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Synergy Initiative

A North / South Intercultural Initiative In 2004 the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) secured funding under INTERREG IIIA for a three year programme focussing on building an intercultural focus into service provision in the border region and Northern Ireland. The Regional Development Unit is based in Dundalk, Co. Louth. This project is supported by the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme for Ireland/Northern Ireland Anticipated Impact The anticipated impact of Synergy is to significantly enhance the socio-economic inclusion of Black and minority ethnic groups, including the Traveller community, in the border area, with a particular focus on their participation in the planning, implementation and delivery of culturally competent service provision. Overall Approach The overall approach is to seek to work in partnership with key statutory service providers and broader civil society, in particular non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working closely with Black and minority ethnic groups, including the Traveller community, with a strong focus on participation at all levels of the initiative. The initiative will provide a unique opportunity to facilitate the development of cross border structures of participation for Black and minority ethnic groups, including the Traveller community, through a series of cross border networks and participation in an intercultural policy forum. Key Aims Participation Synergy will build / enhance the capacity of NGOs working closely with minority ethnic groups, to engage with the planning, implementation and review of key public services on a North / South basis with a particular focus on the border region. Provision Synergy will seek to ensure that service providers are more understanding and receptive to the needs of Black and minority ethnic groups, including the Traveller community, in designing policy and implementing service provision on a North / South basis, with a particular focus on the border region. Inclusion Synergy will develop targeted strategies for the inclusion of particularly marginalised groups including Travellers, refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers, with a particular focus on workplace and social cohesion strategies. Download leaflet about Synergy in PDF format - size 192 Kb Synergy office, Dundalk: Bantry House 3/5 Jocelyn Street Dundalk Co Louth. Tel. 042- 935 2730 joe@nccri.ie