SEEDS was initially established in the spring of 2004 and was formally launched at the ‘Learning to Change’ Conference in April 2006. It is now a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. We have currently have a committee of 18 and  have 490 members from 38 nationalities living and working in the Derry area. We estimate that there are approximately 4,000 non nationals living, studying and working in Derry at the moment and indications suggest this number to increase in the coming years.

Because inward migration is a relatively new phenonmenon to Northern Ireland, the indigenous communities are coming to terms with the inlfux of new citizens. This has created many issues and concerns and these must be addressed urgently. Many migrant workers are ill prepared to live in a society that is currently coming to terms with centuries of sectarian politics. We are working closely with many statutory bodies and community representatives to reduce the impact of change in a society going through transition. We need to find methods and techniques of working with all parties creating a safe and supportive environment for all people living and working in this region.

As a first step in this direction SEEDS has opened a ‘One World Centre’ (incorporating a Multi-Cultural Centre) providing a range of services and activities promoting integration and meeting unmet needs.  We want to respond to the needs of the growing number of new citizens and migrants to the North West of Ireland region and represent a link between the North West’s immigrant community and statutory and voluntary services. This is the first One World Centre of its kind in Ireland and now houses seven different ethnic minotity groups as well as the Foyle Language School.

SEEDS has a cross border dimension and will offer services in counties Derry, Tyrone, Donegal and Fermanagh and offer direct services in Limavady, Derry, Strabane and throughout Donegal. As this service will be available on both sides of the border we are currently looking to establish a base in Letterkenny. This will be as the result of a partnership arrangement with fraternal agencies in the Republic of Ireland. We are actively exploring links, North and South, at the moment. We are actively involved in European Initiatives.

Our Centre will provide information on accommodation, education and training, social and cultural activities and will also promote English classes and translation and interpretative services trhough our partner organisations. SEEDS will serve as a social space where people can meet, exchange information and break down cultural and linguistic barriers. We have recently launched a Diversity Training Programme with 10 fully trained facilitators drawn from the non-nationals and indigenous community sector.

If you would like to talk us further please contact us.

Eddie Kerr
Director
One World Centre
7-15 Foyle Street
Derry
02871-370989