Derry groups join ‘Together’ for Good Relations Week

Local groups in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area have come together to help deliver the positive message that working ‘Together’ helps form positive community relations to build united communities.

Local groups in the Derry City and Strabane 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.

Good Relations Week 2023 ran from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th September with 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 Derry City and Strabane District Council area included a live session with local artist Paula Monoghan as she presented ‘Scribbles from the Troubles’, a performance by Kabosh Theatre Company called ‘Third Person in Our Marriage’ and 'The Moving Up Moving On’ project within Forthspring Inter Community Group where families from Springfield Primary School and St. Clare’s Primary School engaged in a treasure trail which intertwined the interface in an aim to help break down barriers and encourage local families to share time together.

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 and 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 to learn and promote inclusivity, cultural and creative freedom and peacebuilding.

“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.”

Pictured left to right is Ambreen Muneer, Dina Gomaa, Farzana Sharme, Peter Day Community Relations Council, Muhammad Rashid Rasheed, Sameh Hassan, Councillor Jason Barr, Deputy Mayor for Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aqib Javed, Pauline O’Neill, Good Relations Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Counci

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 had something for everyone with 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 commented: “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 and these 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: www.goodrelationsweek.com.