The Resurgam Community Development Trust is a registered Charity who connect individuals, groups and transform communities to create a sustainable environment, in which all are proud to live, learn, play and work. The Resurgam Trust is supported by established and recognised community-based organisations and social enterprises with many years of experience working in communities throughout the City of Lisburn.
The Resurgam Trust’s “Naturally Together” project has had a profound impact on the local community by fostering unity and addressing a wide range of social issues. Aimed at bringing together men and women who have been isolated from each other and the wider community, the project focused on a piece of land gifted by the NIHE. This land became a communal space where participants could engage in various activities and maintain the area, promoting both social interaction and environmental stewardship.
Participants in the project faced diverse challenges and inequalities including Cost of Living crises – food and income poverty – and isolation to the need for support in cooking on a budget, staying warm, and engaging in community activities. By emphasizing local leadership and direction, the project aimed to reduce barriers to participation and foster collaboration between men and women. The initiative addressed inequalities and the Social Determinants of Health, impacting participants' wellbeing by tackling poverty, housing, mental health, loneliness, social isolation, inactivity, and more.
The Naturally Together group comprised representatives from various projects, including the Men’s and Hens Shed, community fridge, healthy living centre and self-help groups. Their approach included forming a committee to coordinate the project and disseminate information, maintaining the community garden, growing and cooking food, engaging in arts and crafts using foraged items, storytelling and social gatherings at the social café and community fridge, and physical activities like walking, chair aerobics, and Boccia bowls.
During the project period, six main groups with a total of 60 participants actively engaged in the activities. The cooking workshops and arts and crafts events, especially themed days like Pancake Tuesday were particularly popular and participants enjoyed outdoor activities, including a visit to Hillsborough Castle.
Indirect beneficiaries also significantly benefited from the project. The Naturally Together project supported community events such as Christmas planting, craft making, and storytelling, engaging around 120 people. The project's broader impact included strengthening community relationships by bringing together men and women who typically worked separately. The collaboration also extended to various community relations partners in Lisburn Castlereagh. Support groups like Orchardville, specialising in older people with special needs, agreed to assist with environmental projects in the community garden. AAPEX Housing will be contributing by developing a ‘Brilliant Trail,’ an interactive trail to engage children.
‘The Naturally Together project has created a ripple effect, benefiting not only the direct participants but also the wider community through enhanced social connections, improved mental and physical health, and greater community involvement. The project's success in bringing people together to address common issues and enjoy shared activities has laid a strong foundation for continued community cohesion and support.’