Good Relations

Groundwork Northern Ireland are committed to working towards ‘A shared society made up of sustainable, inclusive, cohesive communities, which are healthy and safe and which respect the environment in which people live and prosper.' We believe that Good Relations contributes towards improving relationships that help to deliver more cohesive communities, by creating:

• Security - a safer environment, inclusive to all and free from sectarianism.
• Unity - a realisation of belonging to different communities while actively delivering on shared values, active citizenship and responsibilities.

• Respect - acceptance of the right of individuals and groups to identify, maintain and develop a chosen culture, whilst exploring other cultures.

• Equality - equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

We help develop community cohesion at institutional, organisational, group and individual levels by actively working in the following areas:

• Transforming communities: by working with local communities and stakeholders to provide a strong active partnership working to develop local communities.
• Challenging sectarianism and racism: By working with staff and communities to develop training opportunities to raise awareness and develop skills around the subject of sectarianism and racism.
• Physical regeneration: Working to improve the physical landscaping of the area, including interface areas, by developing land to become accessible for community usage.
• Tackling visible manifestations of sectarianism: Working to develop good practice around the management of bonfire sites, and to help communities to face the challenges of removal / replacement of ‘ inappropriate and aggressive’ murals.

For further information on:

• Community relations / good relations training,
• Developing shared space,
• Bonfire development work
• Anti-sectarian work,
• Devloping cohesive communities
• Or any related issues

Please contact Robert Lee, Good Relations Officer, at Groundwork Northern Ireland on 028 90749494. Email: robertlee@groundworkni.co.uk