Some of our important numbers from the past year.
Over the years GSAP has continued to deliver a high-quality community support service to local individuals and organisations who are working hard to improve the area and the quality of life for residents. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, fuel poverty, cuts in public expenditure, the loss of significant EU funding, and uncertainty for the sector due to sustained changes in government funding, GSAP has been able to sustain all our services.
Purchase of the Community Building, Northside (March 2024): Achieved with the financial support of the Community Ownership Fund, through the DLUHC, Community Finance Ireland, and GSAP’s own capital investment.
Development of new local, integrated community-led projects: GSAP developed three new projects this year, including the Family Support service in Skeoge, the Skeoge Play Parks Management Scheme, and the ongoing development of the Skeoge Health Action Research Project (SHARP).
Support for the Boomhall Trust restoration project: Continued support for the restoration of Boomhall Mansion House and Stables. Although we were disappointed not to secure SEUPB investment under Measure 1.4 (circa €13m), GSAP continues to work with Boomhall Trust, Derry City & Strabane District Council (land owner), the Shared Island Fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund to realise this ambition.
Secured recurrent funding for ETHOS Family Support: Continued investment from the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) — a new three-year recurrent funding package has been secured, providing the project with greater security and allowing the team to better plan interventions and programming.
Continued investment in Skeoge Community Hub: Continued support from Derry City & Strabane District Council (DC&SDC) via the Community Venue Fund.
Among the other stand-out highlight for 2023/24 resulting from our integrated local services included:
299 Adults & 260 Children / Young People were able to access intervention/treatment services through the family support hub, and 141 young people were able to access specialist support to address their needs;
A total of 1,658 referrals were made during the year by our Family Support Service to 79 local service providers;
268 people engaged in parenting skills / development programmes during the year;
556 Year 8 pupils attending St Brigid’s College in September 2023 accessed a range of personal/social development and health programmes and resource packs;
190 local residents participated in healthy lifestyle programmes such as Tai Chi, Chair Aerobics, Walking Club, Personal Development, Swimming, Minding Me Programme, Restore Nutrition, Outdoor Boot camp, Yoga etc; – reducing social isolation and improving their overall health and well-being
818 young people attending local schools accessed a range of extended school programmes and services such as counselling, speech therapy, outdoor environmental education programmes and literacy and numeracy tuition etc..;
379 food (week supply) parcels donated by the four local Churches were distributed by GSAP to families in need across the area thus helping to reduce the impact of poverty and improve their quality of life;
2,710 local residents availed of a range of programmes, interventions & initiatives at our Hub in Skeoge, as part of the Catalyst Project, which includes our Café Links, SAFE and STAR Programmes, providing a total of 7,317 interventions – (1,408 – Café Links, 5,402 – STAR, & 507 – SAFE);
50+ external service providers engaged in service provision at Skeoge Community Hub
184 new start on the Success North West – Employment & Training Programme during the year;
44 people gained employment following participation on the Success North West Programme;
A total of 370 QUALIFICATION GAINED (177 accredited & 193 non-accredited qualifications achieved by participants on the Success North West Programme during the year;
A total of 5 cross community / good relations programmes were completed during the year, including the Heart of the Community Festival, Merhaba (Welcome) Festival, Traveller Support Service, the Skeoge Connecting Communities Programme, and the Women United Initiative;
A total of 39 community organisations supported during the year;
95 local people received training in community development / capacity building during the year – including good governance training, first aid training, child protection training, and financial training for community groups;
A total of 9 local charities were supported with their Charity Commission NI annual returns;
36 ACCESS NI applications were completed on behalf of 12 organisations;
The GSAP maintained links with / was represented on 16 citywide groups / initiatives;
The initiation of a comprehensive organisation review being carried out by Enterprise North West, setting out a number of key recommendations for the Trustees and Senior Management Team, along with GSAP staff to implement
