Beggs Welcomes Inaugural Larne ROC Conversation

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the inaugural ‘Redeeming Our Communities’ ROC Conversation’ in Larne, which took place on Tuesday May 28, at Larne High School.

Mr Beggs said “I met ROC and their local worker Keeva Watson, at Stormont, last year and received an update on how a ROC community conversation could help to simulate positive community action. I then suggested bringing Redeeming Our Communities to the East Antrim area. I had a number of meetings with ROC and I am delighted that the successful meeting in Carrickfergus Town Hall has now been followed up with a positive, well attended ROC conversation at Larne High School.”

ROC is a national faith-based community engagement charity meeting a range of social needs across the UK. Their mission of ‘empowering people of goodwill’ is to work together for safer, stronger communities’ underlines all that they do. ROC works in partnership with churches, statutory agencies, community groups, charities, faith-based groups and residents to “transform communities in innovative and meaningful ways”. ROC brings together those who live, work and serve in the local community to celebrate the good work that is already taking place. The conversation also helps to highlight any gaps in provision and then see what we can do to bridge the gap. The conversation can lead to action and positive change in the local community.

Roy Beggs MLA said, “In Carrickfergus, a number of issues were highlighted such as youth, social isolation, mental health and wellbeing. Several individuals are continuing to meet to try to address related issues and already as a result of ROC, Carrickfergus Connect for example, have set up a weekly walking group. I look forward to receiving the ROC report which captures ideas at each of the tables in Larne.

The Larne ROC Conversation report is to be produced within the next few weeks and this will point the way going forward with areas for action suggested by the local Larne community. I am pleased that already a considerable number of those who attend the Larne ROC Conversation have indicated that they are willing to try to address issues affecting the community. I look forward to receiving the report and helping to improve the local community using the ideas suggested.

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