East Belfast Anti-Poverty Alliance Strategy Launch

On Tuesday 8 October, East Belfast Anti-Poverty Alliance (EBAPA) launched their 2024-2027 strategy. Held at East Belfast Network Centre, the event was attended by staff, volunteers and elected reps from community organisations working to address poverty throughout East Belfast and further afield.

EBAPA Chair, Stevie Johnston, outlined the vision, mission, purpose and themes of the EBAPA strategy to all in attendance and speakers included Louise Ferguson, (Larder>East), Jonny Currie, (Trussell) and Becca Bor, (Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network). Louise spoke with passion about community collective action and the value of community wealth building, sharing with all, the practices they have adopted over at Larder>East.

The hall was decorated with tablecloths that had been completed by groups and residents across East Belfast in support of Trussell’s ‘Guarantee Our Essential’s’ Campaign. Jonny Currie spoke about this campaign and the need to create systemic change. We need to have big aims and be brave. The message was further echoed by Becca Bor who called ‘Poverty is a political choice’. Becca outlined Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Networks key priorities and basic principles from the expert advisory panel on how Stormont need to implement Northern Ireland’s Anti-Poverty Strategy. It needs to be fully funded and sustainable!

Kabosh Theatre Company were also in attendance to help hammer the message home. Their two-scene performance from their production “3 Pay Days” painted a powerful picture. Telling the story of Anna, it perfectly captured the failings of a system that we expect to support and protect us but all too often fails those most in need.

 As a group of 21 community and voluntary organisations, EBAPA came together to build on ongoing work that had been happening across East Belfast.  Although the event marked the ‘official’ launch, the work of EBAPA as a collective has been ongoing since 2022. They are co-ordinated by East Belfast Community Development Agency with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The event rounded up with table discussion and comments from the floor called for action from the NI Executive and joined up working from government departments.

Whilst encouraging to see a large turnout, many were already converts, East Belfast Anti-Poverty Alliance know that more than preaching to the choir must be done.

 How many more conversations will communities have asking where the Anti-Poverty Strategy is that we were promised?

 How many more times will we sit in a room and discuss increasing levels of child poverty and call yet again on the government for action?

Those in attendance and throughout Northern Ireland can take strength from the efforts being made in East Belfast.  Like many communities across the country, this positive community and collaborative response to poverty will continue to demand change.

Download the East Belfast Anti-Poverty Alliance Strategy below.

Julie Graham is Community Development Co-Ordinator with responsibility for Poverty and Vulnerability  at East Belfast Community Development Agency