About
BELONG’S Aim is to promote a sense of Belonging amongst BME children and young people (aged 7 – 12 years).
The BELONG Programme will work in partnership with all other childrens and young peoples services throughout the Southern Area* creating a Network of services / agencies and signposting on where best to get help.
BELONG will have three interlinked programmes of activities;
· Cultural Confidence and Competence Programme
BELONG will aim to increase confidence and competence among BME children / young people, their parents and families, service providers and the wider community and society. BME children / young people will be provided with access to activities which promote self esteem, resilience and the reduction of isolation, particularly in relation to strengthening their own cultural identity. Their parents and families will also be supported.
· Anti- Bullying and Anti-Racial Bullying Programme
BELONG will aim to complement existing initiatives, which are currently addressing bullying and racial-bullying whilst at the same time proactively advocate for tailored anti-racial bullying elements to be integrated into these.
· Education Programme
BELONG aims to support those BME children / young people who would benefit from additional support helping them to improve their educational achievement, enhance their enjoyment of learning and increase their participation in school activities.
The BELONG Programme will take an early intervention and preventative approach to improving outcomes. BELONG will use the Northern Ireland Family Support Model, which reflects the international movement towards addressing the needs of children at both an early age and at an early stage in any difficulties, as the best way of securing good outcomes.
Evaluation
The programme will be serviced by an overarching evaluation which will seek to measure the overall impact. This will be completed via a baseline and follow-up study with all who engage with the programme and will provide comprehensive information on the overall impact of the initiative on BME children / young people.
* Southern Area includes; Dungannon, Craigavon, Armagh, Banbridge and Newry & Mourne