Good Relations

Good Relations promotes respect, equality and tolerance between different people who live in the same place. In society, people might have different religious beliefs, political opinions, ethnicity, age, marital status or sexual orientation. 

Together: Building a United Community Strategy

Our Good Relations department published "Together: Building a United Community" Strategy which reflects the government's commitment to improving community relations and creating a more united and shared society.

The strategy explains how government, community and individuals will work together to build a united community and achieve change with the following priorities:

  • children and young people
  • our shared community
  • our safe community
  • our cultural expression

Celebrating Diversity in Ards and North Down

Ards and North Down Borough Council Good Relations is delighted to announce four GrAND Festivals in February 2019: events across the borough which will celebrate cultures from across the world and how they integrate in today’s new and vibrant Ards and North Down.

 Those who work, live and play in the Ards and North Down are invited to come along and join with an exciting programme of cultural food, music and dance. All welcome to these fun, free family events taking place in:

  • Donaghadee Community Centre Friday 8th February | 6-9pm
  • Queens Hall, Newtownards Saturday 9th February | 2-5pm
  • Hamilton Hub, Bangor Friday 15th February | 6-9pm
  • Ballygowan Community Centre Saturday 16th Feb | 2-5pm

Click on the logo for full details:

grANDfest colourful logo


Shared Voices Programme

What is the Shared Voices programme?
The Shared Voices programme was developed with the assistance of First and Second generation ethnic volunteers and is aimed primarily at raising awareness of the diversity within our society.
 
What is the aim of the Shared Voices programme?
The Shared Voices programme aims to assist Good Relations and work towards making Ards and North Down Borough a shared and safe place for all.
 
Who is the programme for?
The programme is aimed primarily at for young people from P5 upwards primarily in a school environment and during 30 minute periods but can be adapted to be delivered within a community setting, to smaller groups and to different age groups. Times can be adjusted to what is available.
 
How can the Shared Voices programme help me?
This programme has been developed to raise awareness of the diversity in our society. The purpose of this programme is to challenge preconceived perceptions and myths that wider society may have towards ethnic minority groups. The programme will address these preconceptions through facts, figures, real life stories and interactive activities.
 
If you would like to deliver the Shared Voices programme in your school or community group we have developed a toolkit to enable you. The toolkit is available to download here. If you require assistance please email us goodrelations@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or call the team and we would be happy to help.


Funding
The community relations units in the Executive Office provide funding.

Good Relations Grant Programme

Applications are now closed for the Good Relations Grant Programme. For further information on this programme please contact Donna Mackey on 0300 013 3333 ext 40245. 

Cultural Expression Programme 2018
Applications are now closed. For further information on this programme please contact Donna Mackey on 0300 013 3333 ext 40245.

Language
If you require information from this website in another language please contact Shirley Poxon on 0300 013 3333 (or 07718 159 275 sms text only) or email shirley.poxon@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Community