We have a unique location being based in the only community building that straddles an interface in Belfast. These Berlin wall-like interfaces are scattered throughout the city of Belfast invariably in the most deprived areas.

Our two neighboring communities the Springfield Road and the Woodvale are in the top ten most deprived electoral wards in Northern Ireland according to the Noble Index of Multiple deprivation.

This interface has witnessed many bombings, murders and violent incidents during the recent troubles.

Within communities such as ours, where Protestants and Catholics live separately, people rarely come into contact with each other and Forthspring therefore provides a much needed safe and welcoming environment where people of both communities can meet.

Although over violence in Northern Ireland may have decreased in recent years research and grassroots experience report that levels of sectarianism and polarisation have increased giving all the more need for such a project to show that there can be a different way.