what I have seen elsewhere, ROC has the experience and the expertise to develop partnerships in Northern Ireland which will prove dynamic and effective in community transformation. I am excited by the possibilities and am pleased to offer my support.”
Anyone who wants to make a difference in their communities and is looking for practical ideas to set about doing that should attend this unique evening of entertainment and stories of social action.
The ROC event starts at 6pm on Wednesday 9th May at Belfast Waterfront, with a resources exhibition giving people the chance to gather information about a wide range of volunteering opportunities. At 7.30pm the main event kicks off in the Waterfront Hall.
Entry is £5 and tickets can only be purchased online at www.roc.uk.com/northernireland or by phone 0161 946 2373.