Event Format: Physical

Practitioners’ Meet-up & Mural Celebration

The Practitioners’ Meet-up is hosted by the Jethro Centre, Lurgan on the third Thursday of each month. This is a chance for those working with grass-roots organisations and community contexts in the Lurgan area to meet up with fellow practitioners , network, or simply “catch their breath” from their busy schedules. There is always coffee/ tea and cake.

This month, as part of GRW, the invitation is extended, as we celebrate the recent installation of our new mural, “Diversity Tapestry”, which marks the 20th anniversary of Shankill Parish Caring Association (SPCA). The mural was designed through a short series of workshops by Community Arts Partnership led by artist/facilitator Visual Waste. It is a mosaic of images that represents the people and activities of Jethro Centre.

The event runs between 3.30pm-5pm and attendees can drop in or stay for the full time. All are welcome.

WoFUNd – Participatory Budgeting in Holywood.

WoFUNd – Good Relations Fund. Participatory Budgeting in Holywood. You Decide!Participatory budgeting is a form of citizen participation in which citizens are involved in the process of deciding how public money is spent. Woven will develop, lead out and run a Participatory Budgeting programme for Holywood and surrounding area for groups to put an application in to run a good relations project in the area. Those who apply will come along to an evening where they will vote and decide who is successful in securing up to £1000.00 to run a good relations project in Holywood. 

This initiative is funded by the Department for Communities and Housing Executive as part of a Good Relations plan for Church View development in Holywood, Co Down.

Galbally Runners’ One Mile Road Relay Race

In celebration of Good Relations Week 2024 and its theme of ‘OpportUNITY,’ Galbally Runners is excited to bring back the One Mile Road Relay Race. This inclusive event, which winds through the heart of Dungannon, offers a unique opportunity for participants from all sections of the community to come together and engage in friendly competition. By encouraging teamwork and community spirit, the relay race embodies the week’s focus on unity and positive community relations.

Antrim Mini Mela

In celebration of Good Relations Week 2024 and its theme of ‘OpportUNITY,’ Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is hosting an exciting Mini Mela event at Castle Mall Antrim. This vibrant event will feature performances by Artsekta, delicious food from the Community Fridge, and engaging drama by local young people from Antrim. By showcasing diverse cultural expressions and community talents, the Mini Mela embodies the week’s focus on unity and cultural diversity. Join us for a day of celebration and collaboration as we embrace the rich tapestry of our shared experiences and work together towards a more inclusive future.

Lisburn Ukulele Group CD Launch

At this event the Atlas Centre Lisburn Ukulele group will be launching their new 10 song CD. This is a unique opportunity for people involved in the group and listen to the local talent.

“Our Voices Matter” – Youth and Politicians Forum

“Our Voices Matter” – Youth and Politicians Forum

A conference in Queen’s University for second level students and representatives from the informal youth sector. Participants will engage in a workshop led by Martin Palmer, focusing on the vital role of youth in climate justice and engage with NI Assembly members from all parties.

This is part of a series of events from ‘Faiths Together for Climate, Justice & Peace.’

Location: Queen’s University Belfast.

Speakers: Martin Palmer, John Barry, Political Representatives.

Date and time: Friday 20th September from 10.00 to 13.00.

Participation by invitation.

Faiths Together for Climate Justice and Peace

Saturday 21st September, 10:00 – 13.00
Multi-Faith Conference, “Faiths Together for Climate Justice and Peace”

The conference in the Agape Methodist Church (Lisburn Road) will bring together esteemed speakers to discuss the intersections of peace, ecology, and interfaith collaboration. Attendees will engage in group discussions and feedback sessions to explore the complexities of climate justice and its implications for global peace. The event’s speakers are:

  • Martin Palmer: a leader in faith and ecology, Palmer will share insights on “Faith Together for Climate Justice and Peace” from a positive stories of hope perspective.
  • Dr. Raja Harun MBE: will discuss  “Al Mizan: A Covenant for the Earth” from a Muslim perspective.
  • Xavier de Bénazé SJ: will sharing experiences of leading a Jesuit Retreat Centre focused on ecological stewardship.
  • Dr. Louise Taylor: will highlighting efforts to save Lough Neagh and the importance of mental health in environmental activism.

Location: Belfast South Methodist Church & Agape Centre, 236-266 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 6GF

Speakers: Martin Palmer, Raja Harun, Xavier Benaze, Louise Taylor

Attendance is free, although donations from attendees on the day will be welcome.

There will be tea and coffee on arrival and lunch will also be available.

For more info and to book, contact: info@jointhedotstogether.org

Bringing Young People Together – Stormont Debate

In alignment with Good Relations Week 2024 and its theme of ‘OpportUNITY,’ Parallel Histories is hosting the “Bringing Young People Together – Stormont Debate.” This event will unite young people from diverse backgrounds, including both Protestant and Catholic communities, to engage in a conference-style debate on controversial historical topics. By facilitating dialogue on challenging issues, the event embodies the week’s focus on fostering understanding and collaboration across different perspectives. Join us at Stormont for a meaningful discussion that highlights the potential for positive change through shared engagement and mutual respect.

Cultivating opportUNiTY with social and community farming

Expanding on the theme of ‘OpportUNiTY’ for Good Relations week 2024, this event from ARK, the Northern Ireland (NI) social policy hub, showcases the potential of social and community farming to cultivate good relations across racial and sectarian divides.

Dr Matt Williams, conservation manager at Jubilee Farm, NI’s first community-owned farm, discusses the project’s role in building bridges between people of different political, religious and ethnic communities. Tiziana O’Hara of Cooperative Alternatives then highlights the Cultivating Community Farming accelerator project, how this model of social innovation is spreading across Northern Ireland and its future potential. Finally, Dr Aoibeann Walsh of Rural Support brings an update on their work to expand social farming with refugees and asylum seekers across NI, and the potential benefits of this approach. The event closes with a panel Q&A, moderated by ARK’s Dr Jonny Hanson.

Refreshments will be available from 10.00am and the formal event program will begin at 10.30am.

Sound Links Celebration Event

Townsend Street in Belfast has a rich history, and this year the Ulster Orchestra, Townsend Enterprise Park and Zeppo Arts are working on a project exploring that history as part of Belfast 2024’s realm of projects.

Sound Links is a community-informed project that will culminate in a community-led celebration of the street and its people on International Peace Day on 21 September 2024.

Sound Links will celebrate the heritage of the area. Three new works have been commissioned as part of the project from local composers Rory Friers, Úna Monaghan and Jamie Thompson and will be performed by Ulster Orchestra musicians in Townsend Street Church, now the home of the Orchestra at the event on the 21st September.

This Sound Links Celebration is part of a series of celebration events on the street that day.