Deadline fast approaching for groups to get involved in Good Relations Week

THE Community Relations Council is encouraging local groups, individuals and organisations in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area to register an event for Good Relations Week 2023 before the deadline on Friday, September 1.

Co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council, Good Relations Week 2023 will run from Monday, September 18 to Sunday, September 24, with a colourful programme of events from a diverse range of organisations due to take place.

Events will include a mixture of workshops, lectures, films, storytelling, music and dance performances, panel discussions and so much more!

Statutory bodies, business, local councils and wider community groups and voluntary organisations across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area are being encouraged to take part and register their events at www.goodlrelationsweek.com before the looming deadline.

The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Together’ and will highlight the importance of local organisations working collaboratively and collectively to drive meaningful progress towards building a shared future for everyone.

The theme of ‘Together’ will also reinforce the need for individuals and organisations to work together and share ideas and experiences to help tackle everything from sectarianism and racism to gender inequality, shared spaces, peace-building, and cultural diversity.

The annual celebration of peacebuilding and cultural diversity will help to shine a light on all the fantastic good relations work that is helping to deliver peace, progress and prosperity here.

Martin McDonald MBE, chair of the Community Relations Council, said: “The theme for Good Relations Week 2023 – Together – resonates with many as now more than ever can we benefit from coming together and combining our skills, expertise, creativity and passion to help shine a light on all the amazing good relations work that takes place right across the region.

“The theme for this year’s celebration will showcase the imagination, enthusiasm, and commitment of local groups and organisations in their efforts to work tirelessly to build inclusive communities, promoting equality and diversity. It also aims to inspire others to get involved and make a difference in their local communities.

“We are encouraging all groups and organisations to take part and potentially collaborate with others to run an event during Good Relations Week to help reinforce the spirit of cooperation, inclusivity and progress that is essential to building a shared future for everyone.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council added: “We’re looking forward to our weeklong celebration of peacebuilding and cultural diversity and having the opportunity to showcase the groups, organisations and individuals who work on a daily basis to build diverse, inclusive and prosperous communities for all.

“We want to raise awareness of everyone’s good relations efforts, be that events specifically running during Good Relations Week 2023, or events which took place over the past twelve months. We want to give you a platform to showcase all your peace building and cultural diversity efforts, and this can be done by registering an event.

“Good Relations Week 2023 will provide an opportunity for communities to take stock, celebrate transformative good relations work and hopefully inspire others around us to take action for a shared and sustainable future.

“We want to give everyone the chance to be part of this year’s programme, so we encourage all organisations to shine a light on their peace building and cultural diversity efforts by getting involved in Good Relations Week 2023 and registering an event at www.goodrelationsweek.com by the deadline of Friday, September 1 at 5pm.”

Good Relations Week is supported by The Executive Office and contributes to delivering the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.

For more information on the Good Relations Week 2023 and to register an event visit: www.goodrelationsweek.com.