Get Real

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Project Information: Get Real has three interlocking strands, reaching the most marginalised; those who perpetuate extreme forms of intolerance, and their victims. Get Real will work intensively with People whose attitudes and behaviours are entrenched in sectarianism, and, increasingly, racism.This includes those convicted of crimes with prejudice/bias motivation and those most at risk of perpetrating racial/sectarian crime. Those who have been victims of hate crime and experience fear, loss in ability to contribute to a shared, cohesive society. Staff in statutory criminal justice agencies who are required to demonstrate leadership in how they treat people from all races and backgrounds, who may be vulnerable to crime or prejudicial attitudes. Proposed Design: Strand 1: Get Real about Justice. PBNI will identify offenders whose crimes had some bias/prejudice motivation. Victims will be identified/contacted by VSNI and offered the opportunity to engage, or to suggest a representative of their community to do so. Project staff (trained in restorative practices) will lead intensive sessions over approx. 3 months, to challenge participants to consider their attitudes and support plans for change. It will culminate in a menu of options including e.g. a facilitated meeting; letter of apology; visit to a culturally significant venue; or other actions to help consolidate change/make amends. Strand 2: Get Real about Identity. A community-development programme (8 sessions) of sustained, meaningful and purposeful contact in disadvantaged communities where hate crime is prevalent, attended by those vulnerable to perpetrating hate crime. Partners (NIACRO, PSNI and community networks including Alternatives, CRJI, Rural Community Network & Irish Rural Link) will identify locations where hate crime is prevalent/an increasing problem and conflict legacy remains strong and help recruit participants. The programme will explore what causes people to feel threatened by difference and how to build trust, tolerance and respect. It will challenge prejudicial attitudes to affect change in behaviour, help to equip people to contribute to more peaceful and stable communities. To ensure a good representation of cultures and backgrounds, co-facilitators drawn from partners and other community networks will join Get Real project staff. Strand 3: Get Real about Society. South Belfast Roundtable will be immersed in the project, using insights to develop cultural competency training, delivered to 4 criminal justice organisations across the region in 2019/20. This will help people to move beyond ignorance or indifference and exhibit greater empathy and confidence towards people from different cultures and backgrounds. Strategic Policy & Context: European, Irish and N Irish policies regarding acceptance of diversity.

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