The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) has developed a new protocol to support local communities.

The Social Housing and Restorative Practice (SHARP) initiative provides a formal framework that will give housing associations greater access to independent and professional services including mediation, community support casework and direct intervention activities with families and young people.

Developed by NIFHA, Community Restorative Justice Ireland (CRJI) and Northern Ireland Alternatives (NIA), the collaboration offers communities greater levels of support to address challenging situations and promote positive change within their neighbourhoods.


Jennie Donald, Deputy Chief Executive of NIFHA said: "Housing associations have a successful record of investing in great homes and thriving communities, but they want to do much more and are proactively identifying the areas of need where they and specialist partners can make a difference. Addressing negative behaviours and difficult situations that exist within communities is one of the most challenging areas of work for housing associations, but one where our members are committed to making a difference.

"SHARP builds on successful models of practice that already exist between the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, CRJI and NIA. It formalises partnerships with organisations that have a strong presence in local communities and will equip and support housing associations to drive greater positive change on the ground. NIFHA believes that working together we can deliver real benefits for communities and we are delighted to launch this new partnership model."

(CD/IT)