Holywell Trust

Partnerships

During the past year we have continued to explore the ideas of how closer working relationships may be developed between those groups which have very similar aims and methodologies. This work has led to the formation of a partnership between the Trust, The Junction and PRG (Peace & Reconciliation Group), who will facilities resources and a co-ordinated service. In addition in a collaborative working arrangement the Walled City Community Partnership has been formed under a Memorandum of Understanding between 11 community organisations that will operate under a shared ethos and a common objective of working towards the social regeneration of the city centre within the walls. This partnership is supported by Derry City Council, Ilex Regeneration Company, The Honourable The Irish Society, The Community Foundation for NI and other significant organisations, as well as several Foyle MLAs.

This work is reaching the proposal stage as Holywell Consultancy will soon deliver a business plan on options for the way forward including the sharing of city centre premises; possible amalgamation of Junction, Holywell Trust and the Peace and Reconciliation Group; sharing of facilities/staff/resources of a wide range of groups; provision of co-ordinated services.

The Trust has also partnered with the Playhouse and Swarthmore College in the United States to work over two years on a Theatre of Witness project. The Trust also partners with Swarthmore College and Bucknell College in the US to provide meaningful and supportive work placements each year for Interns.

This is a time of great challange and change for the whole community and voluntary sector and we need to be prepared for these challenges through the development of creative partnerships.

This work is also influenced by our continued support for and support received from other organisations including:- An Teach Ban Centre for Peace Building, YES! Publications, Towards Understanding and Healing, Football in the Community, Abhaile Aris, North West Centre for Learning and Development, Community Development and Learning Initiative, Extern, Different Drums, Oakleaf Rural Community Network, Community Planning Initiative (CPI) Ballymagroarty & Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) EX P.O.P, and MAOR.

Holywell Trust will continue to work to develop its various working partnerships in the community & voluntary, statutory and business sectors.