Event Format: Physical

Hunger Games for Peace

Hunger Games for Peace is an event for young people delivered by YouthAction NI as part of the Shared Agenda for Peace programme. This Shared Learning Partnership is between East Africa Youth and Lower Ormeau Youth Hub. This closed event is happening in Lower Ormeau Youth Hub.

The ‘Hunger for Peace Games’ is an initiative that lends its methodology to that of the book ‘Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins and the subsequent film series. In this series young people (tributes) are selected to compete in an annual pageant called the ‘Hunger Games’. Within the Games the ‘tributes’ are forced to fight to the death in this widely watched spectacle.

Purpose/Aim:
• Using a similar methodology to the Hunger Games, our adaptation promotes more of a fight for peace than a fight to the death.
• It assumes that peace is not a given or an end product in itself, but rather one that requires careful and considered attention and effort.
• It supports young people and adults to reflect on their experiences, and share their insights about living in or observing divided/separate societies.

Outcomes:
• To meet, connect and build relationships with others from different backgrounds and communities.
• To share insights about how conflict and violence impact on attitudes, choices and behaviours.
• To identify practical ways to overcome conflict and to contribute to peace-building.

Diversity and Inclusion Storytelling Workshops 2

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, The Good Relations Team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is proud to host a series of Diversity and Inclusion Storytelling Workshops in nursery and primary schools across the borough. These closed sessions are facilitated by Still I Rise Storytelling, whose mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and foster empathy through the power of story.

Each interactive workshop is tailored to engage children in meaningful conversations about identity, kindness, and inclusion. Through the reading of 3–5 carefully selected children’s books, students explore themes such as self-worth, cultural awareness, and social justice. .

Sessions include:

  • A 45-minute inclusive story reading
  • Facilitated discussions on characters and themes
  • Creative activities to encourage reflection
  • Resources for educators and parents to extend learning

These workshops are designed to build empathy, boost confidence, and help children feel seen, heard, and valued—creating a more inclusive learning environment for all.

United Through Sport

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, the Good Relations Team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council presents United Through Sport- an evening of conversation and reflection on the power of sport to unite communities, challenge prejudice, and promote inclusion. The event is designed to celebrate and share the values of inclusion, connection and aspiration, with a focus on how sport can be a catalyst for positive change.

The event will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, and audience Q&A, all centred around how sport can:

  • Break down barriers
  • Promote shared spaces
  • Connect communities
  • Cultivate mutual respect

This is a timely and important conversation for anyone passionate about inclusion, youth engagement, and the role of sport in building strong, connected communities.

Speakers & Contributors

Dave Scott:  Director, Nil by Mouth (Scotland) Dave leads Scotland’s leading anti-sectarian charity, Nil by Mouth. He has championed campaigns that promote tolerance and understanding, particularly through education and sport. His work has reached tens of thousands of young people across Scotland.

Michael Boyd: TEDx Stormont Speaker and Former Irish FA. Michael is a respected voice in the field of sport and inclusion. During his time at the Irish FA, he pioneered initiatives to make football more accessible and inclusive. His TEDx Stormont talk explored sport’s potential to challenge prejudice and foster unity.

Dr John Bell: Lecturer at Ulster University, John’s research explores how Northern Ireland football supporters and the Irish Football Association worked together through the Football for All campaign to challenge sectarianism at international matches and transform the fan culture in to the award winning ‘Green and White Army’. His research, published in the International Review for the Sociology of Sport journal, offers valuable insights into how sport can be used as a tool for social change and good relations.

Hannah Scott MBE (virtual): A trailblazing athlete who made history as the first female Olympian from Northern Ireland to win a gold medal in over five decades. A member of Great Britain’s women’s quadruple sculls team, she clinched gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, adding to her World and European Championship titles. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, excellence, and the unifying power of sport

Special Guest:

We are welcoming Carl Frampton virtually for a live interview. Carl, a former world champion boxer and former student of Glengormley Integrated College, is widely recognised as a symbol of unity and community pride. His reflections on sport and identity offer a powerful addition to the evening.

Hosted by Thomas Niblock, A well-known broadcaster and sports journalist, Thomas brings energy and expertise to the role of host, guiding the evening’s discussions and audience interaction.

 

Booking is essential. To reserve your space,

Email:  cpbs@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Diversity and Inclusion Storytelling Workshops

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, The Good Relations Team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is proud to host a series of Diversity and Inclusion Storytelling Workshops in nursery and primary schools across the borough. These closed sessions are facilitated by Still I Rise Storytelling, whose mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and foster empathy through the power of story.

Each interactive workshop is tailored to engage children in meaningful conversations about identity, kindness, and inclusion. Through the reading of 3–5 carefully selected children’s books, students explore themes such as self-worth, cultural awareness, and social justice. .

Sessions include:

  • A 45-minute inclusive story reading
  • Facilitated discussions on characters and themes
  • Creative activities to encourage reflection
  • Resources for educators and parents to extend learning

These workshops are designed to build empathy, boost confidence, and help children feel seen, heard, and valued—creating a more inclusive learning environment for all.

Let’s Connect Championships: 5-a-Side Football Tournament

To kick off Good Relations Week 2025, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in partnership with the Irish Football Association (IFA), presents the Let’s Connect Championships- a dynamic 5-a-side football tournament celebrating this year’s theme: Connect.

Held at the Valley Leisure Centre on 15th of October 2025, the event brings together teams representing diverse cultures and communities from across the borough and beyond. Through the universal language of sport, participants will build friendships, foster understanding, and showcase the power of connection.

Connected: Drumming Circle

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Good Relations Team, in partnership with Community Wellbeing- Environmental Health, are hosting a vibrant drumming circle experience.

The event will engage students from Parkhall Integrated College and members of Antrim Men’s Shed for an uplifting morning of rhythm, connection, and community spirit. Facilitated by Gathering Drum, this interactive session promotes wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunities for intergenerational connection.

 

Good Relations Week Launch at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Join us for an afternoon of celebration and connection, marking the beginning of Good Relations Week 2025

  • Launch of Council’s Good Relations Week Programme
  • Ulster Scots Music & Irish Dancing
  • South Asian Dance Academy Workshop
  • Welcoming guest speakers and performances from Beyond Skin
  • Opening of the Oliver Jeffers ‘Seen’ Exhibition at Mossley Mill
  • Registration opens for Hate Crime Awareness OCN in connection with Victim Support NI

Registration Essential:
E. goodrelations@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Good Relations Coffee Morning Sponsored by McColgan’s Foodhall

The Playhouse Good Relations Coffee Morning sponsored by McColgan’s Quality Foods gathering will be a social event designed to build connections among diverse groups within communities in the North West. The gathering will take place in The Playhouse which is a neutral, welcoming space. Participants from various backgrounds, including different cultures, religions and socioeconomic groups will come together to share coffee, buns and conversation. The informal setting will encourage open dialogue, helping to break down barriers and build understanding among all groups.

The primary goal is to promote Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity and also unity by providing a relaxed atmosphere that allows individuals to learn about each other’s lives, traditions and perspectives. This will lead to stronger social bonds and a more cohesive society. Additionally, our Good Relations gathering will serve as a platform for discussing common issues and collaborative problem-solving.

Organising our successful event involves thoughtful planning and will involve many diverse groups in the North West. We will ensure the event is accessible and welcoming to all.

By prioritising these elements, a Good Relations coffee morning is a vital initiative for bridging gaps, building mutual respect and enhancing the social fabric of our communities.

Good Relations Week 2025 Reception hosted by the First Minister and deputy First Minister

To mark Good Relations Week 2025, and to acknowledge the work of the Community and Voluntary Sector, the First Minister and deputy First Minister will host a reception on Monday 13 October 2025, from 6pm.

This event is for groups currently funded through the Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF), Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) and the Urban Village (UV) Programme and is by invitation only.

 

Good Relations Funding Fair

Project Funding Fair – Newry, Slieve Gullion & Crotlieve DEAs

Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Cloughreagh Community Centre, Millvale Road, Newry

Are you part of a community, voluntary, or sports group looking for funding opportunities or project support? Join us at the Project Funding Fair to connect directly with funders and support agencies who can help bring your ideas to life.

This drop-in event offers you the chance to meet local and regional funders face-to-face, access information on available funding programmes, receive advice and guidance on applications and project development, and network with other community and voluntary groups.

Whether you are planning a new initiative or seeking support to grow your existing project, this fair is your opportunity to explore funding options and make valuable connections.

The event is open to all community, voluntary, and sports organisations across the Newry, Slieve Gullion, and Crotlieve District Electoral Areas.

Come along anytime between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and take the next step in turning your community project ideas into reality.