‘Migration story, of loss, hope & success’

As part of Good Relations Week 2024, the Inter Ethnic Foum held a ‘Migration story, of loss, hope & success’ for members of Bann Maine West Cluster .
The keynote speaker Yuliia Zhylinska bravely shared the story of her journey here to Northern Ireland as part of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme 2.5 years ago with her 2 children whilst her husband remained behind to join the Ukrainian Army to defend their homeland.
We were also treated to traditional Ukrainian dishes of Buckwheat meat , cabbage rolls and honey cake.
Thanks to Joanne Brown Kerr for the invitation and Triangle Housing for funding this event.

Shared Education Mindful Volunteering Day

Banbridge High School, St Patrick’s College and Newbridge Integrated College sixth form students took part in a Mindful Volunteering Day as part of Shared Education and Good Relations Week.

They took part in Mindful Movement facilitated by Connecting Minds and practical volunteering for Oxfam provided by Volunteer Now. Students discussed the importance of making a positive contribution in their community with facilitators from ABC Youth Service and Volunteer Now.

Community Awards 2024

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s Community Awards 2024 aim to recognise groups and individuals who make a valuable contribution to community life.

These awards are designed to give the opportunity to recognise and thank local people of outstanding merit for making a difference to the lives of others in our Council area.

This year, as part of Good Relations Week 2024, a new award has been added, the ‘OpportUNITY Award’ which will be awarded to a community group who showcases action, enthusiasm and commitment in their daily efforts to foster positive community relations and promote cultural diversity across the region.

The Community Awards 2024 ceremony will take place on Friday 20th September 2024 at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown at 7pm

EBCDA Welcome Pack Launch

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of  East Belfast Community Development Agency’S (EBCDA) new Welcome Pack as part of Good Relations Week 2024!
Our Welcome Packs are designed to provide a physical welcome to anyone moving into East Belfast, ensuring they feel supported and connected to the local community. These packs will contain valuable information and resources to help our newest residents settle in. Lunch and entertainment will be provided.
Date: Thursday, 19th September 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Location: Minor Pool, Templemore Baths
96 Templemore Avenue
BT5 4FW
RSVP Details:
Please confirm your attendance and let us know of any dietary requirements by  Monday 9th September by contacting us at:
  • Email: admin@ebcda.org
  • Phone: 028 9045 1512
If you have any questions or need further information about the Welcome Packs, please contact Katy Allen, our Community Development Coordinator, at katy@ebcda.org or 028 9045 1512. Please see the poster attached for more information.

CommUNITY Lunch

Join us for a special ‘CommUNITY Lunch’ where local groups and residents come together to celebrate unity and inclusivity. Building on the success of our June event, this gathering will feature diverse groups from the area showcasing their work and services to the community. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together, share a meal, and foster connections.

This lunch is not just about food—it’s about breaking down barriers. Residents from care homes on both sides of the community divide, local political representatives from various backgrounds, and refugees from nearby hotels will all join Forthspring in this unique event. It’s a chance to meet your neighbours, share stories, and build relationships that transcend differences.

Ecos parkrun, Ballymena

What is Ecos parkrun, Ballymena?

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you!

When is it?

Every Saturday at 9:30am.

Where is it?

The event takes place at Ecos Park, Kernohan’s Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, BT43 7QA. See Course page for more details.

GOOD RELATIONS WEEK 2023 SCHOOL POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION

Calling all primary and post-primary school pupils! Kick-start the new school year with the Community Relations Council.

Good Relations Week 2023 is delivering the positive message of ‘working together to deliver change’ and we want YOU to get involved!

Design a poster that focuses on the theme for Good Relations Week 2023 – Together – and be in with the chance to win some cool prizes.

Get creative, use words, drawings, photographs or a combination of all three to create an awesome A4 poster that showcases how your school is embracing this year’s theme ‘Together’.

Entries can be submitted individually, in groups, or as a classroom project!

Don’t forget to use this year’s theme ‘Together’.

Submit entries via email: grw23@asgandpartners.com or post: c/o Good Relations Week 2023 Primary School Design Competition, Anderson House, Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 2GU.

Deadline for submissions is: 3pm on Friday 20th October 2023.

A Word From NIFHA CEO, Seamus Leheny

Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, CEO Seamus Leheny outlines the important role of housing associations in delivering positive good relations work in Northern Ireland. Housing for All & shared schemes help break down barriers & tackle social issues. 

Suteminis and Sutemos Sessions – DU Dance

DU Dance’s Suteminis and Sutemos are returning on Wednesday 20th September. As this is Good Relations Week they will take time getting to know each other and explore the positive message from Good Relations Week that ‘Together’ we can make a difference to break down barriers and build more inclusive communities. 

Newcastle Participatory Budget Event – FUNDcastle

This is an opportunity for local groups to recieve £1,000 for a community project. People from the commuinty will place their votes and the projects with the most votes get funded.

Applications open on the 18th September 2023 and close on the 16th October 2023.

There will be an information night on Wednesday 27th September from 4pm – 6pm.

Email: joanna.groves@clanmil.org.uk to get your application form to apply.