Event Type: Physcial Event

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.

Shared Education Film Event – Promoting Good Relations

Pupils from Newtownhamilton Primary School and St. Michael’s Primary School will come together on Wednesday 8th October 2025 for a special Shared Education event focused on Good Relations.

The morning will feature a screening of the inspirational film Wonder (PG), which tells the story of a young boy with a facial difference and promotes themes of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Before the film, pupils will take part in a short reflection on what Good Relations mean in their own lives and schools.

This event aims to help young people develop understanding and respect for others, celebrate diversity, and strengthen positive connections between schools and communities.

It promises to be a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all, encouraging pupils to “choose kind” and embrace difference in everyday life.

Rowallane Communities Leading Change Event

Newry, Mourne & Down District Council Participatory Budgeting Event,

Projects that have passed Stage 1 of the application process will now move to the next stage:

Market Stall voting event in Ballynahinch Community Centre on 9th October 2025 from 6pm-9pm where groups have the opportunity to showcase their project to the local community.

Here’s how it works:

  • Set up a Stall to showcase the project .
  • Members of the public will visit your stall, listen to your project idea and get a stamp on their voting sheet.
  • Once all stamps have been collected they will vote for their top 5 favorite projects
  • The projects with the most votes will receive funding, with the aim of funding as many groups as possible

Primary Schools Good Relations Film Screening

Shared Education Film Event – Promoting Good Relations

As part of a Shared Education initiative with a focus on Good Relations, local primary schools will come together for a special film screening of Wonder at Newry Town Hall on Tuesday 4th November.

Pupils from St. Malachy’s Primary School, Windsor Hill Primary School, St. Patrick’s Primary School, Newry and Bunscoil an Iúir will join in this shared experience designed to promote inclusion, empathy, and understanding.

The morning will begin with a short reflection on Good Relations, followed by the screening of Wonder—a heartwarming film that celebrates kindness, acceptance, and the importance of seeing beyond differences.

This collaborative event offers pupils the opportunity to learn together, build positive relationships across schools, and reflect on the values of respect and community.

Historical Tour Rowallane area

Slieve Croob District Electoral Area invites you to join us on a fully guided FREE Historical Bus Tour of Rowallane

Visiting Killyleagh Castle (exterior only), Saintfield and Ballynahinch

Please note that as the tour includes walking at the various sites it will not be suitable for those with mobility problems. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.

ITINERARY

Tuesday 14th October 2025

10am Bus leaving Crossgar Square Car Park

10.20am External tour of Killyleagh Castle

11.15pm Walking tour of Saintfield Battle site

12.15pm Lunch in Saintfield

13.20pm Ballynahinch historical walking tour

2.20pm Return to Crossgar for drop off.

Numbers are limited and places will be distributed on a first come first serve basis and you should advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking e.g., celiac, vegetarian etc.

Booking can be made by telephoning Tuesday to Friday 07720204476 during office hours or by email priscilla.mcalinden@nmandd.org. As this event is funded by Good Relations participants will be required to complete a feedback questionnaire form following lunch.

Ask. Learn. Act.

Volunteer Now have partnered with the specialist organisation Join Her (JoinHer Network – Diversity, Inclusion, Cultural Diversity) to deliver a series of short practical workshops on the topic of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI). These workshops focus on exploring what DEI is in practical terms, and why it matters so much in a volunteering context. These workshops can be taken as a series or as stand-alone sessions, depending on your interest and availability. If you are interested in booking a place you can do so via the training schedule on the Volunteer Now Website, here Courses Scheduled – Volunteer Now

Listen. Speak. Lead.

Volunteer Now have partnered with the specialist organisation Join Her (JoinHer Network – Diversity, Inclusion, Cultural Diversity) to deliver a series of short practical workshops on the topic of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI). These workshops focus on exploring what DEI is in practical terms, and why it matters so much in a volunteering context. These workshops can be taken as a series or as stand-alone sessions, depending on your interest and availability. If you are interested in booking a place you can do so via the training schedule on the Volunteer Now Website, here Courses Scheduled – Volunteer Now

Lets Connect Championship 2025

As part of Good Relations Week 2025, the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are proud to host an exciting five-a-side football tournament celebrating community integration and inclusion. The event will bring together players from diverse backgrounds to promote teamwork, respect, and friendship through sport. More than just a competition, the tournament aims to strengthen community ties and highlight how football can be a powerful force for unity. Everyone is welcome to take part or come along to enjoy the matches, support local teams, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that defines Good Relations Week.

Connection. Purpose. Culture.

Volunteer Now have partnered with the specialist organisation Join Her (JoinHer Network – Diversity, Inclusion, Cultural Diversity) to deliver a series of short practical workshops on the topic of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI). These workshops focus on exploring what DEI is in practical terms, and why it matters so much in a volunteering context. These workshops can be taken as a series or as stand-alone sessions, depending on your interest and availability. If you are interested in booking a place you can do so via the training schedule on the Volunteer Now Website, here Courses Scheduled – Volunteer Now