Council to tackle issues with bonfires

Local community organisations are being invited to take part in a new scheme aimed at tackling the issue of bonfires, and the associated problems affecting communities.

Through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Good Relations Team, relevant groups and individuals can engage in a number of training events to raise awareness about issues such as safety and finding positive alternatives to bonfires. Interested parties can apply for a free incentive based package containing information on training and events. All course and events for this scheme are free of charge which will run from Friday May 20 to Wednesday June 12.

Encouraging participation in the scheme, Carol Stewart from the Council’s Community relations team explained that safety within the community is a key objective of the scheme which will not only increase awareness, but provide practical training for the community.

“Fire blazes can become unpredictable in a matter of moments so knowledge is essential to reduce the risk of problems arising, or even casualties. Members of the community will be brought together and provided with support and practical training which will help promote safety and create a better environment for everyone.

The training includes the following sessions - Safety Advisory Group – What Do We Need to Know / Do? (Wednesday 20th May 2pm-5pm, DCSDC Offices, Strand Road, Derry~Londonderry); (Wednesday 27th May 2pm-5pm, DCSDC Offices, Derry Road, Strabane ). Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)Training  (Wednesday 20th May, 6-9.30pm, Holywell Diversity Building, Bishop Street, Derry~Londonderry); Emergency Life Support Training (Wednesday 27th May, 6-9.30pm, Holywell Diversity Building, Bishop Street, Derry~Londonderry); Stewarding and Marshalling Training  (Saturday 30th May, 10am-5pm and Wednesday 3rd June 6-9pm, Castlederg Leisure Centre, Castlederg);   Bonfires and Alternatives In Our Communities – Networking Event (Monday 1st June, 2-4pm, St Columb’s Park House Derry~Londonderry); Basic First Aid Training  (Tuesday 2nd June, 6pm-9.30pm, Alley Theatre, Strabane); Bonfires Information Session with the NI Fire and Rescue Service; Tuesday 2nd June, 3.30pm in the Shared Future Centre, Derry~Londonderry; It’s Our Bonfire! Training for Young People on Making Bonfires and Alternatives Safer (Thursday 4th June, 6-9pm, St Columb’s Park House Derry~Londonderry); It’s Our Bonfire! Training for Young People on Making Bonfires and Alternatives Safer (Thursday 11th June, 6-9pm, Alley Theatre, Strabane); Keeping Children Safe  (Tuesday 9th June 9.30am-5.30pm, DCSDC Offices, Derry Road, Strabane);  Event Management Training (Wednesday 10th June 10.00am-4.00pm, Shared Future Centre, Derry~Londonderry) ; Managing and Keeping Volunteers (Thursday 11th June 9.30am-5.30pm, Shared Future Centre, Derry~Londonderry); and Stewarding Awareness  (Friday 12th June 9.30am-12.30pm, DCSDC Offices, Derry Road, Strabane).

To register, individuals must complete and return the attached application form to michaela.devine@derrycityandstrabanedistrict.com. In the event of oversubscription, the prioritisation criteria will be applied. People will be notified to confirm their registration.

Applicants are also being asked to nominate a community based organisation who will receive a contribution of up to £300 from the incentive.

For more information on this, or any of the above courses contact the Community Relations Team on 028 71253253 or email michaela.devine@derrycityandstrabanedistrict.com

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