Businessman hands over £5k to The Edge

Businessman hands over £5k to The Edge

26 June 2019

A LOCAL businessman has donated £5,000 to The Edge charity in Ballynahinch.

Dr Terry Cross OBE visited the organisation’s base recently to hear more about the valuable services that the team behind it provides to the local community.

During his visit, Dr Cross met with centre manager Stanley Kelly and handed over the generous donation from the David Cross Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation.

Dr Cross said he was delighted with the work of The Edge, which opened in September 2000 to address challenges that prevail in a post conflict society.

Given the high levels of social and economic deprivation, there were two main issues the charity set out to address.

Firstly, the high suicide rate — mainly amongst young men — with research at the time indicating that Ballynahinch had the highest suicide rate per capita in Europe. Secondly, the high level of sectarianism in the area.

“Inequalities still exist between and within communities and they need to be tackled if we are going to improve the lives of everyone and help them fulfil their true potential,” said Dr Cross.

“When you empower people, you transform their lives and you transform society. The David Cross Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation was set up with a commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.”

Dr Cross said The Edge was a beacon in the community, allowing people to become part of a network of support and care, irrespective of age.

He continued: “The charity treats people like they are family. The centre’s vision is about empowering young people and the wider community to achieve their full potential spiritually, mentally and physically. It’s a vision that resonates with the ethos of The David Cross Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation.”

The Edge chairwoman, Trisha Brown, explained that staff and volunteers had seen an increase in mental health issues affecting all ages.

“People are feeling lonely and lost. There has also been a growth in the number of young people self-harming as they feel they don’t have a future. So, we still have a lot to do and we run a wide range of initiatives to build community capacity and to support those who are feeling isolated,” she continued.

“The Edge is firmly positioned as a space for people to come and feel safe and to share what’s happening in their lives. We bring people together in a cross-community setting and we welcome people of all ages. The team is making great progress though we’re very conscious that we’re on a journey, with changing and evolving challenges.”

The Edge is open five nights a week to accommodate the numbers of young people who are keen to get involved with activities, with the management team working in collaboration with schools.

The centre facilitates community events and garden workshops through a community garden and poly tunnel. In addition, practical support teams visit people’s homes and provide them with help, while women’s groups are working to empower and tackle loneliness.

The Edge receives part funding from local churches and close to 100 individual donors. With running costs in excess of £100,000 per year, the support from local donors in vital. 

Anyone who would like to donate, organise a fundraising event or has spare some time to volunteer, contact Stanley Kelly via email stanleykelly2@hotmail.com or telephone 07921 219776.