The Executive Office - District Councils Newsletter

| District Councils Good Relations Programme Programme Newsletter 2016/17



| ForewordThank you taking the time to pick up and read this newsletter.The purpose of this publication is to tell you a bit about the District Council Good RelationsProgramme.The District Council Good Relations Programme is delivered as part of theExecutive’s wider Together: Building a United Community strategy. The aim ofthe Programme is to develop relations between and within District Council areasand promote local solutions to local good relations issues.Officials from the Executive Office work closely with Council Good RelationsOfficers to ensure all programmes delivered through the District Council GoodRelations Programme have a strong outcomes focus. Focusing on outcomesmeans focusing all aspects of programme planning, design, structure andreporting to ensure that a defined and measurable good relations outcome is theend result of the programme being delivered.All outcomes of the District Council Good Relations Programme are linkeddirectly to one or more of the wider key aims of the Together: Building a UnitedCommunity strategy. A case study has been provided for each Council area, givingan example of a programme they have delivered, the outcome achieved, andwhich key aims of the strategy it has contributed to.The District Council Good Relations Programme involves all eleven DistrictCouncils here. Each District Council has a section within the Newsletter whereyou can find out more about the individual good relations programmes they arerunning, and the positive difference they are making to good relations locally.If you would like further information on the programme in general, feel free tocontact the District Council Good Relations Programme team in the ExecutiveOffice using the contact details below:District Council Good Relations Programme Manager Executive Office Room E3.19 Castle Buildings Belfast BT3 4SR Tel: (028) 9052 3154 Page 1


 | Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Good Relations Programme OverviewThe Antrim and Newtownabbey Good Relations programme both challenges and encouragesall participants to find ways to live well together, benefiting citizens socially and economicallyby making Antrim and Newtownabbey an attractive place to live, work, socialise and play.Strong and determined leadership coupled with a willingness and commitment to work inpartnership is provided to pursue GR within the community.The Borough of Antrim & Newtownabbey covers 274 square miles from the shores of LoughNeagh in the west to the shores of Belfast Lough in the east. Its northern boundary withBallymena leads to the Glens of Antrim and the port of Larne, while to the south it bordersBelfast and Lisburn. Key areas of work within the Borough include challenging sectarianbehaviour with young people in key areas in the Borough.The GR team work closely with young people on hard issues, addressing sectarianism andchallenging sectarian behaviour in key flash points /contested areas of the Borough in anattempt to reduce violence, anti-social behaviour and promote positive community relations.”.The GR team are doing work on issues of growing diverse communities with a lack ofunderstanding amongst some of different cultures or tolerance towards them, using theDecade of Commemorations as a vehicle for learning, these projects help to address fear andintimidation within communities and create a positive role models for children and youngpeople.The GR team focus much of their work on young people in the 18-24-year age range usingsports and recreation programmes as mediums for developing good relations. Interface issues/ contested space issues exist but have reduced over recent years with work still focusing onterritorial markings with close engagement with community leaders and PUL communities. Contact: Tel: 028 9446 3113 Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim BT41 2UB Tel: 028 9034 0000 Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Page 2

Case Study:Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD)EventBackground:Under the Our Cultural Expression theme Antrim andNewtownabbey Borough Council hosted a HolocaustMemorial Day event at Mossley Mill (BT36 5QA) witha testimonial from Kemal Pervanic from theForgiveness Project giving an account of his time ina Bosnian concentration camp during the war in1992.Desired Outcomes: Qualitative Outcomes: Quotes from attendee’s:- Increase awareness of Good Relations issues, - “Hearing experience first-hand.” principle and programmes. - “Parallels between Kemal’s experience and those in- Raise the profile of the Council in supporting other countries including here.” Good Relations events. - “Kemal’s thought’s about how political views played- Promote an understanding of reconciliation. such a factor in the war that followed.”- Demonstrate Council leadership through events - “Because we in Northern Ireland see a lot of the promoting community and race relations which same things here and also worryingly all over the will result in an increase in diverse cultures at west with populist governments and far right mainstream Council events. activists.”- Greater awareness among participants of racial - “Understanding the way neighbours can turn inequality and embracing diversity. against each other.”Participants/Cost: Page 3The participants came from a wide range ofbackgrounds and locations within the Borough.The event was attended by 54 people at a unit costof £24.20. Forty nine people returned evaluationforms.Quantitative Outcomes:Prior to this event 31 people were aware ofHolocaust Memorial Day with 16 not knowing aboutHMD, therefore we have increased the knowledge ofthe 16 people. As a result of attending this event 49people has an increased understanding of issuesfacing survivors of genocide. As a result ofattending this event 47 people had an increasedunderstanding of issues facing refugees. Fortyseven people thought there should be moreopportunities to hear from people with differentcultural and community backgrounds.The two GROs working closely with other staff withinCouncil to ensure the event was a success andenabling other Council staff the opportunity toengage with the GR programme and this project inparticular.


 | Ards and North Down Borough Council Good Relations Programme OverviewThe Ards and North Down Borough Council GR programme have organised a number ofevents and delivered a wide range of projects to fulfil the outcomes required in the GoodRelations Action Plan and themes such as the Holocaust event which comprised of Artprogrammes were delivered to local community and youth groups. Diversity Training, werestaff worked closely with Beyond Skin to deliver an OCN accredited diversity course tostudents.International Women’s Day Good Relations delivered an event to mark International Women’sDay, on 8 March 2016 in partnership with Kilcooley Women’s Centre. SommeCommemoration Music; The GR team commissioned a piece of music for the Sommecommemoration. The music is entitled “the Battle of Albert”. Battle of Brittan event held tocommemorate the Polish Air Force’s contribution to the war effort. Staff Training Daysprovided opportunities to educate and raise awareness on Good Relations issues, such ascultural expression, BME. Marshalling training and SIA training was delivered to over 100 menand women in the borough.Intercultural Storytelling Programme were the Good Relations officers engaged with womenfrom the Intercultural Forum and International Women’s Group to develop, design and delivera programme to address diversity in our society. Good Relations multi-cultural music eventsThe section delivered two musical events which showcased both minority ethnic and loyalistbands both playing the same musical scripts. A local loyalist band, which had attended themusical events went on to play at the main St Patricks parade in Belfast. Contact: Tel: 0300 013 3333 Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BTPage 4

Case Study: Learning for future programmes:Shared Voices Project This project is ongoing and expanding as more facilitators and groups participate in the scheme.Background: A toolkit was developed from the project to enableThis Borough wide Good Relations programme use by other agencies/ councils. The adaptabilityhas been developed to tackle racism. It was of the programme has enabled it to be asdesigned to be delivered face to face by successful as it currently is. Much emphasis hasvolunteers from the local minority ethnic been placed on supporting the volunteercommunity and divided into 3 issues: facilitators, which has allowed the project to remain fresh and up-to-date.- Exploring the notion of prejudice- Discovering common ground- Acceptance of difference.Desired Outcomes:The desired outcome was an increase in thepercentage of participants who felt they aremore confident to address silent sectarianismand racism.Participants/Cost:This is the second year of the programme; 75participants took part in 2016/17. It has beentailored to different groups including but notlimited to over 55’s, young people in alternativeeducation and schools. The project design hasbeen flexible and was adapted to reach groupsfrom all community back grounds and ability.Outcome:Results from the project showed that there wasa 50% increase in the number of participantsthat felt that there is prejudice against minoritygroups and 17% increase in participants who feltthey had something in common with people fromother cultural backgrounds, and therefore feltmore confident in addressing sectarianism andracism in the future. Page 5


 | Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Good Relations Programme OverviewCauseway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme identifies the keyoutcomes, methodologies and actions required to ensure effective delivery of a GoodRelations action plan throughout the Borough. Our Good Relations programme aims toprovide opportunities for civic and community leaders to promote the area as a model of bestpractice in developing respect, understanding and tolerance of the cultural and the historicaland traditional diversity of the residents.The initial consultation process identified key influencing agents within the area in order toensure the Councilors, relevant agencies, communities and other significant representativeshad an input and/or role to play in the successful delivery of the Good Relations Programme.The programme targets specific groups as part of its delivery process. These groups included:Young families, pre-teens and young adults, civic and community leaders and high capacitysingle identity groups.Four leading factors were identified in the good relations audit as; Flags and emblems,Language and behavior, Parades and Protests and Cultural outworking’s.All of the activities delivered through the programme are aligned with the 4 main themes of thethe Executive Office's TBUC strategy.The Good Relations team consists of 1 Good Relations Manager, 2 Officers and 1 part timeadmin support officer who undertakes the development, implementation and delivery of allprojects within the action plan and ensures best use of resources and funding in order toprovide greatest value for money.The programme for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council provides formal structuredengagement and promotes partnership working to ensure additionality and complementaritybetween the strategies and plans for which the council has responsibility. Contact: Tel: (028) 7034 7034 Cloonavin, 66 Portstewart Road, Coleraine, BT52 1EYPage 6

Case Study:Youth Civic Leadership Project:Let’s TalkBackground: Qualitative Outcomes:The Let’s Talk initiative aims to produce improvedconfidence, knowledge and skills to contribute to a Hannah Mullan and Bella Brolly from St Patrick’sculture of respect, understanding and tolerance. It is College, Dungiven, said: “It gave us insight into howdirectly linked to the Children and Young People the local Council affects us. We’ve come totheme of the Together: Building a United Community understand many parties’ policies and people’sStrategy. opinions, and it gave us a chance to talk to local politicians about subjects we care about. It has givenActivity: us an idea of who we would like to vote for when weSenior pupils from secondary schools across the are eligible.”Borough come together for the day, where they areencouraged to mix with participants from other Further info:schools at circular tables. A top table of Councillors https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/news/provides a healthy variety of political perspectives; councillors-say-lets-talk-to-local-pupilsengagement between these two groups is chaired byBBC’s Mark Carruthers as a series of topical andcontroversial questions are put to Councillors andyoung people. Pupils use digital handsets to recordtheir opinions anonymously and this is followed by aperiod of “speed-dating”, when each Councillor visitsevery table to be grilled! The programme finisheswith a feedback session and closing questions whichestablish if opinions have changed.Participants/Cost:Participants are of varied backgrounds, drawn fromControlled, Maintained and Integrated schools. Sixty-four participants and eight Councillors attended the2016 event. Project costs totalled £2981, giving aunit cost of £47.Outcomes:- ‘Attitude’ improved by 12% with participants now open to exploring discussion with those of diverse and opposing opinions.- ‘Civic Engagement’ increased by 17%, as participants indicated that they would now be more confident in discussions with civic leaders.- ‘Confidence’ went up by 14% with participants more confident about engaging in Good Relations activities.- Overall, 78% of participants stated that, as a result of the Let’s Talk event, they were now more likely to get involved in civic life/politics. Page 7


 | Derry & Strabane District Council Good Relations Programme OverviewThe new Derry and Strabane Council Area has a growing population of 148,632. The Districtis divided along traditional lines .72.16% belong to or were brought up in the Catholic religionand 25.40% belong to or were brought up in a 'Protestant and Other Christian (includingChristian related).26.20% indicated that they had a British national identity, 50.75% had anIrish national identity. The District is home to a significant BME community, some resident formany years, others more recent arrivals attracted to the District for a range of reasons, family,work, or economic opportunity There is a high level of awareness and appreciation of thevalue of the Good Relations work undertaken and the contribution of the respective Councilsand Officers in the development and implementation of Good Relations. The role of the GoodRelations Team is seen to be essential in supporting a strategic approach to Good Relationsoffering advice and support.This role is likely to be in greater demand in the larger District supporting the needs ofcommunities ensuring a balance of delivery and support .The nature of this supportincludes;Strategic and operational programme and project design and implementation,Relationships and support of Groups, Providing G.R strategic and operational input Directhands on support :direct facilitation; training delivery (face-to-face and online), schoolsworkshop design, festival and events management, recruiting for initiatives and groupcapacity development Communication, and liaison with elected members where appropriate.The priority groups identified by the GR team and to which they focus their efforts were;Community Development Groups, Youth/Schools Groups and all section 75 groups.Generally, however Good Relations work was identified as relevant to a very wide range ofgroups and activities. Within the changing environment it is reasonable to expect that asignificant pressure and issue will be to ensure that there is a balanced agenda, ensuring allparts and communities within the District, receive appropriate support. Contact: Tel: (028) 7125 3253 98 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7NN Tel: (028) 7125 3253 47 Derry Rd, Strabane, Tyrone, BT82 8DYPage 8

Case Study: Qualitative Feedback:Culture Quarter Initiative - ‘Better understanding of number of people withBackground:In 16/17 the DCSDC GR Team implemented a different / Languages, cultures and religions’Culture Quarter Initiative in the primary schoolsacross the district with a desired outcome of - ‘Pupils were able to discuss & find out more of aincreased awareness among primary school pupilsof prejudice in society and local diversity under the range of terms / languages’Children & Young People theme.  - ‘Very informative, children engaged well.’Cultural Diversity workshops were offered to all - ‘Encouraged children to think about differences &schools across the council area several timesthroughout the year, topics included: Diwali, Burns, similarities’Marching Bands, Feasts and Festivals, Burns, etc.  - ‘It gave them an opportunity to consider issues e.g.Participants/Cost:Approximately £12,000 was invested in the scheme race that they don’t usually do.’which reached 6,930 primary school pupils at a unitcost of £1.74 per pupil.  Schools from right across - ‘Children learnt a lot about their identity’the council area participated in the programme. - ‘An excellent opportunity to discuss diversity what itOutcomes: means and why it is important’- Pupils really enjoyed the opportunity to learn - ‘Realised differences between celebrations that about new cultures and traditions. happen across the world’- Feedback from teachers was extremely positive - ‘Knowledge of other cultures / religions. The with 89% of respondents rating the workshops as opportunity to ask questions and speak to someone very good or excellent. of a different culture’.- 99% of respondents felt that it was a worthwhile project in promoting good relations.Learning for future programmes:We have had many requests were received forfurther sessions. In terms of learning, we have foundthat practical workshops work best and a maximumof 1 hour slots. In future years it will be offered twiceper year as opposed to only once. Page 9


 | Mid & East Antrim Borough Council Good Relations Programme OverviewIn line with the ‘Together: Building A United Community’ Strategy, Mid & East Antrim BoroughCouncil have developed a unique Good Relations Programme for the citizens of Mid and EastAntrim in the hope that everyone in the  borough feels welcome, safe, respected andcelebrated.This Good Relations programme continues to develop mutual understanding, respect forcultural traditions, the principle of interdependence and positive cross-community/racerelations development through a wide-range of programmes.  The programmes are devised toaddress the priority issues identied with the local area GR audit of which the top 5 issues areregarded as being murals and flags, paramilitary flags, paramilitary activities, lack of dialogueand respect and territorial markings.The GR team focus much effort on continued capacity building for those already involved inGood Relations work and Good Relations capacity building for those with less or no capacity.Ethnic minority communities, sometimes by choice, largely socialise within their own nation/ethnic group, with little evidence of community integration. These groups can feel excludedfrom civic life and does not always feel safe in all parts of the area and the GR team recognisethis and their action plan reflects to need to support minority group.It is evident that many groups are struggling to identify appropriate and sufficient sources offunding for Good Relations work in the current difficult funding climate. The programme alsoincludes support to groups in identifying suitable funding for the delivery of gr projects. Otherkey stakeholder includes children and young people who are identified as a key group withinthe plan with key aspects of the GR action plan focusing on their support. Contact: Tel: 0300 124 5000 1 - 29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJPage 10

Case Study: Learning for future programmes:Holocaust Memorial Project - From feedback more time could have been given toBackground:The project engaged post-primary schools from Mid the workshop element of the programme and thisand East Antrim Borough in events to mark can be improved in future programmes.Holocaust Memorial Day 2017 and the theme of Qualitative Outcomes:‘How Can Life Go On’. Awareness has been raised Participants felt the project was extremelywithin Mid & East Antrim of the impact of division, worthwhile; Mr Kohner’s speech was amazingamongst those who participate in events and an and unforgettable. “Very interesting, very good,increased understanding about peace building insightful, empathetic” “Very good and veryamongst those who participate in events. The project informative”, “Nice to see drama that related tofalls under the TBUC theme of Our Shared the Holocaust”, “Excellent event, well organisedCommunity. and delivered”Activity: Page 11The events included guest speaker Mr Billy KohnerMBE, whose parents were administrators of theMillisle Farm in Co Down. The farm was home tomany Jewish refugee children during the World WarII and is the basis of the fictional novel, [by MarilynTaylor] Faraway Home. Copies of this novel weregifted to all MEA post primary schools by Council tomark Holocaust Memorial Day 2016, and this year’sevents built on that legacy. At the events, interactiveworkshops and short dramas focussed on life on thefarm and what this would have felt like for therefugee children arriving at the time and we workedin partnership with the Inter-ethnic Forum (Mid andEast Antrim) to facilitate the workshops. This enabledpupils to reflect on the theme of How Life Can Go Onafter genocide as well as developing their thinkingwith regard to the present day context.Participants/Cost:Participants at the events included 104 children fromvarious schools throughout the Council area. Theunit cost of the programme was £35/participant.Outcomes:- 96% of participants stated that their awareness has increased of the impact of division.- 96% of participants stated that the programme had increased their understanding about the importance of peacebuilding and living in a shared community.

| Mid Ulster District Council Good Relations Programme OverviewMid Ulster Good Relations programme focuses its efforts to deliver good relations activities asoutlined within its Good Relations Plan 2011-2013 A Programme for Cohesion, Integration andSharing which has the following objectives:‘To continue and build on the work of mainstreaming good relations as a key corporateobjective. To provide strategic direction and support to eradicating racism. To provide strategicdirection and support to eradicating sectarianism. To build on, encourage and increasemeaningful cross community contact within the Mid Ulster area and build on the work ofmutual respect, understanding and cultural diversity.’The activities detailed within the Councils GR action plan have ben devised to be deliveredbased on the findings of their GR audit. The programme focuses heavily on the developmenta core group of community activists who will become good relations leaders within their localcommunity. A structured programme is into place to raise the capacity, skills and enthusiasmof up to 15 local people. This programme includes a series of good practice visits both locally,regionally and internationally. The GR programme works closely with and supports keyorganisations within the community and voluntary sector that have a key role to play in thedevelopment and promotion of good relations.Crucial to addressing the long-term good relations challenges facing society is theengagement of young people at the earliest opportunity on the relevant issues. Thisengagement is also be ongoing to reinforce the positive message of good relations activities.The Council GR team work with all appropriate organisations to ensure that work is deliveredin local schools to address good relations issues.An essential element of an Good Relations programme is the need to engage with those mostmarginalised within society. This includes minority ethnic community members (BME, IrishTravellers) as well as those who may not feel represented. Contact: Tel: 03000 132 132 Burn Road, Cookstown, BT80 8DT Tel: 03000 132 132 Circular Road, Dungannon, BT71 6DT Tel: 03000 132 132 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6ENPage 12

Case Study: Outcomes:Mid Ulster Schools Together(MUST) - 100% stated that they and their class enjoyed takingBackground: part in the project.The Good Relation Team in partnership withSpeedwell Trust was commissioned to deliver cross - 87% of the children now have more respect andcommunity/good relations projects to schools in theMid Ulster area and in partnership with the Councils understanding of people from different religions andGR team developed a partnered shared schools’ races.project for the Mid Ulster area. ‘Mid Ulster SchoolsTogether’ (MUST) project. - 83% of participants stated they now feel much moreDesired Outcome: comfortable mixing with people from differentThe aim of the project was to develop links between communities, countries and races.primary schools from different sectors and buildingbridges between our two main communitiescontributing to increased understanding and mutualrespect leading to more cohesive and sustainablelocal communities. It also aimed to build children’s,parents and teachers capacity to address goodrelations for a more peaceful society.Activity:To achieve the aims of the project 6 primary schools(2 each from the Cookstown, Magherafelt andDungannon areas) worked jointly on a shareddiversity programme with at least one school fromthe other community. It brought 150 children, agedbetween 9-11, and 6 teachers together to participatein 4 shared workshops which explore sensitive andcontentious issues in our community. (Teambuilding,Culture, Identity, Flags, Symbols, Stereotyping,Prejudice, Discrimination and a range of otheractivites to fully engage with the participants.Qualitative Outcomes:The Mid Ulster Schools Together project has beenunanimously endorsed by principals, teachers andpupils. Individual and collective understandings onits purpose illustrate connected thinking between thelanguage of diversity and good relations; the value ofalternative friendships; and the educational,emotional and social development of children. Page 13


 | Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Good Relations Programme OverviewNewry, Mourne and Down District Council's Good Relations Programme is managed by theCouncil's Engagement Section which sits within the Active & Healthy CommunitiesDirectorate. The Council's Good Relations Programme seeks to encourage and supportactivity that promotes good relations between people from different backgrounds to helpimprove people’s quality of life.In seeking to do so, the Council's Engagement Section works with a range of local community,voluntary and statutory organisations and other sectors to deliver its Good RelationsProgramme.The Council's Good Relations Programme supports a range of activity to foster good relationsthroughout the Council area. Support is provided for:• Council's District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums that work to address gr issues within each district electoral area within the Council.• Council's Good Relations Small Grants Scheme• Council's Ethnic Minority Support Centre• Newry, Mourne & Down (inter-agency) Intercultural Forum• Newry, Mourne & Down (inter-agency) Traveller Forum• Council's Decade of Centenaries Programme• Council's annual St Patrick's Day Cross Community Celebrations in• Downpatrick and Newry• other reactive GR activities that present themselves as opportunities to delveop GR across the Council district.GR Staff also provide advice and guidance on Good Relations matters to indivdiuals,community organisations and internally to staff and members of the District Council. The GRteam also provide assistance with organisational development through capacity buildinginitiatives and by providing regular communication by email on Council and non-Councilevents to its stakeholders. The GR programme also provides training and funding to thevoluntary sector enabling them to develop and deliver their own GR activities. Contact: Downshire Civic Centre, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick, BT30 6GQ Monaghan Row, Newry, BT35 8DJ Tel: 0300 013 2233Page 14

Case Study:Local Democracy Week EventBackground:Young people are empowered to voice their opinions/views on issues of interest to them and have agreater awareness and understanding of localdemocracy, and the role of the Council andCouncillors. The project sought to continue toimprove attitudes amongst our young people and tobuild a community where they can play a full andactive role in building good relations.Activity: - Through participation in this event the young people- The theme for the Week in 2016 was ‘Living avidly availed of the opportunity to engage with their Councillors. together in multicultural societies: respect, dialogue, interaction.’ - Councillors welcomed the opportunity to meet with- To celebrate and promote Local Democracy Week, and discuss a range of issues with young people. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invited - The event was hosted in the Council Chamber in members from Newry, Mourne and Down Youth Councils and YMCA Newcastle to the Council the Council Offices at the Downshire Civic Centre Chamber in the Downshire Civic Centre, and this helped to convey to the young people that Downpatrick, to take part in a facilitated 'Question the Chamber and the Council Offices are a shared Time' style panel discussion. space accessible to all members of the community.- The young people put questions of their choice to Qualitative Outcomes: the panel members for discussion, with input also The event was very successful and feedback from being invited from members of the audience. The participants has been that it was a great stepping questions and discussion centred on Brexit, the stone in building relationships. The learning Refugee Crisis, and ethnic minority Integration. however is that continued engagement throughout the year with these groups may empower strongerParticipants: more active working relationships.74 people attended the event - 54 young people and - ‘Great opportunity for young people to speak to20 adults (including youth work leaders, volunteers,panel members, Councillors and staff). Participants local politicians about important issues'.gained a greater understanding of the role of Councilin creating a shared community and supporting - 'First time being in Council, great experience’diversity. Learning for future programmes:Outcomes: Continued engagement throughout the year with these groups may empower stronger and more- Participants felt a greater awareness of the multi- active working relationships, leading to even more effective outcomes in future programmes. ethnic community we live in and their responsibility in becoming effective advocates for participation and engagement with minority ethnic communities. The young people were also given an opportunity to engage informally with other young people from the 'other' community, sharing experiences and building relationships. Page 15


 | Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Good Relations Programme OverviewArmagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Good Relations Action Plan sits inthe Community Development Department, of the People Directorate of the Council.A core priority of the Directorate is to improve everyone’s quality of life, opportunity, safety andwellbeing. Council recognises that people are the most important resource and is committedto providing shared spaces and services, celebrating culture and supporting communities todevelop a sense of belonging, safety and cohesion.The Good Relations team aims to help deliver these aspirations through activities aimed atcreating welcoming communities and neighbourhoods, developing community capacity byinvolving people in local decision making, celebrating rich diversity and promoting equality.The GR programme works very closely with the Boroughs overarching strategy, theCommunity Plan. “A Welcoming Community” is identified as one of nine strategic outcomes inthe Community Plan.Recognising that the Council area has become more diverse, with increasing positiveinteraction between people from different racial and religious backgrounds, Council wants theBorough to be a place where difference is valued recognising that people with differentbackgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions….Apeaceful, inclusive society is vital to ensuring that we have a welcoming, confident and safecommunity.The Councils GR team comprises of 5 Good Relations Officers with 2 Administrative supportstaff who work collaboratively to deliver good relations actions across the Borough. Theactions include a focus on engaging our most disadvantaged young people in diversionary,citizenship and democracy, integration and diversity awareness programmes and support forBME and migrant communities within the Council area. Contact: Tel: 0300 0300 900 The Palace Demesne, Armagh Tel: 0300 0300 900 Civic Building, Banbridge Tel: 0300 0300 900 Craigavon Civic and Conference CentrePage 16

Case Study:Local Democracy Week EventBackground:Young people are empowered to voice their opinions/views on issues of interest to them and have agreater awareness and understanding of localdemocracy, and the role of the Council andCouncillors. The project sought to continue toimprove attitudes amongst our young people and tobuild a community where they can play a full andactive role in building good relations.Activity: - Through participation in this event the young people- The theme for the Week in 2016 was ‘Living avidly availed of the opportunity to engage with their Councillors. together in multicultural societies: respect, dialogue, interaction.’ - Councillors welcomed the opportunity to meet with- To celebrate and promote Local Democracy Week, and discuss a range of issues with young people. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invited - The event was hosted in the Council Chamber in members from Newry, Mourne and Down Youth Councils and YMCA Newcastle to the Council the Council Offices at the Downshire Civic Centre Chamber in the Downshire Civic Centre, and this helped to convey to the young people that Downpatrick, to take part in a facilitated 'Question the Chamber and the Council Offices are a shared Time' style panel discussion. space accessible to all members of the community.- The young people put questions of their choice to Qualitative Outcomes: the panel members for discussion, with input also The event was very successful and feedback from being invited from members of the audience. The participants has been that it was a great stepping questions and discussion centred on Brexit, the stone in building relationships. The learning Refugee Crisis, and ethnic minority Integration. however is that continued engagement throughout the year with these groups may empower strongerParticipants: more active working relationships.74 people attended the event - 54 young people and - ‘Great opportunity for young people to speak to20 adults (including youth work leaders, volunteers,panel members, Councillors and staff). Participants local politicians about important issues'.gained a greater understanding of the role of Councilin creating a shared community and supporting - 'First time being in Council, great experience’diversity. Learning for future programmes:Outcomes: Continued engagement throughout the year with these groups may empower stronger and more- Participants felt a greater awareness of the multi- active working relationships, leading to even more effective outcomes in future programmes. ethnic community we live in and their responsibility in becoming effective advocates for participation and engagement with minority ethnic communities. The young people were also given an opportunity to engage informally with other young people from the 'other' community, sharing experiences and building relationships. Page 15


 | Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Good Relations Programme OverviewArmagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Good Relations Action Plan sits inthe Community Development Department, of the People Directorate of the Council.A core priority of the Directorate is to improve everyone’s quality of life, opportunity, safety andwellbeing. Council recognises that people are the most important resource and is committedto providing shared spaces and services, celebrating culture and supporting communities todevelop a sense of belonging, safety and cohesion.The Good Relations team aims to help deliver these aspirations through activities aimed atcreating welcoming communities and neighbourhoods, developing community capacity byinvolving people in local decision making, celebrating rich diversity and promoting equality.The GR programme works very closely with the Boroughs overarching strategy, theCommunity Plan. “A Welcoming Community” is identified as one of nine strategic outcomes inthe Community Plan.Recognising that the Council area has become more diverse, with increasing positiveinteraction between people from different racial and religious backgrounds, Council wants theBorough to be a place where difference is valued recognising that people with differentbackgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions….Apeaceful, inclusive society is vital to ensuring that we have a welcoming, confident and safecommunity.The Councils GR team comprises of 5 Good Relations Officers with 2 Administrative supportstaff who work collaboratively to deliver good relations actions across the Borough. Theactions include a focus on engaging our most disadvantaged young people in diversionary,citizenship and democracy, integration and diversity awareness programmes and support forBME and migrant communities within the Council area. Contact: Tel: 0300 0300 900 The Palace Demesne, Armagh Tel: 0300 0300 900 Civic Building, Banbridge Tel: 0300 0300 900 Craigavon Civic and Conference CentrePage 16

Case Study: Cost:JustUs OCN AccreditedTraining Programme The programme builds the capacity of participants to improve attitudes and build a community where theyBackground: can play an active role in building good relations, withArmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough the main areas of work focused in the Armagh BT60Council Good Relations Team recently delivered the 4EL region. The cost of delivery for this veryJustUs accredited OCN Training Programme to 14 successful scheme was £240 per person.teachers and youth workers from the Borough.The need to create new engagement opportunitiesfor children and young people from different social,cultural, ethnic and community backgrounds wasidentified through our audit.Activity:The programme specifically targets teachers andyouth workers to help them create safe spaces foryoung people to address legacy and identity issues.Desired Outcomes:The main outcome of the programme was thatparticipants working with young people couldimplement good relations based programmes thatenable young people to address the legacy of theconflict.Participants felt that the Programme provided aresource which could be used to address legacy andidentity issues, which added benefit to their workcomplimenting the Learning for Life and Work (LLW)citizenship aspect of the NI curriculum and CREDpolicy.Outcome:93% of participants stated that the programme hasincreased their confidence and capacity to delivergood relations programmes to young people. Page 17


 | Belfast City Council Good Relations Programme OverviewBelfast City Council delivers an extensive annual good relations programme through thefunding it receives from the District Council Good Relations Programme.The Good Relations Unit has 7 staff including 4 good relations officers who provide supportfor communities to promote good relations within and across communities. Each officer has aremit for a geographical area of the city, which is broken down on a north, south, east andwest basis, we also work with organisations who deliver on a city wide basis.In 16/17, we provided financial support for almost 130 organisations to develop local projectsthat would promote good relations within and across communities in Belfast and addressissues of sectarianism and racism. We try to work with those groups and communities whohave been most impacted by the legacy of the conflict in Belfast.As well as providing direct funding to groups we also work in partnership with communities todeliver programmes that:• raise awareness of diversity in the city• support the inclusion of our new communities in the social and civic life of the City,• support the building of new relationships across peace walls,• provide opportunities to explore the shared history of the city• develop shared spaces across the city• promote positive expressions of cultural heritage,For more information please email [email protected], call us on 028 90270663or visit our website www.belfastcity.gov.uk/goodrelations. From April, you will be able to view ashort video which captures some of the excellent work that Belfast City Council delivers. Contact: Tel: (028) 9032 0202 Belfast City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GSPage 18

Case Study: Outcomes:DiverseCity Programme - 92% of participants thought that participating in theBackground: event/training had increased their understanding ofAs part of the District Council Good Relation’s other communities/cultures in BelfastProgramme, Belfast City Council has been running aDiverseCity programme, with a diversity event - 95% of participants thought that participating in thehappening each month. event/training had increased their appreciation ofThe purpose of the programme is to create diversityopportunities for participants to learn about thepeople, places and communities that make Belfast. Qualitative Outcomes:The programme enables people to visit differentplaces of worship, to explore other cultures and - ‘This visit (Clifton Street Orange Hall) has providedheritages and to open up conversation and curiosityaround diversity. The programme provides people me with an opportunity to get inside a building Iwith the opportunity to visit spaces and places that thought I would never dare enter and to see thetraditionally they may not have visited or perhaps many artefacts hosted inside. I never thought Iare slightly nervous at visiting. would have the opportunity to see inside this building and be welcomed into it’.(Feedback fromActivity: visit to Clifton Street Orange Hall)Events have included Refugee awareness andArabic cultural information sessions, Roma and - ‘I never fully understood why asylum seekers comeTraveller awareness workshops. The programme hascreated opportunities for people to visit the Jewish to NI, honestly I thought they were all here forSynagogue, Belfast Islamic Centre and Clifton Street economic reasons, I now understand that not to beOrange Hall as well as organising a mural and peace the case and the difficult journeys people havewall tour and an event exploring the history and been compelled to take. Also I thought they weresignificance of the Irish language in Belfast. entitled to so much more than is the case’. (Feedback from Refugee and Asylum AwarenessThe programme links to the T;BUC theme of Cultural Training)expression which aims ‘to create a communitywhich promotes mutual respect and understanding, - ‘hearing the story of a person who had soughtis strengthened by its diversity and where culturalexpression is celebrated and embraced’. asylum and being free to ask questions has been life changing and has totally changed myLiving Library: perception about why people might come toOne of the most popular events organised through Belfast.’ (Feedback from young person at Livingthe programme is the Living Library. The Living Library event)Library is like a normal library but rather than borrowa book you borrow a person for a 30 minute Page 19conversation. It is designed to build a positiveframework for conversations that can challengestereotypes and prejudices through dialogue andfriendly engagement.At the Living Library real people are on loan toreaders; participants experience a one to oneconversation with someone they may havepreconceived ideas about, difficult questions areexpected, appreciated and answered. Our livingbooks have included people from the Muslim faith,former prisoners, a nun, a member of the orangeorder, a traveller, an asylum seeker and many others.


 | Fermanagh & Omagh District Council Good Relations Programme OverviewWithin Fermanagh & Omagh District Council there are currently four Good Relations Officers(GROs), two full-time and two part-time. The Good Relations Officers play an ever increasingdevelopmental role both internally and externally, within the Council. The Officers play apivotal role in making sure that good relations is at the heart of what all others do in theCouncil. They act as enablers, facilitators and mentors allowing for greater additionality interms of the implementation of good relations activities in the Council area.The role of the Good Relations Officers also includes building relationships and partnershipworking links with communities, groups, agencies and others across the Fermanagh andOmagh area. Through this relationship building activity, greater trust will be built, which willlead to more co-operation and collaboration across the Council district. The Good RelationsOfficers also continue to play a key part in planning and working with the PEACE IV team todevelop and implement a solid Peace Plan.As part of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s ongoing commitment to Diversity and GoodRelations, the Council conducted a review of its interaction with ‘Black, Minority Ethnic andTravelling communities within the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area’.The Review Document provides an overview of key statistics and services available to Black,Minority Ethnic and Travelling communities within the District, as well as including a summaryof priorities for the communities which were identified through a consultation exercise. Thedocument, and associated research, acts as a useful tool/resource for the Council and otherorganisations and agencies in helping to identify the needs of Black, Minority Ethnic andTravelling Communities.As a result of this review, an Action Plan was drafted and included within the report whichoutlines proposed actions to be undertaken by the Council, in conjunction with other agencies,in order to promote integration within the District. Contact: Tel: 0300 303 1777 The Grange, Mountjoy Road, Lisnamallard, Omagh BT79 7BL Tel: 0300 303 1777 Townhall, 2 Townhall Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7BAPage 20

Case Study: Qualitative Outcomes:One History, Many Stories Quotes from attendee’s:Programme - ‘This was so worthwhile. Now it is up to us to makeBackground:Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Good a difference in the future with the benefit ofRelations Programme, in partnership with RuralCommunity Network and REACT, Armagh, ran two hindsight.’ Thoughtful.events ‘One History, Many Stories’, to mark keyevents in history for the period 1914 – 1918. - ‘Congratulations to all involved.These events aimed to help people to acknowledge Opened up a multitude of new perspectives. Specialthe legacy of the past that still has importance fortoday and bring conflicting views of history together appreciation to the three speakers – like nothing I’vefor a shared purpose and to promote dialogue on keyhistorical events of the period. ever experienced before.’ Lots of variousParticipants: - ‘Enjoyable informative event.The first event, which took place during CommunityRelations and Cultural Awareness Week provided perspectives to give thought to. Thank you.’over 40 people with differing perspectives of the‘Great War’ 1914-1918. - ‘Very interesting and informative event especiallyActivity: from a cross community perspective’The event included talks and a question and answersession from local historian and historical consultant - ‘Queen Victoria was Grandmother of all threeQuincey Dougan and Seamus Farrell who hasworked internationally in conflict resolution for more Empire leaders – didn’t know that before.’than thirty years.The event also featured an exhibition entitled‘Postcards of the Great War’ which included apersonal collection of postcards with a focus on theGreat War gathered by local historian Ashley Forbes.Letters, uniforms, images and other memorabiliafrom that period of history were also on display.There was also poetry and music at the event.Outcomes:The evaluations showed that people learned a gooddeal about the history of the period 1914 – 1918.There was a 28 % increase in number of people whonow have good or very good knowledge of the period1914 – 1918 in British and Irish history and 27%decrease in those who stated that they had very littleor little knowledge of the period.Learning for future programmes:Following feedback and a post evaluation review ofthe ‘One History, Many Stories’ event in Omagh, theorganisers agreed to have three speakers ratherthan two at the Fermanagh event, one from aUnionist perspective, one from a Nationalist and onethat offered a variety of perspectives and highlightedthe complexities of the time. Page 21


 | Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Good Relations Programme OverviewLisburn & Castlereagh City Council delivers an annual good relations programme through thepart funding it receives from the District Council Good Relations Programme via TheExecutive Office. The Good Relations Unit delivers on the Together Building a UnitedCommunity Strategy to create a community which promotes mutual respect andunderstanding, which is strengthened by its diversity, and where cultural expression iscelebrated and embraced.Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has 3 staff including 1 Community Support Officer and 1Good Relations Officer who provides support for communities to promote good relationswithin and across communities in the Council area. The Good Relations Officer worksthroughout the Council area with community groups, youth groups, statutory agencies,schools, and the education authority and beyond ensuring a joined up approach for all.In 2016/2017, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Good Relations Programme providedgrant aid support to 13 local community organisations who are engaged in the delivery ofprogrammes / initiatives which focus on reconciliation and cultural diversity. The aim of thefund and successful projects is to promote good relations between people of different religiousand political beliefs and different racial groups. The Good Relations Programme alsosuccessfully delivered on a number of key projects throughout the year, namely the Decade ofCentenaries Programme, Holocaust Memorial Day and Mediation Training.The Good Relations Programme also works in partnership with communities andorganisations to deliver programmes that are primarily focused on the 4 keys themes of theT:BUC Strategy:• Our Children and Young People;• Our Shared Community;• Our Safe Community;• Our Cultural Expression.For more information please email [email protected], call us on 0289266 2496 or visit our website https://www.castlereaghcommunity.co.uk/ Contact: Tel: (028) 9250 9508 Civic Headquarters, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RLPage 22

Case Study: Qualitative OutcomesSomme Cultural ExpressionProgramme - “Well done to Lynsey and Lisburn & CastlereaghBackground: City Council on such a fantastically organised trip.A need for programmes focusing on the Together: Not only myself but the entire group have gotten soBuilding a United Strategy key aim of enabling much from our experiences in France and Belgiumcultural expression was identified by the latest that we all hope to spread the message of peaceCouncil Good Relations audit. In response to this back at home”.finding, a programme was planned involvingincreasing knowledge of the first world war and the - “The whole programme was extremely successful. Ibattle of the Somme, particularly in relation to itseffects on multiple communities within the Council would encourage anyone to take part in thearea. programme (if possible) as huge learning comes out of it. Conflict ends in many casualties and dead.Participants/Activity How can we use that knowledge dress our issues15 participants from within Community groups in today? Together we can achieve more”.Lisburn and Castlereagh Borough Council partook inthe ‘Somme’ Programme’ which involved some pre - “I would recommend this to other people. I learnt soworkshops exploring World War 1 and how it cameto be, followed by a trip to Belgium and France, much and found it a very emotional trip. It has takenphysically visiting sites such as the Island of Ireland it back to my life and the troubles we have here toPeace Park, the 16th Irish Division Memorial, the hopefully building bridges within communities”.Ulster Tower and the Menin gate. This was followedby workshops upon return to explore their learningwhilst away.OutcomesAfter the residential, participants knowledge on therole of the 16th Irish Division in World War 1increased by 54% thus equipping them with theconfidence in speaking about a shared historyregarding the face that the 16th Irish and the 36thUlster Divisions fought alongside one another – andthe learning that we could take from that in oureveryday life here in Northern Ireland now.Qualitative Outcomes- “Everything about the programme went over my expectations. It will truly change my life for the better. Nigel the guide made it even better with his knowledge and friendliness.’- “The entire experience was first class and Nigel did a great job explaining it all”.- “We were well prepared before the visit and had a god idea of what to expect. We left as strangers and came back as friends”. Page 23


 District Council Good Relations Programme Programme OutcomesThe Case Studies in this newsletter are examples of the outcome focused programmes delivered by individualDistrict Councils as part of the wider District Council Good Relations Programme.A focus on outcomes in good relations provision is very important. It allows us to:• Measure the difference we are making with the funding we providing in terms of improving good relations between and within Council areas• Clearly link the outcomes of individual good relations programmes with the key aims of the Executive’s Together: Building a United Community strategy.• Learn lessons from delivery that can inform the design and structure of future good relations programmesThe summary table below demonstrates how these elements have been recorded for the case studies featuredin this newsletter. District Council / Link to key aim of Outcome Learning for future Case Study Together: Building a programmes United Community keyAntrim and Newtownabbey District 91% increase in understanding of the Having a global perspective to elementsCouncil aim issues faced by survivors of genocide of programme content and learning canHolocaust Memorial Day Event have significant impacts in learning Cultural Expression 87% increase in understanding of the lessons from global events and applyingArds and North Down District Council issues faced by refugees them to local issuesShared Voices Programme Shared Community 50% increase in awareness of prejudice A toolkit was developed from the project toward minority ethnic groups and the to enable use by other agencies/ need to tackle it councils. The adaptability of the programme has enabled it to be as 17% increase in the number of successful. participants who felt they had a lot in common with people from another ethnic Use of volunteer facilitators has allowed or community background to them the project to remain fresh and up-to- date.Causeway Coast & Glens District Children & Young People ‘Attitude’ improved by 12% with Using prominent local personalities canCouncil participants now open to exploring attract participants to a programme and discussion with those of diverse and improve the outcomes obtainedYouth Civic Leadership Programme opposing opinions.“Lets Talk” ‘Civic Engagement’ increased by 17%, as participants indicated that they would now be more confident in discussions with civic leaders. ‘Confidence’ went up by 14% with participants more confident about engaging in Good Relations activities. Overall, 78% of participants stated that, as a result of the Let’s Talk event, they were now more likely to get involved in civic life/politics.Derry & Strabane District Council Children & Young People Pupils really enjoyed the opportunity to High demand for further sessions. Culture Quarter Initiative learn about new cultures and traditions Practical workshops work best and a Feedback from teachers was extremely maximum of 1 hour slots. positive with 89% of respondents rating the workshops as very good or In future years programme will be offered excellent.  twice per year as opposed to only once. 99% of respondents felt that it was a worthwhile project in promoting good relations. Page 24

District Council / Link to key aim of Together: Building Outcome Learning for future programmes Case Study a United Community key aimMid and East Antrim District Council Shared Community 96% of participants stated that their From feedback more time could haveHolocaust Memorial Project awareness has increased of the impact been given to the workshop element of of division. the programme and this can be improved in future programmes. 96% of participants stated that the programme had increased their understanding about the importance of peacebuilding and living in a shared community.Mid Ulster District Council Children & Young People 87% of the children now have more Important to involve the participants in allMid Ulster Schools Together (MUST) respect and understanding of people aspects of programme design and from different religions and races. delivery to ensure they are fully engaged with the programme at all times. 83% of participants stated they now feel much more comfortable mixing with people from different communities, countries and races.Newry & Mourne District Council Shared Community Participants felt a greater awareness of Continued engagement throughout theLocal Democracy Week event the multi-ethnic community we live in and year with these groups may empower their responsibility in becoming effective stronger and more active working advocates for participation and relationships, leading to even more engagement with minority ethnic effective outcomes in future communities. programmes. The young people were also given an opportunity to engage informally with other young people from the 'other' community, sharing experiences and building relationships. Through participation in this event the young people avidly availed of the opportunity to engage with their Councillors. Councillors welcomed the opportunity to meet with and discuss a range of issues with young people.Belfast City Council Cultural Expression 92% of participants thought that Use of historical buildings in CouncilDiverseCity Programme participating in the event/training had area is an excellent way to demonstrate increased their understanding of other the culture of other communities andArmagh Banbridge & Craigavon District Children & Young People communities/cultures in Belfast increase respect for itCouncil Cultural Expression 95% of participants thought that Good when participants can gainJustUs OCN Accredited Training participating in the event/training had accredited qualifications at the sameProgramme increased their appreciation of diversity time as learning to positive change behaviours in terms of good relationsLisburn & Castlereagh District Council 93% of participants stated that the programme has increased theirSomme Shared History Programme confidence and capacity to deliver good relations programmes to young people 54% of participants stated that the Increasing our knowledge of historical programme has increased their events and shared history can assist in knowledge of the shared history of good relations learning in the present people from different community backgroundsFermanagh & Omagh District Council Cultural Expression 28% increase in the number of Following feedback and a post participants who felt they now had a very evaluation review of the ‘One History,‘One History, Many Stories’ good knowledge of the shared history of Many Stories’ event in Omagh, theprogramme people from different community organisers agreed to have three backgrounds speakers rather than two at the Fermanagh event, one from a Unionist perspective, one from a Nationalist and one that offered a variety of perspectives and highlighted the complexities of the time. Page 25




 District Councils Good Relations Programme Programme Newsletter 2016/17 (C) 2017 The Executive Office