The North Belfast Interface Network (NBIN), work closely with the Cliftonville Antrim Road CEP, as well as other CEPs in north Belfast to implement Good Relations across a number of projects.

Introduction

Before the development of the North Belfast Interface Network (NBIN) in 2003, good relations or community relations work was seen by many community groups and organisations as the responsibility of outside agencies or something that was included, in summary form, in funding applications.
The NBIN was formed in the aftermath of the Holy Cross situation which resulted in very poor community relations in north Belfast. This coupled with the three Loyalist feuds in 2003 meant that relationships within and between communities were almost non-existent.

Aims of the North Belfast Interface Network

Aim 1 – Intra Community - Capacity Building

The primary aim of the NBIN was, and still is, is to develop a broad base of community relations activity within north Belfast.
To ensure the widest possible involvement in this work, the NBIN worked through the emerging CEPs in each of our areas - Cliftonville, New Lodge and Ardoyne.
The lead agencies of the NBIN network - Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum, Ardoyne Focus Group and Ashton Community Trust - have all developed Community Relations as a core aim of their respective strategic plans and have developed and adopted Community Relations charters.
NBIN has partnered with each of these CEPs to develop Respect programmes for everyone in the community and has played a leading role in organising summer interface intervention programmes and community fun days. These initiatives have kept hundreds of young people away from interfaces and contentious parades.

Aim 2 – Inter Community Conflict Management/Transformation

The NBIN has developed and supported a network of volunteers and residents who have been central to the reduction in levels of violence at the interfaces of north Belfast. The NBIN has played a significant role in the management of contested parades and protests and in dialogue initiatives aimed at resolving these issues.
The NBIN has developed, facilitated and chaired the North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group, a cross-interface initiative that addresses issues of contention for interface communities.

Aim 3 – Developing Dialogue and Partnerships

The NBIN continues to work towards the development of a singular Community / Good Relations body in north Belfast that could deliver a strategic co-ordinated plan to address the needs of the interface communities of north Belfast. The NBIN has developed working relationships and partnerships with many groups from both sides of the interfaces in north Belfast.

Achievements

The NBIN has played a leading role in the following;
•   Developing the North Belfast Conflict Transformation Forum
•   Re-vamping the interface mobile phone network
•   Reducing the number of incidents at interfaces
•   Addressing the issue of contentious parades and protests
•   Developing Community Relations Charters with the CEPS and their constituent groups
•   Developing an Anti-Sectarianism Charter
•   Developing a Policy of Good Intent – working with clubs, bars, off-sales and taxi firms
•   Organising community fun days and summer interface intervention programmes
•   Developing Respect programmes.
•   Delivering Good Relations programmes/training
•   Developing cross-interface initiatives and events

Plans for the future

Since the NBIN started to work in north Belfast, there has been marked improvement in dealing with conflict at the interfaces. The nature of this conflict is changing all the time and the NBIN has had to continually adapt . The biggest challenge ahead is to create the conditions for increased cross-interface working and relationship building.
The NBIN is continually updating its strategy and operational plan to address the many issues still facing interface communities.

NBIN poster launch

“Wise UP M8” is the message from young people to their peers this summer to try and put a stop to interface violence.
The message is displayed on a poster designed by young people as part of a project run by the North Belfast Interface Monitoring Group and youth providers from across north Belfast. Around 20,000 leaflets and posters will be distributed across schools, youth clubs and local communities to highlight the dangers and risks, particularly among young people, associated with summer rioting at interfaces.
The message that young people are sending out, that interface violence is not acceptable, is highly significant and brings a new dimension to the poster campaign that is now in its third year.