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Although I am
not originally from the Greater Shankill area, I feel that I have
much in common with it's people. I grew up in the Donegall Road/
Sandy Row area and having failed the 11+ examination completed my
basic education at the local Secondary School. I had never considered
myself capable of achieving a high standard of education and had
not found my school days to be a particularly enjoyable experience.
After leaving
school at the age of 16 with 5 GCE 'O'Levels, I worked for 16 years
as a clerical officer in the Community Health Clinics at Academy
Street and Lincoln Avenue. During this time I enrolled in evening
classes with the BIFHE and gained a GCE 'A' Level in Psychology.
Encouraged by my BIFHE tutor, in 1986 I gave up my job in the Health
Service and began a 4 year, full time course of study at the University
of Ulster at Jordanstown. Although it was hard work, I enjoyed my
Degree Course especially the practical placement year in which I
was involved in two separate research projects with children in
Southhampton and Belfast. It was the proudest moment of my life
when in July 1990 I gained my Bachelor of Science Degree.
I immediately
took up the post of Research Officer with the Northern Health and
Social Services Board Community Addiction Team in Ballymena. The
main purpose of this post was to evaluate the method of treatment
provided to clients with an alcohol addiction. The research which
I carried out enabled me to gain my Master of Philosophy qualification
in July 1996. However, my visits with the families of the clients
made me realise the value of support for families under stress.
I came to work
at the Early Years Project in August 1997 and was joined shortly
afterwards by Gary Pollock our research assistant. Together, Gary
and myself are responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of
the project and its activities.
Research
Activities
It is paramount that the work undertaken within the Early Years
Project is monitored and evaluated to ensure that it meets its strategic
aims and objectives. These in turn reflect and aspirations of the
residents of the Greater Shankill Area. It is also important that
research activity within the project endeavors to explore issues
covered by the Early Years remit and make recommendations on the
impact of the Early Years Project upon the urban and human regeneration
of the Greater Shankill Area.
Aims of the
Research Department
Overall aims of the research department are, firstly to ensure that
the community needs are identified and steps are taken to meet these
needs. Secondly to demonstrate our pivotal role in the community
development which in turn will help secure the future funding for
the Early Years Project.
Objectives
- To evaluate
the activities and community interventions that are undertaken
by all Early Years Project employees.
- To assess
the impact of these activities and interventions upon the local
community against previously agreed benchmark criteria.
- To make recommendations
for future activities and community interventions in the light
of the findings of these evaluations.
- To undertake
or commission research activity which deemed appropriate within
the remit of the Early Years Project. This research activity will
investigate issues that arise as a result of the Early Years community
activity and intervention.
Laureen Ralston
Research Officer
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