Main pic: Members of four community groups from the Glenties and Ardara areas with Ballinascreen Community Forum participants.
A number of south Donegal groups have joined forces with their counterparts in Derry for a unique cross-border initiative.
The BALGLEN project is funded by the International for Ireland (IFI) and managed by Rural Action.
It aims to develop the relationship between a number of organisastions in Glenties and Ardara and the Ballinascreen Community Forum in south Derry.
While Ballinascreen is the lead partner, the Donegal groups include Ardara Sheltered Housing association/GAP Community Health Forum, Coiste Forbatha Eadan Fhionn Fraoich, Glenties Community Development Group as well as St Connell’s Museum and Heritage Centre.
“The BALGLEN project will focus on building partnerships through an action plan that will deliver meaningful benefits for communities on both sides of the border, through collaborative events and activities,” a spokesperson for the initiative said.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Brian McGuigan, Chairperson of Ballinascreen Community Forum said, “The BALGLEN project schedule of social and recreational activities planned are wide-ranging and there is something to suit all interests and all age groups from gardening, cookery to music. ”
IFI Chair Paddy Harte added; “We are pleased to support the launch of the BALGLEN project through our CiPP Programme. It is currently supporting a wide range of projects and over the last year it has formed 85 new cross-border partnerships with over 967 people engaging in events. “
The BALGLEN project is being supported by project staff, Rosemary Hunter in Ballinascreen / Draperstown and Caroline Breslin in Glenties. To find out more about the BALGLEN project, please contact Rosemary by phoning 07748 645007 or email info@cfballinascreen.org or Caroline email admin@cfballinascreen.org