Negotiating Change

The 'Negotiating Change' project developed in response to research commissioned by St Columb's Park House that investigated the extent and causes of Protestant alienation within the city. The research was commissioned at the request of local Protestant community representatives, and was intended to generate policy recommendations promoting inclusion and reconciliation within the city.

The research was conducted by the University of Ulster during 2004, and the final report was publicly launched in November 2005. The study included: analysis of census data; a survey of 400 Protestant households; 12 focus groups; interviews with policymakers and community representatives; and an audit of current policy initiatives targeted at the Protestant community.

Key research findings

•No significant Protestant migration from the city between 1991 and 2001;
•Continued migration of Protestants from the Cityside to the Waterside;
•Increased segregation on the Waterside;
•The majority of respondents were happy to work, shop & socialise on the predominantly nationalist Cityside
•Discomfort expressed at nationalist /republican symbols & monuments in public places
•Mobility of younger Protestants constrained by fear of verbal abuse & physical attack
•A widespread perception that Derry City Council has a nationalist bias
•Fragmentation & rivalry within Protestant communities undermining community development

Since the launch of the research in November, St Columb's Park House has held working group meetings with key stakeholders and policy-makers to address the issues identified by the report, and is developing a number of initiatives under the following themes:

•Shared Civic Space & Contentious Symbols;
•Safe & Shared Access to Public Facilities;
•Shared Governance;
•and Sharing Community Development Skills.

Positive outcomes to date include:

•Derry City Council has responded positively to the research findings, and has included proactive measures in its new Corporate Plan and Good Relations Strategy to address the perception of bias.
•DCC Economic Development Department have welcomed proposals for 'good relations' proofing of their managed market strategy that has the potential to create a vibrant & more inclusive public space within the city centre.
•A working group made up of women interested in local history, church representatives, council officers with responsibility for the cemetery, museums staff and tour guides is developing an initiative which will promote the city cemetery as a shared space.
•A day conference for school council/pupil representatives is being organised to develop proposals for common policies in schools addressing sectarian attacks on young people in school uniforms and/or using particular school bus routes

Other initiatives being explored include:

•engaging the support of Celtic & Rangers football clubs in an anti-sectarianism campaign among young people;
•the development of an accredited Community Development course designed for community workers in Protestant areas, and neighbouring interface communities.

The full report and executive summary are available at http://www.cain.ulast.ac.uk/issues/population. ...........................................................................
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