Part A, Section 1 Annual Progress Report 2023-24

 PART A – Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Equality Scheme

1 In 2023-24, please provide examples of key policy/service delivery developments made by the public authority in this reporting period to better promote equality of opportunity and good relations; and the outcomes and improvements achieved.
Please relate these to the implementation of your statutory equality and good relations duties and Equality Scheme where appropriate.

The work in this reporting period aimed to foster inclusive communities by focusing on improving accessible services and health and wellbeing through enhanced accessible leisure facilities, sports programmes with classes tailored to different abilities and interests as well as accessible toilet provision.  New builds were designed with accessibility in mind, and refurbishments aided social inclusion, increased dignity and independence of users with improved signage and wayfinding to support neuro-diverse individuals, people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with young children.

Engagement with the community and representative groups was increased via co-production, consultation and working groups.  This interaction has created services and environments that are more welcoming and usable by everyone.

As the number of easy read documents has enhanced, so has communication as information is not only more user friendly but accessible for a wider audience, including individuals with cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and those with limited literacy skills. 

Specific issues were identified, and actions taken to address them, such as hate crime, the need to improve service provision borough-wide, support for new citizens and the continuous embedding of social integration and respect for others in our communities.

These actions clearly linked to our 4 key priority areas:
• Design, commission and deliver services that are accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of people and communities in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
• Raise awareness of equalities issues and tackle prejudices, both internally and externally.
• Attract, recruit, retain and progress a diverse range of employees in a culture which celebrates diversity and inclusion.
• Provide a working environment where employees are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

This annual report extends the work of previous years, and highlights some of Councils successes within each of these priority areas.  For example:
• Continuing efforts to co-design services via active involvement with S75 groups through Councils Equality Forum, specific consultation exercises, community and good relations initiatives, collaboration and stakeholder engagement. 
• Council continued its inclusive access approach in relation to major events delivered both on the ground and virtually.
• Development of accessible projects within sport and recreation to encourage and facilitate access and inclusion.
• Continued provision of training and awareness raising programmes for Council staff on a range of Section 75 issues.
• Phased provision of additional inclusive facilities.

Section 1:  Equality and good relations outcomes, impacts and good practice. 

2 Please provide examples of outcomes and/or the impact of equality action plans/ measures in 2023-24.

Equality Action Plan – Priority 1.
Design, commission and deliver services that are accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of people and communities in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Improved access to services & improved digital communications.

Action title:  Continued use of Sign Video (Disability / Inclusion).
Action: During the reporting period SignVideo provision in Council continued to provide a voice for individuals.  

Action title:  Disability Hate Crime Interactive Lesson Plan (Disability / Inclusion / Age).
Action:  Commissioned with the aim of improving feelings of safety in our Community;  Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP in partnership with Disability Action, Mencap, Causeway Neurodiversity, PSNI, Education Authority and Hate Crime Advocacy Service adapted resources provided by “I am me Scotland” to develop an interactive lesson plan for use in schools and youth settings. This project supported communication, identified access to support in our borough and was ranked first in the PCSP category of the PSNI Problem Solving Awards 2024. 

Action title:  Who are We? Living Library Event (All).
Action:  This joint living library event by PCSP and Good Relations in October 2023 brought together people from a diverse range of backgrounds to share their lived experiences, including the impacts that hate crime has had on their lives. This was further compounded by support agencies hosting information stands.

Action title:  Easy Read (Disability /Race/ Inclusion).
Action:  Council’s emphasis on communication over the reporting period has increased the number of Easy Read documents developed.  This has supported increased communication with a wide range of individuals for example those who have a learning disability; or whose first language is not English etc.

Action title:  ESOL classes.
Action: The Good Relations Team provided English for speakers of other languages to support Asylum Seekers within the borough to learn English, allowing them to communicate and assimilate into their new communities.  

Action:  Muslim Association of Coleraine.
Action: The Good Relations Team provided resources for transport of Asylum Seekers to mosque and other faith-related materials.

Improved accessibility and inclusive service provision.

Action title:  Inclusive Cycling Equipment (Age / Disability / Inclusion).
Action:  During the reporting period 2 new all-ability cycle hubs in Limavady and Portstewart, were opened including the introduction of electric powered bikes, platform bikes and rikshaws. The sites linked to existing diversity parks.  

Action title:  Mobile accessible changing facilities (Age / Disability / Inclusion).
Action:  The 2 mobile accessible changing units (MACUs) cited in the last report as purchased were rolled out across the borough. This supported inclusion at events, areas of tourism and general use.

Action title:  Inclusive swimming, gym and soft play sessions (Disability / Inclusion / Equality).
Action:  As part of world Autism week 62 children attended inclusive sessions.  These sessions allowed children and young people up to 18 years of age to exercise and have fun in an inclusive environment.

Action title:  Environmental Community events/projects /activities.
Actions:  

• LiveSmart Community Environmental Grant Programme (All).
  This grant programme provided small grants up to a maximum of £500 to local community and voluntary organisations.  The grants gave financial assistance to allow groups and organisations to: 
  (1) improve the general cleanliness in their local area, particularly in respect of litter.
  (2) promote recycling, reuse and waste reduction.
  (3) look at ways of reducing carbon footprint by taking simple, practical actions such as planting.
• ClothesSmart (All).
  This programme in partnership with Community Development delivered a school uniform reuse project as part of European Week for Waste Reduction 2023.
• FoodSmart (All).
  In partnership with Ballycastle Community Fridge/Courtyard Café, this programme introduced CafeSmart, ClimateSmart, FoodSmart, PlasticSmart and H20 on the Go to this community hub.  This included information and engagement stalls, FoodSmart cooking sessions and in conjunction with ‘Hands that Talk’ food waste presentations and practical activities aimed at minimising food waste to members of the D/deaf community.
• LitterSmart (All).
  During the reporting period, there were 1,035 participants in community litter picks facilitated by Operations.  Participants came from businesses, churches, community groups, schools and sports clubs.
• LiveSmart (All).
  In conjunction with partners LiveSmart Information Stands provided advice and information at Lark in the Park (organised by Cushendall Development Group), Northern Area Community Network, Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, school exhibition (Ballymoney Town Hall), Streetwise & over 50s information day (Lodge Hotel, Coleraine).
• Eco-Schools (All).
  Talks were provided on waste/recycling/reuse, assistance with environmental and sustainability projects, combined with visits to local Household Recycling Centres to schools participating in Eco-Schools.
• Fairtrade (All).
  Fairtrade community status renewed.
• Mens Shed (All).
  In partnership with Portstewart Mens Shed group bicycles left into Household Recycling Centres were restored as part of a project to assist asylum seekers residing in the Borough.
• Paint Reuse Scheme (All).
  This scheme supported members of the public and community groups to avail of left over paint available at 4 Household Recycling Centres in the borough.
• Limavady Community Development Initiative (All).
  In partnership with the Limavady Community Development Initiative individuals with learning difficulties gain training and work experience in Council supported recycling and reuse projects.  One of which was the collection and redistribution of second-hand toys to families in need at Christmas 2023.  
• Disability access (Disability).
  Disability access to “TextSpeak” leaflets on recycling information via the ‘Bins and Recycling’ web page support individuals with visual impairments.

Action title:  Other Relevant Activities (Age / Disability / Inclusion / Equality).
Actions:  Energy Efficiency (All).

• A total of 326 referrals were made to NISEP (Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme) of which 286 were for homeowners requiring insulation and 40 for homeowners requiring Heating. 
• A total of 2950 enquiries were received by our Energy Efficiency Advisors with 519 households sign posted to fuel poverty services and 544 households provided with 1-1 support.
• 193 referrals were made to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Affordable Warmth Grant. 
• 7 Referrals were made to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Boiler Replacement Grant.
• We also continue to fund and promote, in conjunction with Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI), the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council fuel stamp scheme which is run across the Borough and targets low-income households to help combat Fuel Poverty.
• 485 keep warm packs were distributed to, 218 persons aged over 65 years, 93 to families with dependants, 82 to persons with a long-term health condition, 48 of those with a disability, 1 to pregnant women, 31 to persons who were homeless and 12 to refugees or asylum seekers.
• 5 sew energy efficient groups facilitated the loan of 18 sewing machines to a range of community groups across the Borough. 
• Distributed 180 energy efficient lights bulbs, 15 draught excluder brushes for doors, 20 draught excluding strip packs and 10 hot water tank jackets. 

Actions:  Home Safety Visits (All).

• 255 home safety visits were completed, and equipment given out to those in the over 65 age group. 
• 38 home safety virtual visits were completed, and equipment given to vulnerable adults under the age of 65. 
• 327 home safety equipment deliveries were made to families with a child under 5 years old. An additional 100 clients had an under 5; home safety visit completed within the home in the Limavady and surrounding areas.
• 284 carbon monoxide alarms were given out to young families, vulnerable people and people aged over 65 who either had gas or solid fuel appliances within their homes.

Design commission and deliver accessibility, inclusive and responsive services.

Action title:  Social Connections Grant Programme (All / Inclusion).
Action:  68 community organisations were able to tackle loneliness and isolation across Causeway Coast and Glens.  This grant is a result of collaboration with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust through the Causeway Loneliness Network, and the Causeway GP Federation and Limavady Health Centre Multi-Disciplinary Teams. The grants were awarded to 27 older peoples projects, including home visits, delivery of meals, outings and tea dances and various recreational activities. A further 6 of the projects specifically benefitted people with a disability, an example being Compass Advocacy Network who provided activities such as football, bowling and cinema for people with a learning disability. Zachary Geddis Break The Silence Trust were awarded a grant for a LQBTQIA+ young peoples support and activity programme. (part DfC funded; part Council).

Action title:  Hardship Fund (All / Inclusion).
Action:  In partnership with charity partners a series of financial support measures were delivered to support people struggling with the cost of living.  Fuel support (electric or gas top up and oil delivery), was delivered in association with St Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army, Vineyard Compassion and Limavady Community Development Initiative, to date to 782 households and 2,058 individuals. Of the 2,058 individuals, 48.7% were children; 3.6% were older people; 7.6% had a disability. Of the 782 households that received support 39% were lone parent households. Working in partnership with Save the Children and Community Advice Causeway, £15,288 was provided in vouchers for supermarkets and household and baby items to families with children aged 5 years and under that were vulnerable and experiencing financial difficulties. 37 families were supported, 65% of which were lone parent households and 77% of households reported a disability or health condition. (DfC funding).

Action title:  Generalist Advice Service (All).
Action:  Delivered by Community Advice Causeway. 32,610 enquiries dealt with queries regarding benefits, employment issues, housing etc (part DfC funded; part Council). Specifically supported people with a disability, carers, lone parents, older people and people from ethnic minority communities. 

Action title:  Provision of coats/ welcome packs to Asylum Seekers.
Action:  Coats were purchased and distributed to those Asylum Seekers most in need. A partner organisation distributed Welcome Packs with other essential items.

Action title:  Welcome Packs.
Action:  In partnership with Vineyard Compassion, distributed over 100 welcome backpacks which included local information, a woolly hat, essentials such as toothpaste, a reusable shopping bag and more.

Action title:  Refugee/ Asylum Seekers Information events x 2.
Action:  Refugee/ Asylum Seekers provided with information on local services. 

Action title:  Participatory Budgeting project in Articlave, Downhill and Castlerock to build cohesion in the Villages: specifically targeted residents of all ages.  
Action:  Successful bids saw intergenerational working on projects to enhance the local area.

Action title:  Inclusive Events (All).
Actions:  

• Ballymoney Spring Fair Event (All: Inclusion).
  This event included quiet time sessions, accessible toilet facilities, a mobile accessible changing unit and accessible parking facilities. 
• Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival (All: Inclusion).
  This event included a quiet time session, accessible toilet facilities, a mobile accessible changing unit and accessible parking facilities.
• Ould Lammas Fair (All: Inclusion).
  This event included a quiet time session, accessible workshops, silent fun fair rides, riding for the disabled (RDA) pony and pony and trap rides, accessible toilet facilities, a mobile accessible changing unit, mobility scooters and wheelchairs and accessible parking facilities.
• Salmon & Whiskey Festival (All: Inclusion).
  This event included a quiet time session, accessible toilet facilities, a mobile accessible changing unit and accessible parking facilities.
• Halloween (All: Inclusion).
  This event included a quiet time session, a mobile accessible changing unit and accessible parking and park and ride facilities.
• Christmas Cavalcades (All: Inclusion).
  These events included quiet time sessions, a mobile accessible changing unit and accessible parking facilities.

Action title:  Sports Activity Courses (All).
Actions:  

• Causeway Healthy Kids project.
  Primary School programme encouraging children to make healthy life choices (mental health & wellbeing, physical activity, and nutrition elements); the project was delivered within schools in socially deprived areas of the Borough (partnership with the Northern Trust, PHA, NHLP and GG&GBC) 11 schools took part with 330 participants.
• Inclusive Summer Scheme.
  Council operated 3-day inclusive summer scheme at JDLC with partnership from Mae Murray Foundation. Various activities, music, arts and crafts delivered across 3-day scheme with 16 participants.
• Inclusive Family Events.
  6 inclusive family events ran across the borough in 2023-24. Easter and Halloween at JDLC, Summer events at Roe Mill Limavady, Portrush Recreation Grounds, Flowerfield Portstewart and Megaw Park Ballymoney. 300 participants across 6 events participating in sensory play, sports, games and inclusive cycling.
• Active Life.
  Older adult exercise and sport programme delivered in 5 locations across the borough, Limavady, Dungiven, Coleraine, Ballymoney and Ballycastle with 250+ participants.
• Developing Healthy Communities.
  Exercise Programme to encouraging young adults to make healthy life choices (mental health & wellbeing, physical activity, and nutrition elements); the project was delivered within Neighbourhood renewal areas socially deprived (partnership with the Northern Trust, PHA, NHLP and CG&GBC) 50 adults took part.
• Nordic Walking Programme.
  8 Nordic Walking sessions delivered across the Borough (Limavady, 2 x Garvagh, Ballycastle, Coleraine, Portballintrae, Castlerock and Ballymoney) with 45 participants.
• NHIP Project.
  Working with groups across the Limavady area in 2022-23. To promote fitness, healthy lifestyle. Provide Fitness Health checks for resident’s association surrounding Lifestyle choice and Wellbeing education and support signposting with 200 participants.
• Positive Ageing Month.
  Month-long campaign of events, activities and programmes that promote positive ageing in Causeway Coast & Glens area. Programme of over 100 events in October 2023 throughout all Council areas, developed with partners in Positive Ageing Month working group with over 1000 participants.
• Summer Recreation Programme 2023.
  7 weeks of Sports Camps throughout Causeway; 40 Camps delivered (linking with 6 local clubs and 5 National Governing Bodies of Sport) with 1,104 participants.
• Get Active Stay Active programme.
  63 participants took part in a 20-week Autumn & Spring Programme in two Community and three leisure centre settings in football, table tennis and ball skills which offers young children a chance to come along and try a sport before joining a recognised junior club.
• After Schools programme.
  2174 young people took part in 15 weeks coaching of various sports in 19 schools (3 x 5-week coaching blocks) throughout the school calendar year linking and creating participants a pathway to local recognised junior clubs.
• Shared Education Schools programme.
  Held one shared education session involving two schools and 50 pupils using sport as a medium to engage communities together and create new friendships between schools & pupils.
• Easter Recreation Programme 2023.
  3 days of sports camps with 289 young people participating in various sports throughout the borough ranging from football, rugby, gymnastics, gaelic sports, hockey & cricket in partnership with national governing bodies and local clubs.
• Friendship Football League.
  Community football league with 12 teams from throughout Causeway resulted in 144 individuals participating over 20 Friday nights.
• Community Girls U14 Friendship Football League.
  Community football league with 14 teams resulted in 168 individuals participating throughout the borough, to introduce young ladies into sport through football in small-sided 9 a side games.
• Community Play.
  Delivery of a 2-hr session of fun packed initiatives into 12 communities throughout our borough for 480 primary school children aged 4-11 years, introducing them to new fun games, playing old traditional games like hopscotch/skittles/skipping, whilst in a structured play environment.
• Rise Gymnastics.
  British Gymnastics new ‘Rise’ programme for 5 to 11 years was delivered to 96 individuals in partnership with Council in: Coleraine Leisure Centre, Dungiven Sports Centre and Roe Valley Leisure Centre.
• Causeway Elite Athlete Scheme.
  Council’s Elite Athlete Scheme supported 28 talented high performers with Gym Membership at our leisure centres representing NI, Ulster, Ireland and Great Britain.
• Causeway Primary School Hockey Blitzes.
  In partnership with Ulster Hockey 4 monthly primary school hockey blitzes (Oct 23 / Nov 23 / Jan 24 / Feb 24) for 300 boys and girls in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.  The event attracted 20 primary schools.
• Causeway Primary School Volleyball Blitz.
  In partnership with Northern Ireland Volleyball. The event attracted 8 primary schools and 80 participants.
• Causeway Primary School Netball Blitz.
  In partnership with Netball Northern Ireland. The event attracted 18 primary schools and 180 participants.
• Causeway U13s Girls School Cricket Blitz.
  In partnership with the Northwest Cricket Union. The event attracted 4 post primary schools, and 80 individuals at Ballymoney HS, Coleraine Grammar, Dalriada and Limavady Grammar.
• Coach Education.
  Coach Education courses hosted in Causeway Coast and Glens including: Irish Football Association, Ulster Badminton, Olympic Handball Ireland, Northern Ireland Volleyball, Netball Northern Ireland, Ulster Table Tennis, Golf Ireland and Sport NI (Safeguarding Children and Young People) with 54 participants.
• Council’s Sports and Bursary Fund.
  The Sports and Bursary Fund aims to support local athletes and clubs.  The fund supported 33 representative athletes, clubs and coaches. 

 
Equality Action Plan – Priority 2.
Raise awareness of equalities issues and tackle prejudices, both internally and externally.

Raise awareness internally.

Action title: Equality Awareness Programme (Inclusion / Equality).
Action:  Throughout the reporting period a planned Equality engagement process supported staff and elected members to further understand Equality and tackle prejudices via articles in the staff news.  In addition, ad hoc specific emails to managers were distributed when key diversity changes occurred.  

Action title:  Increased staff awareness regarding health and wellbeing.
Action:  During the reporting period articles were included in the staff news to support staff and elected members and increase awareness regarding a variety of health and wellbeing initiatives.  This promoted inclusion and equality across all Section 75 groups.

Raise awareness externally.

Action title:  Good Relations Initiatives (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Actions:  

• Shared Education joint initiatives.
  In partnership with three primary schools, Irish Bunscoil, integrated Primary school and a CCMS (Catholic maintained School) a workshop was held during Good Relations Week on the theme “Together”.   Children came together to build kites in a safe space to learn from and share experiences with other children from opposite religious and political backgrounds.  
• Multi Faith get together.
  Support of December event, acknowledging different faith traditions.
• Holocaust Memorial Day.
  A virtual exhibition of materials related to the Holocaust, including a “Timeline of Nazi Germany”, which provides a year-by-year account of how freedoms were gradually restricted and removed from the Jewish people from 1933 onwards, long before the start of the Second World War. 
• “Shared Music of Dalriada”.
  This project brought together a mix of young and older musicians looking at the music, poetry, song and dance from East West connections – Glens of Antrim and Mull of Kintyre.  They explored the Sam Henry collection and the history behind it and the connections with the local area including on the Scottish side.  A one-day workshop took place to explore this with an evening performance for the public to watch/listen and take part in The Old Church in Cushendun in March 2024.
• Events for Leid Week.
  As part of the Hear Here working group, CCGBC offered a range of activities to celebrate Leid Week (Ulster Scots) & Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week/ St Patrick’s Day) and Burns Night. Events celebrating the language, music & dance of the two main traditions in NI.  There was also continual collaboration with schools, Irish Cultural Officers, Ulster Scots Officers and local musicians, artists, storytellers and dancers to develop cultural awareness around celebrating annual events.  
• Hear Here.
  Collaborative working group with representatives from both sides of the community working together to stage projects that will build capacity around all sections of the community.
• Coleraine Bomb Memorial.
  A permanent memorial to those who lost their lives in the 1973 Coleraine Bomb was signed off and installed in Coleraine town centre.  A memorial service was arranged to mark the 50th Anniversary of the bomb, at which the memorial was officially unveiled. Work continued by developing a Memorial Policy for Council which was subject to an EQIA. 
• Pupil Voice event in collaboration with Education Authority & UU: 
  4 x co-design meetings with University of Ulster, Education Authority and Good Relations Team to design preparatory workshops to be delivered to 12 secondary schools.  Four workshops were then delivered in each of the 12 secondary schools when they learned about influencing decision making, local government workings, building an active role in a shared and cohesive society.  Additional final workshop with secondary school pupils debating with Elected Members of all political persuasions on issues that are important to them.
• Statutory Cohesion Group: 
  Monthly collaboration with other Statutory organisations to prepare for and respond to issues that may contribute to the rise in tensions within local communities including political/ cultural tensions e.g. bonfires. Series of workshops also delivered for participating organisations.
• Peace Heroines:
  A research project took place to gather information on local women’s contribution to peacebuilding, and exhibition panels were created. These were designed to complement the touring Her Story exhibition scheduled for 2024/ 25.
• Shared Environment.
  Joint project with Live Here Love Here/ Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, involving P3 pupils from Ballykelly & Faughanvale primary schools who completed an environmental clean-up together at Magilligan beach. This project provided an opportunity to strengthen friendships within their Shared Education Partnership.
• Volunteering opportunities for Asylum Seekers.
  Joint project with Causeway Volunteer Centre to encourage the involvement of Asylum Seekers in local volunteering opportunities, with a view to encouraging friendships, language practice, better mental health & improved employability.
• Cultural Diversity project.
  In 10 primary schools across the borough: presentations by individuals from various cultures now resident in CCGBC.  10 schools x 4 workshops = 40 workshops.
• Café Culture event.
  Participants had the chance to speak to a number of ‘Table Hosts’: people from different countries who now live locally, while also learning more about the work that local community organisations do to assist newcomers. 
• Law Centre workshops for Asylum Seekers.
  A series of 3 x workshops were held (with interpreters) to help inform Asylum Seekers of the legal processes & likely timelines involved in their application for sanctuary.
• Friendship Festival.
  A social integration event for host community members and asylum seekers to come and eat, play music, kids bouncy castles, henna tattooing, and language exchange, to promote integration between both communities. 
• Community Kitchen & ‘ReCycle’ scheme with Men’s Shed.
  Funds supported the set-up of a bicycle upcycling scheme to divert from landfill and repair; to be used by community members, including asylum seekers. Funds also bolstered community kitchen efforts to provide a space for cultural exchange via cooking and eating. This included translation of Food Hygiene training materials.
• Wellbeing Hub.
  A bi-monthly hub where Northern Trust social workers were at hand in a location near Portrush hotel accommodating asylum seekers. Beyond Skin were in attendance most weeks to offer music workshops for wellbeing, as well other people offering sewing machines, crafts, and more. 
• Cultural Competency.
  Training for statutory & community organisations who are providing services and support to Asylum seekers and Refugees recently arrived in CCGBC.
• Corrymeela Trauma Support Programme. 
  People seeking asylum had one night stay at Corrymeela residential centre (with interpreters provided) to learn about their trauma, how it affects their physical and emotional wellbeing, and how they can support one another. The same programme was offered to people working in the sector, to learn about how best to support others during trauma, how to recognise one’s own, and how to avoid second-hand trauma.  
• Research for “A World of Stories”.
  The exhibition will also feature contributions from ‘Global Voices, Local Choices’, a partnership project with National Museums NI which aims to bring diverse cultures and perspectives into Northern Irish local and national museums, and ‘Conflict textiles’, a collection of international textiles which focus on elements of conflict and human rights.
• Kite-making workshop (therapeutic) for recently arrived Ukrainian refugees: adults & their families.
• Free lunchtime music sessions, profiling World music & trad music.

Civic Hosting Events (All:  Inclusion / Equality).

In the reporting period the Mayor during his term in office, hosted various events for groups such as the iconic street dancers, a Filipino Community Group, the D Day 80th Beacon lighting event, a thanksgiving service for RNLI and best buddies NI. The Mayor held events to recognise special pool competition winners, Coleraine Judo Club visually impaired section, Causeway Giants wheelchair basketball team, an EBA pool champion and the RSPBA World Solo Snare champion.  The Mayor also met with school and youth groups such as the Ruairi Og Camogie team; older people groups such as Causeway Oder Active Strategic Team and Ballymoney Social Centre; women’s groups such as Portrush Women’s Institute; and celebrated with 4 individuals who had their 100th birthdays and 1 individual who had reached their 105th birthday.

Increased equality in communication methods both internally and externally.

Action title: Easy Read.  (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action: The process to convert important documents into Easy Read continued during the reporting period.

Action title: Makaton.  (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action: Each staff news ran Makaton signs and symbol updates throughout the reporting period.

Action title: Equality Forum.  (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action: The Equality Forum continued work in partnership with Council officers to improve our services and identify ways to meet the varying needs of our evolving diverse community.

Action title: Town Centre Forums.  (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action: The Town Centre Team Forum continued to connect and consult with members of the community, business and representatives in Portrush, Portstewart and Ballymoney.

Improved equality on-line.

Action title: Pre-visit video (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action:  The groundwork for a pre-visit video of the Joey Dunlop Leisure centre has been completed and will be put in place over the next reporting period.  Its aim is to improve on-line equality and prepare customers regarding what to expect pre-visit, in line with the Autism Action Plan.

Action title: Pre-visit web information (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action:  The groundwork for pre-visit web information for Council facilities has been completed and will be put in place over the next reporting period.  Its aim is to improve on-line equality and explain what provisions each facility has in place to support equality.

Action title:  Inclusive meetings (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action:  Hybrid meeting formats continued throughout the reporting period supporting individuals to attend meetings without coming in person.

Equality Action Plan – Priority 3.
Attract, recruit, retain and progress a diverse range of employees in a culture which celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Action title:  Awareness information (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action: The staff news included regular articles in its Equality Update section.  All Section 75 groups were included which supported staff understanding of various topics, conditions and individuals needs both in work and everyday settings.

Action title:  Supportive emails and tips (All:  Inclusion / Equality).
Action:  Staff mental well-being and inclusiveness is encouraged via tips, emails and lunch-time virtual exercises classes for all abilities.  Information is provided for those with caring responsibilities, regarding mental health and supportive initiatives linked to encouraging and supporting dignity and respect at work.  
 

Equality Action Plan – Priority 4.
Provide a working environment where employees are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

Staff Education regarding diversity and inclusion.

Action title:  Corporate Training.
Action:  During the reporting period 15 relevant training courses were provided for staff.  These courses had 1,021 participants and ranged from disability awareness to resilience for staff.

Labour Market Partnership Actions 2023/24.

The Labour Market Partnership is a DfC funded programme established to help address challenges in the local labour market. Support is provided for individuals who are unemployed, economically inactive, under-employed and those who need to upskill. Local employers are supported to secure and retain staff. The Labour Market Partnership team work collaboratively with a number of departments within Council, notably Economic Development, Community Development and the Funding Unit and with a range of external statutory and non-statutory bodies. 

The Labour Market Partnership aims to promote inclusion and equality in all programmes delivered. In 2023-2024 the action plan included programmes which specifically reached out to several Section 75 groups. These programmes have been summarised below:

Work Ready – Inclusion (All).
The work ready programme provided tailored support and training in areas including CV writing, interview skills, and personal development. The programme, delivered by North-West Regional College and Northern Regional College and was open to all Causeway Coast and Glens residents aged 18 plus, currently unemployed and with a legal right to work in the UK. Participants were both male and females of different ages and backgrounds and a number of those had caring responsibilities for young children or other family members.

Business Start Up and Seed Fund – Inclusion (All).
The Business Start Up and Seed Fund provided support and mentoring to assist individuals setting up a new business. Participants could also apply for a bursary of up to £1,000 for essential start-up items. This programme was open to all Causeway Coast and Glens residents aged 18 plus, currently unemployed and with a legal right to work in the UK. Participants on the programme included male and females of various ages and from different backgrounds. Some participants on this programme were from ethnic minority backgrounds and some had disabilities. Several of participants on this programme had dependents and this was the primary motivation for starting their business – to facilitate flexible employment that worked around their caring responsibilities. 

Retrain Plus – Inclusion (All).
The Retrain Plus programme involved delivery of two employment academies: one transport and one chef. The transport academy is ongoing. Participants ranged in age and community background and included both male and females. Both academies were open to all Causeway Coast and Glens residents aged 18 plus, currently unemployed, under-employed or at risk of redundancy. All participants also required a legal right to work in the UK.
Monitoring is ongoing. 

Personal Learning Account Fund – Inclusion (All).
The Personal Learning Account Fund, funded training that promoted an individual’s employment prospects. The fund was open to both those working and not working. Participants were Causeway Coast and Glens residents aged 16 plus, with a legal right to work in the UK.  The fund aimed to remove financial barriers preventing individuals from upskilling or progressing in their chosen career. This fund incorporated flexible and innovative approaches including support for the lack of childcare and travel etc. Applicants to the fund included male and females of various ages. Monitoring for this programme is ongoing to determine further information.

LMP Events – Inclusion (All).
Over the reporting period collaborative partner events were organised to fund, plan and support other events. These are summarised below.

Career Events for Young People – Inclusion (Young People).
Several events were aimed specifically at young people. One example was the Careers Convention held in Ulster University, Coleraine in April 2024, attended by over 1,000 young people including a mix of male and females from different community backgrounds.

Women’s Event – Inclusion (Women).
In celebration of International Women’s Day, on 1st of March 2024 the Labour Market Partnership co-hosted the ‘Celebrating HER’ event with Enterprise Causeway, Ulster University and the Connecting Communities project. As well as celebrating the achievements of women from all backgrounds the event also highlighted ongoing work to promote true inclusion and equality for all women and girls. The event was attended by nearly 300 women of all ages and from a range of backgrounds.

Job Fairs – Inclusion (All).
Together with the local Jobs and Benefits Offices over the last year the Labour Market Partnership supported and funded 11 job fairs throughout the Borough. Four of these were targeted at youth (16-30 years) and one was held in each major town in the borough (Coleraine, Limavady, Ballymoney & Ballycastle). The rest of the job fairs were open to all individuals aged 16 plus and included attendees of all ages, from varying backgrounds including ethnic minorities. Several support organisations attended to facilitate the needs of individuals with disabilities for example Sign language interpreters. 

Apprenticeship Awards Evening – Inclusion (All).
An apprenticeship awards evening was held in November 2023 to celebrate the achievements of local apprentices from the borough. The event was facilitated by a Sign language interpreter to support the requirements of one celebrated apprentice. The majority of apprentices, were in the youth category as previous to September 2023, apprenticeships were mainly available to under 25s. There was a mixture of genders put forward for the awards. 

Business Start Up and Seed Fund Celebration Event - Inclusion (All).
A celebration event was held in Cloonavin, Coleraine in September 2023 for participants of the Business Start Up and Seed Fund programme. Many who attended came from different backgrounds and some had dependents.  

Recruitment.
A range of programme recruitment methods were used. Digital marketing on the Council website and social media accounts supported engagement with a variety of target audiences, alongside more traditional methods such as posters, flyers, local newspapers and radio advertising to spread awareness.  Additionally, we have linked with relevant partners to assist with recruitment particularly among those hardest to reach. This has included working with the local Jobs and Benefits Offices, the community and voluntary sector and other departments within Council.

Communication.
Flexibility was promoted across all programmes to overcome various barriers facing participants, this approach was encouraged with contractors also. A few examples are highlighted below:
• Both morning and afternoon workshops, events and training to support participants with dependents.
• Online Sessions supported participants with dependents, health issues or lack of sufficient transport, particularly in rural areas.
• Face to face sessions for individuals to attend in person, network and socialise.

Conclusion.
Inclusion and Equality is fundamental to the entire LMP programme and this will continue in the next reporting period.
 

 
3 Has the application of the Equality Scheme commitments resulted in any changes to policy, practice, procedures and/or service delivery areas during the 2023-24 reporting period?

Yes 

Details and examples:
On-going review of screening practices supported by guidance on carrying out screening exercises.  Increased information has been presented in alternative formats such as Easy Read.  In addition, a new Complaints Handling Procedure has been developed to make it easier for people of all abilities to reach out to Council using a more accessible process which in turn provides increased opportunities for service improvement.  The auction process followed by Council regarding concessionary trading was amended to include adjustments which facilitated greater diversity and inclusion.  There was further embedding of the Equality Forum as a co-production and consultation medium during this period as an increased number of officers took up the opportunity to work with the group at early design stages of policy, procedure and area development initiatives.

3a With regard to the change(s) made to policies, practices or procedures and/or service delivery areas, what difference was made, or will be made, for individuals, i.e. the impact on those according to Section 75 category? 

Details and examples:

The links with community groups and Council forums supports both co-production and consultation measures and in turn service provision which meets the needs of citizens. More of our citizens have been empowered to voice their opinions, express their needs and as a result our service provision has improved.  For example, it is now standard for the Events team to consider the needs of individuals in the Section 75 groups at pre-design stage.  The proposals for Ballycastle Leisure Centre were co-designed with Section 75 representative groups prior to consultation, thereby contributing to its functionality for these groups, which in turn will hopefully support their improved health and wellbeing.  Environmental improvement schemes were also enriched through this process.

3b What aspect of the Equality Scheme prompted or led to the change(s)?

As a result of the organisation’s screening of a policy:
Equality Screenings supported the improvement of services to meet the needs of individuals linked to various Section 75 groupings.

As a result of changes to access to information and services:
The identification of barriers to information for some citizens and visitors supported increased Easy Read documents and Councils accessible provision will continue in the next reporting period.

Other:
Improved partnership working and channels for disabled people to participate in public life at local levels.
The quality of equality screening documents was reviewed.  In all the documents the aims and objectives provided clarity and outlined the scope of the screening.    Stakeholder involvement varied with some consulting with a diverse range of stakeholders with various demographic groups, disability advocacy organisations, and other relevant parties, whereas others consulted with a narrower range of stakeholders.  This appeared to be relevant to the screening officer’s view of the impact of the policy, proposal or planned change.  

The assessment of impacts, evidence of stakeholders perspectives and mitigation measures to remedy negative impacts were more varied, while some were excellent with mitigating and monitoring based on structured strategic reviews a small number lacked substance in one or more elements (analysis, evidence provision, mitigation measures, monitoring and evaluation) and were screened out without mitigation.  All of which need to be addressed as part of the next refresher training programme to make the screening process more effective.