Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor Alan Barr with members of the newly formed Broughshane Cultural Awareness Association.
Braid Ulster Unionist Councillor, Alan Barr, has welcomed the launch of a new culture awareness group in Broughshane.
The group is called the Broughshane Cultural Awareness Association and will be dedicated to raising awareness of Unionist culture, empowering young people in the Broughshane area, providing them with extracurricular qualifications and reducing anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Barr expressed his supper for the group saying:
“I am delighted to welcome the launch of the Broughshane Cultural Awareness Association. I met with some of the group around the Twelfth celebrations and they showed a desire in wanting to make a positive impact within the area. This is why I offered to set up a meeting with them and council officers with an intent of establishing the group.
“This new group is a great initiative that promises to raise a positive awareness of Unionist cultural identity through talks and visits. It will also give young people from the Unionist and Loyalist community a sense of purpose because there are opportunities for them to earn qualifications as they participate in the group’s activities.
“I believe that for too long, young people from this community have been forgotten about and now is the time to male a fresh start.
“Additionally, the establishment of the group will play a vital role in enhancing the sense of belonging and community spirit amongst young people in Broughshane. This will have the added benefits of promoting community cohesion, understanding and reducing anti-social behaviour.”
Councillor Barr concluded:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Jude McNeill from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for her advice and assistance; Mr Lexie Scott of Broughshane District Community Association for helping in facilitating the inaugural meeting; and the young people within the group for their enthusiasm and drive for making the establishment of the group possible. I wish them well for the future.’’