Services Offered

The WBEF offers a unique range of services to the community sector and - most importantly- remains very much a community-based, community controlled resource. The need for an independent source of information and analysis has been proven many times over the past few years.

The WBEF has been centrally involved in the Clár Nua initiative, which has developed a policy framework for the social and economic regeneration of West Belfast following the IRA ceasefire in August 1994. Clár Nua, a coalition involving a wide spectrum of West Belfast community organisations is now engaged in formulating a strategic plan for local economic and community development. The evolving political situation will require an increasingly sophisticated and informed response from the community sector. Community organisations and community-based businesses must engage constructively with public agencies, finding opportunities for cooperation while retaining their own ethos and independent perspective.

Library And Information Service

The West Belfast Economic Forum's library is available for use by the public and a full computerised catalogue of holdings will be available in 1997. Seán Quinn was appointed in March 1997 to archive all the holdings of the West Belfast Economic Forum. The WBEF purchased the Heritage Library Information System to assist this process.

Publications

The Forum produces a variety of low cost publications including a quarterly Economic Bulletin, a series of occasional pamphlets and a range of Briefing Papers. The publications are an important source of information as well as forum for discussion among people with an interest in economic development and social policy issues.

Community Economic Development

The WBEF works closely with local groups and public agencies, informing and promoting debate about community development issues. In May 1994, the WBEF hosted a major conference on economic development within the Irish Language community, has played a central part in Clár Nua, and has made both oral and written submissions to the Forum For Peace and Reconciliation.

The West Belfast Economic Forum recently appointed Pauline Kersten as Economic Development Officer. Pauline's role will be to assist West Belfast community organisations and social economy projects to develop initiatives and proposals for economic development and regeneration.

Research and Consultancy

Our Research Programme is central to the work of the West Belfast Economic Forum. In some cases, this work is carried out by the staff and members of the Forum; in other cases we work in partnership with other organisations which share our commitment to economic justice and community development principles. We endeavour to actively involve people who are themselves members of disadvantaged social groups or communities in the research process; they are the real 'experts' about their own problems and needs.

The West Belfast Economic Forum provides a consultancy service for community organisations, local businesses and social economy projects in West Belfast. Services provided include assistance with: WBEF