The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, took the lead in being the very first signatory of the pledge of the Council’s new ‘Everybody Belongs’ pledge.

The new campaign launched by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council demonstrates its commitment to valuing each and every resident in the district, and strives to oppose racism, sectarianism and discrimination against any of its residents irrespective of background, identity or ethnicity.

Everybody Belongs was originally developed in line with the vision of the Council’s Good Relations Programme, aimed at ensuring that everyone feels they belong in a district that is welcoming, shared and inclusive for all.

At the official launch of the new initiative, Councillor Thompson said: “Fermanagh and Omagh District has a well-earned reputation for the warmth and friendliness of the people, and the Everybody Belongs campaign will clearly demonstrate that we are a district where everyone is welcome and valued irrespective of their background, identity and ethnicity, and everyone has a role to play in our society.

“I believe it is important that we recognise that our diversity and multiculturalism greatly enriches our society, and I am delighted to be the first citizen in our district to sign the Everybody Belongs pledge.”

The new pledge of belonging is one that all public agencies, businesses and community organisations will be invited to commit to and display on their premises.The pledge is also available for signing online at www.fermanaghomagh.com.