CLASP COMMUNITY GROUPS CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
2022-2023
Over the past year, CLASP have worked hard to continue to deliver events and programmes for the community of Longlands, Arthur, and the surrounding areas. These have included weekly programmes such as a bingo evening, a drop-in coffee morning and several seasonal events and cross community trips away.
A number of CLASP’s programmes have been made possible through funding secured by the group. This funding has come from Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council who support the running costs of the Portacabin facility and some of the seasonal events held by the group. The group have also received funding from the Housing Executive which they organsied a cross community trip to Kilmainham Gaol with members of Newtownabbey Women’s Groups and Whiteabbey Community Group. There was also an event organised for seniors at McArts restaurant with transport, entertainment and a meal provided.
The group also secured funding this last year from Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council to deliver vouchers for fuel poverty given the cost-of-living crisis. Over 100 people benefited from these vouchers. In relation to the cost of living, the committee also organised through funding to deliver hot meals to older people in the community on 2 occasions and food parcels for low-income families.
The committee have plans to start a weekly Luncheon Club this year to ensure older people receive a hot meal and have a warm place to come and meet and socialise.
The committee also plays an active role in several interagency meetings each year including the Housing Executives Housing Community Network, local Housing Association shared housing meetings as well as cross community network meetings.
As always, the committee would not be able to run the programmes and events it does each year without the support of the committee and the hard work they put in. We hope to have an even more successful year in 2023-2024.