Participation and the Practice of Rights Project

The Participation and the Practice of Rights Project aims to give individuals, groups and communities the tools and support they need to actively assert and campaign for their social and economic human rights.
 

Belfast Mental Health Rights Group welcomes launch of 'Card Before You Leave' appointment systemLaunch of Card Before You Leave

The  ‘Card Before You Leave’ (CBYL) appointment system was formally launched by the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey on 13th January 2010 at the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Headquarters. This regional change came nearly 2 years after the official launch of the PIPS/Greater Shankill Rights Group’s (PIPS/GSBF Rights Group) campaign to have this small, reasonable and cost effective recommendation implemented – and 5 years after it was first suggested by Gerard and Carol McCartan (who are members of the group) at the Inquiry into the death of their son Danny.  The new regional scheme is aimed at giving greater support to patients who have self-harmed or have suicidal thoughts. It has now been rolled out in all Emergency Departments across Northern Ireland. The scheme ensures that all those who present to Emergency Departments with thoughts of self harm/suicide will be offered either an urgent appointment immediately or an appointment the following day by mental health services and that patients in need do not have to wait.  

Read more...
 

Another 'Wasted Opportunity' signals alarm for future work at Girdwood Site   Girdwood gamble report cover

The PPR Project released a press statement on 18th August stating that they have discovered through a Freedom of Information request that almost £487,000 of public money is being used to carry out repair, demolition, and construction work on the Girdwood site including the provision of new accommodation for the North Belfast Community Action Unit (NBCAU) - the DSD and OFM/DFM division in charge of delivering the regeneration.  The response they received showed that, contrary to legislation and guidelines, the DSD has failed to consider how they could carry out this work in a way which could create opportunities for local unemployed people.  Download a copy of the press statement

This follows the Girdwood Residents’ Jury’s release in May 2009 of The Girdwood Gamble report which highlighted the DSD’s failings in relation to promoting equality and human rights. The report drew on international best practice and put forward constructive proposals on how to turn the regeneration process into a social and economic stimulus for the disadvantaged communities surrounding the site.

Download a copy of The Girdwood Gamble and the press release

Also see 2 minute advert for Girdfwood Gamble at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiDxljKsZH4

 


Children from Lower Shankill 'Walking onShankill children walking on broken glass Broken Glass'

A group of young people from the Lower Shankill have released a damning report and YouTube video, highlighting the dangers that broken glass poses to young people who wish to play in the available open spaces.  The report calls on Belfast City Council and NI Housing Executive to address the broken glass as a matter of urgency and implement a weekly cleaning system.  Through correspondence with DSD, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Belfast City Council, repeated assurances were given that the broken glass would be cleaned up. However, evidence monitored by the group shows that little has been done and the issue remains unaddressed. 

Click link for video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KWupqrjfF4

Download the group's fact sheet  'A Time to Clean': Broken Glass in the Lower Shankill.
 


Lower Shankill to Rally Minister for Real Community Participation in Regeneration Plans

Residents, community organisations, churches and businesses from the Lower Shankill staged a rally on 10th July 2009 outside the Department for Social Development’s (DSD) offices.

The group resubmitted a request to the Minister for Social Development, urgently calling for the regeneration process for their community to be paused until residents and community stakeholders can meaningfully take part in public decisions about problems that need to be addressed and which plans are developed.

Download a copy of the coalition's press release here.  Watch TV coverage of the rally here .
 


North Belfast Residents to Highlight Local Failures on the Global Stage

On 6th April 2009, PPR submitted their response to the UK's submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights.  The report highlights the work of PPR's four groups and raises questions about the UK government's work to realise economic and social rights in North Belfast, Northern Ireland and across the United Kingdom. Representatives from the 4 groups are visiting the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland this week to highlight the failure of government to realise the right to health, housing and play in their community.

Throughout the trip, they will be posting videos, interviews with other attendees, information about the process, and their own thoughts on their blog called “North Belfast Goes to the UN”.

Be sure to watch the trailer for their visit!  Visit the blog today at http://nbelfast.blogspot.com/ They will be posting updates each day throughout this week.

You can also download a copy of the report here.

 
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