about us
ABOUT LORAG
LORAG (Lower Ormeau Residents' Action Group) is a needs led, community development organisation. LORAG was founded in 1987 to support the residents and community of the Lower Ormeau area of south Belfast – a population of around 2,500 people.
lorag History
From small beginnings...
LORAG started life in a small terrace house on the front of the Ormeau Road. But we never stood still...
Publishing the Lower Ormeau People’s Plan
Unlocking the Lower Ormeau
Rosie Burrows & Janet Muller, Edited by Mike Tomlinson
LORAG Management of Shaftesbury Recreation Centre
LORAG Extension to Shaftesbury IT and Childcare
LORAG Development of Shaftesbury 3g Pitch, Gym, Dance Studio
LORAG Secure Healthwise Gym Programme with PHA
LORAG become Partners within Cromac Regeneration Initiative
LORAG Establish South Belfast One Family Support Hub
LORAG Secure Primary Care Talking Therapies
LORAG Purchased John Murray Lock House for River Redevelopment
LORAG Agree 25-year lease for Community Garden, Shed
LORAG secure approval develop River access from McConnell Lock
LORAG development of Lockhouse into Heathy Hub, Community Café
Construction of Lockhouse underway
LORAG secure planning approval for construction of Boathouse on Pump Station site
John Murray Lockhouse Healthy Living / Good Relation Hub completed
ABOUT LORAG
Today, LORAG manages:
- Balfour Avenue playpark
- Shaftesbury Community and Recreation Centre
- Football pitches
- Lower Ormeau Youth Hub
- St. Malachy’s Preschool Playgroup
- John Murray Lockhouse
- Gairdín Abhann/ River Garden
- Boat shed.
LORAG is committed to supporting and assisting the area’s diverse community from cradle to grave in a multitude of areas including: personal development; family support; employment and training support; community cohesion and innovative health initiatives. This support is delivered through a range of activities:
- Children’s programme
- Youth Hub programme
- Gym
- Community cohesion programme
- Family support programme
- Healthy living programme
- Advocacy programme.
LORAG objectives are to:
- Build self-confidence and develop activities to meet the needs of the community
- Improve the educational attainment and health of children, young people and adults in the area
- Support local parents in their parenting roles and family cycle
- Increase interaction, community safety and community involvement to reduce feelings of isolation and improve emotional wellbeing
- Improve the ability of local residents to compete for and obtain training and job opportunities
- Respond to local poverty, health inequalities, housing and environmental issues
- Involve relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and in turn feed the views of local residents to policy makers
- Work in partnership with other local communities to achieve these where appropriate.
LORAG supports local individuals, families and groups by making space within the building and garden available for use and by advocating through a range of fora including:
- Strategic Networking Forum
- Inner South Partnership
- Belfast Migrant Forum
- Maritime Belfast
- South Belfast One Family Support Hub.
LORAG is on the cusp of a major development with the refurbishment of the John Murray Lockhouse due to open as a health and wellbeing centre in spring 2027.
Contact Us
- info@lorag.org
Email
- 028 9031 2377
Phone number
- Balfour Avenue Belfast BT7 2EW
Shaftesbury Community and Recreation Centre
publications
Learn more about LORAG
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