Press Release

City set to embrace Community relations week

Monday, 21 April

A weeklong celebration with over 30 events is being organised by Derry City Council in association with the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council to kick off Community Relations Week, which takes place between 26 April and 03 May.

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson announced details of the events at the Guildhall today, Monday 21 April when he officiates at the launch of the “Are We There Yet” campaign at the Guildhall at 11.30 am. The campaign launch was also attended by representatives of local community relations and ethnic minority community organisations. Details of Love Poetry Hate Racism workshops which are being held throughout the week were also unveiled.

Speaking at the launch, the Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson said he welcomed the positive partnership approach being taken to promote good relations between communities in the city.

He acknowledged the fact the time had come for society to look how far we have come in relation to peace but to ask themselves - ‘Are We There Yet? saying: “I will be actively encouraging people to attend at least one event that week to show their support for diversity and challenging sectarianism and racism in their own local area. Its important that we all take a step in the right direction if we are to move forward. The Love Poetry Hate Racism workshops will also assist in dealing with these issues and encouraging public involvement and interaction.”

Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council sees the week as very important. “The work of community relations groups is very important to this area and Derry City Council is very supportive of that work. The many events organised in the city will be enjoyable for visitors, but will also help to raise awareness of some of the issues facing our communities and some of the solutions that are in place to combat them”.

The Are We There Yet? Campaign will move to Foyleside Shopping Centre for two days during the weekend of Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April from 9.30 am to 5 pm in an effort to encourage public participation in making a postcard challenge to our politicians to work for a better and shared future for everyone.

Sue Divin continued: “Since devolution there have been huge changes and we are now faced with a unique opportunity to progress towards a peaceful and shared society. By taking our campaign to the local shopping centre we are offering the public the chance to put their message of hope and expectation for better shared future, to our politicians,” she said.

The highlights of community relations week include a Llets Talk Politics event organised for local secondary schools and hosted by radio presenter David Dunseith and involving a panel of five politicians; an event at St Columb’s Park House to celebrate the success stories of the Reimaging Communities Arts Council NI funding for local projects; a Williamite exhibition and workshops by the Orange Order at the Workhouse Museum, as well as a Flower Festival at St Columb’s Cathedral, a Youth United Service, a photography exhibition at the Synod Hall in London Street and a United in History Somme Exhibition at St. Columb’s House.

Carol Stewart, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council added that the range of events organised were suited to all tastes and are a fitting tribute to the work carried out by groups across the city in improving relations between all communities. “This is an exciting week in the city and we are delighted to be able to offer a range of innovative events that highlight the real differences that these organisations are making to our society,” she said.

The Shared City Project, based in the Waterside, is one local organisation that is heavily involved in organising events in the city this year. Jeanette Warke, from Shared City Project said: “We have established a wide network within both Catholic and Protestant estate based community groups and provide a wide range of community education programmes to local people. We are delighted to be part of the celebrations for Community Relations Week this year. We see it as an important week in our calendar as it provides the opportunity to bring our work to an wider audience and celebrate the successful programmes we run”.

Derry City Council is delighted to support Community Relations Week, which is in line with the Executive’s Programme for Government 2008-2011 and its aim to ‘implement a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future.’ It is also in line with Section 75 Good Relations legislation and Derry City Council’s Good Relations Strategy.

For further information about any of the events please contact the Community Relations Officers Sue Divin and Carol Stewart or Shared City Project Officer Jeanette Warke on Tel: 02871345160.

Ends

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