The community of Strathfoyle on the outskirts of Derry has signed up to a Housing Executive led programme which will ensure everyone in the area can live together in a neighbourhood that is safe and welcoming to all.
Four groups, the Strathfoyle Community Association, Enagh Youth Forum, Strathfoyle Women’s Activity group and the Tiny Tots community playgroup are embarking on the Shared Communities Programme.
As part of that a Shared Community survey was undertaken in the area and its findings were launched this week. The survey looked at issues such as services and facilities, the physical environment, community relations, community safety and the area’s community groups.
It found that more than two-thirds of people (70%) were very satisfied/satisfied with Strathfoyle as a place to live.
One-quarter of those surveyed said they were concerned about community relations in Northern Ireland but only 12 per cent were concerned about community relations within Strathfoyle.
Ninety-four per cent said they mixed with people from different religious backgrounds. More than four-fifths reported they would attend events which included people from different religious backgrounds and 71 per cent would attend events which included people from different ethnic backgrounds. And almost two-thirds of respondents felt the level of community spirit in the Strathfoyle area was very good/good.
Other findings in the survey included the fact that 96% of people felt safe walking around the estate during the day with less at 66% feeling safe walking around at night. The main reasons for feeling less safe included youths in the area and issues relating to drugs and alcohol.
One-fifth of those taking part said they were involved in a local community group with all groups on the estate well used and attended.
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