P6 pupils at six primary schools across east Belfast and Holywood have been getting to know each other while keeping active as part of a cross-community ‘twinning’ initiative supported by Clanmil Housing.

Delivered by Sport Changes Life and supported by Clanmil as part of the promotional work for the Loftlines development in the Titanic Quarter, the initiative is supported by the Housing Executive and the Department for Communities ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. 

The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.  A potential £12.7m will be invested in the Loftlines shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.

P6 pupils from Nettlefield Primary School have been twinned with St Matthew’s Primary School, while Harding Memorial Integrated joined Cregagh Primary School. St Patrick’s in Holywood teamed up with Knocknagoney Primary School.

Colin McIlwaine of Sport Changes Life said the initiative is a great way for primary school children to get to know each other and learn about good relations. “The Twinning project is designed to foster positive relationships, using sports as a tool for promoting good relations, teamwork, and understanding between two schools,” he said

“The P6 children took part in a variety of sports and team-building activities, which aim to break down social barriers, improve communication, and encourage mutual respect. As well as making new friends, the children were encouraged to become ambassadors for unity and inclusion in their communities.”

Lauren Hamidi Craig and Ashleigh Shaw, Community Investment Officers with Clanmil Housing commented:

“A key part of our work in promoting Loftlines as a shared housing development is to encourage positive relationships between young people in the areas around the new apartments. The children had fun playing a variety of sports, but they also learned about important issues like equality, respect, friendship and the importance of trying your best, all of which we want to support as part of our good relations work.”

Karl Hogg, a teacher at Knocknagoney Primary School teacher said:  

“A huge thank you to Clanmil Housing for supporting the Twinning programme through Sports Changes Life. We had a fantastic time participating in the interactive and engaging sessions that taught the students how to communicate effectively as a team. Additionally, we had a great time at the festival event at St. Patrick’s Primary School.”

The Loftlines Shared Housing development’s Good Relations Plan includes promotional events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing.

Clanmil continues to work in partnership with the Loftlines Titanic Advisory Group stakeholders, and community representatives to develop the scheme’s Good Relations Plan.