How Red Cross PRISM Project brings people together

“Although the British Red Cross is 150 years old this year, I think our PRISM project really shows how we’re always adapting and trying to make a positive difference to people’s lives, in very practical ways,” says Gemma Robinson, project manager of the PRISM project.

PRISM (Promoting Reconciliation and Integration through Safe Mediation), which is a three-year project funded by the European Union’s Peace IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, is a partnership between the British Red Cross, ArtsEkta and Corrymeela. It aims to improve relationships and promote integration between marginalised people within traditional communities as well as refugee, asylum seeker and migrant communities in Northern Ireland.

The project has been working to deliver peace-building activities in selected communities across Northern Ireland including North and West Belfast, South and West Belfast, Newry, Craigavon, Magherafelt, Antrim and Derry City.

“Our theme has been one of ‘relax and connect’, as people often feel a bit anxious when they’re out of their comfort zone,” explains Gemma. “We’ve tried to help people let go of any anxiety and enjoy the sessions, so they can get to know new people in an enjoyable and non-judgemental atmosphere.”

Programme participants have come from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds, including both sides of the traditional Northern Ireland communities, as well as Polish, Chinese, Romanian, Kurdish, Moldovan, Syrian and Sudanese residents.

The programmes run for 10 weeks and have involved activities as varied as holistic massage, dance and drumming, as well as residential weekends, which have proved to be especially popular with some of the families. Children have also been welcome, meaning that women who might find it hard to get out and socialise because of their childcare responsibilities have been able to get involved, too.

Gemma says that the residential experiences were particularly enjoyable for everyone.

“In communities that have high levels of deprivation or amongst our refugee, asylum seeker and migrant participants, the opportunity to get away for a few days to a beautiful place like Corrymeela, with their families, has been transformative. It’s something that people really enjoy; they get so much from just being away together.

“Sometimes people have preconceptions of others, and I think that through the programme those begin to dissolve, and to me that that’s such a powerful thing. I also love the way it reveals everyone’s uniqueness. Even what our names mean in different languages; you know, sometimes you don’t think your name sounds very special, but when you hear it in another language, and what it means in that language, it makes you realise it is special!”

The team hopes that the legacy of the project will continue thanks to a small “micro-finance” grants initiative offering two awards of £2,500 each for local projects to continue the good work in their local communities.

The next stage of the project is due to kick off in Antrim at the end of this month, but there are taster days planned where people can sample the kind of activities that the programme can offer. Gemma and her team will also be carrying out a needs assessment, to see what other activities people would like to try. The 10-week Antrim programme is open to anyone and starts on January 22 from 11am-1pm at the I Feel Good unit at Junction One. Anyone can register by emailing Molly Drew at [email protected] or by simply turning up on the day.

People in Londonderry will get their chance to “relax and connect” when their programme starts on February 4.