People join ‘Together’ to deliver more than 200 events across the region for Good Relations Week
Local groups in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area have come together to help deliver the positive message that working ‘Together’ helps form positive community relations to build united communities.
This year’s initiative has been hugely successful celebrated throughout County Down.
Good Relations Week 2023 ran from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th September.
It involved a creative programme of workshops, lectures, panel discussions, talks, podcasts, film screenings, music and dance performances, storytelling, and exhibitions.
The annual celebration is co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office as part of the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.
The theme for this year’s Good Relations Week was a simple, yet powerful message of ‘Together’.
It reinforced how working ‘Together’ is key to addressing the challenges communities face today. It was about breaking down barriers, celebrating diversity and building inclusive communities for everyone.
This year events focussed on everything from sectarianism and racism to peacebuilding, cultural expression, inclusivity, climate change and the environment and so much more.
Events in the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area included the Seamus Mallon – ‘A Shared Home Place’ event.
And there was also a Medieval Viking Experience for 60 primary school children and a Second World War Reminiscence Workshop at Warrenpoint Library as well as many others.
Speaking about the success of Good Relations Week Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said: “Good Relations Week 2023 has been a huge success.
“It’s been refreshing to see the diversity and creativity of events that have been exhibited by our region this year.
“Seeing communities coming together to showcase their cultural and creative expressions have created moments when all communities can share their cultural identities.
“In this way they learn and promote inclusivity, cultural and creative freedom and peace-building.
“I’m already looking forward to Good Relations Week 2024, and I hope many have been inspired to promote and embrace good relations work to help achieve meaningful change.”
Dr. Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Relations Council said: “A huge thank you to all the groups and organisations who joined us in this year’s fantastic week-long celebration!
“This year’s colourful programme of over 200 events across Northern Ireland had something for everyone.
“There were workshops, lectures, podcast, theatre performances, exhibitions and so much more that examined good relations in all aspects of everyday life.
“We hope these celebrations have reinforced the need to embrace unity, collaboration and to inclusively work hand-in-hand to build a strong, more harmonious and safe region for everyone.”
Chris Gardner, Director of Good Relations and T:BUC Division TEO said: “I’m delighted to hear of the success of Good Relations Week 2023 as initiatives like these are imperative to helping build a truly united community.
“This week-long celebration has played an integral role in demonstrating how coming together and collaborating helps to forge positive community relationships.
“These relationships are fundamental in allowing us to work together and promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
“Thank you to the Community Relations Council and all organisations, individuals and community and voluntary groups for dedicating all their time and energy to running these great events.”
For more information on Good Relations Week 2023 visit:
Local groups in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, have come together to help deliver the positive message that working ‘Together’ helps form positive community relations as part of this year’s hugely successful Good Relations Week celebration. Pictured left to right is Paul Douglas, Northern Ireland Executive Office, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Valerie Harte and Peter Day, Director of Community Engagement at the Community Relations Council.
