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Council funds good relations plans in local communities

August 8, 2022

14 local groups received a total of £30,014.62 from the Good Relations Project Fund 2022/23.  They will undertake a range of local events, classes and activities to promote good relations across all cultures.

These grants are part of the council’s action plan for 2022/23 connected to its recent good relations audit. The council will work with all groups within The Executive Office’s Strategy Together: Building a united community (T:BUC).

When reviewing its Good Relations programme the council consulted with community/voluntary groups, businesses, ethnic minority groups and disability groups to produce these plans.   Each planned programme will be linked to at least one of the key themes of Our Children and Young People; Our Shared community; Our Safe community and Our Cultural Expression.

As part of the Good Relations action plan, the council will host a variety of programmes, activities and grants to allow local communities to celebrate diversity and enhance understanding of the different cultures within the council area.

Councillor Aaron McIntyre, Leisure & Community Development Chair, said: “Many cultures are celebrated in Lisburn and Castlereagh and I would like to thank everyone who engaged with us during the development of these plans. We look forward to supporting all ages and facilitating the sharing of experiences on a multi-generational basis.

“We can support all our residents in a variety of ways including through sporting activities, providing support to help address isolation and developing programmes to improve mental health and wellbeing.  There will be opportunities to participate in cross-community activities to build friendships and improve cultural understanding. By partnering with the Lisburn Castlereagh Youth Council, we hope to prepare our young people to become future leaders and enhance their confidence to negotiate on behalf of their peers.

“Stamping out bullying is also a key priority and by mentoring our young people and assisting in developing   coping strategies, hopefully this will increase their assertiveness and provide courage to help them to speak up  and talk to someone. I hope all our communities will take part in our planned activities.”

The following groups received funding:

  • ATLAS Women's Centre
  • Ballinderry Moravian Church
  • Ballybeen Improvement Group
  • Ballymacash Regeneration Network
  • Charter for NI
  • Derriaghy Village Community Association
  • Killynure Community Association
  • LCC Community Trust
  • Mazetown Rural Action Collective
  • Moneyreagh & District Community Association
  • Poundbridge & District Community Association
  • Resurgam Trust
  • Resurgam Youth Initiative
  • YMCA Lisburn
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