Local groups and organisations in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area are helping to deliver a positive message that ‘Change Starts With Us’ with a creative and inspiring programme of cross-community and multicultural events as part of Good Relations Week 2022, which started this week.

Co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council, Good Relations Week 2022 started on Tuesday, September 20, and runs to next Monday, September 26, with groups and organisations across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area shining a light on how they are building a more sustainable and shared future.

This year’s programme of events includes incredible face-to-face events, engaging online events and creative pieces of digital content based on the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Change Starts with Us’.

This week-long programme of workshops, lectures, panel discussions, feature talks, podcasts, film, music and dance performances, storytelling, and exhibitions is focusing on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to highlight the political, social, economic, and environmental challenges we face as a region.

Events are addressing gender inequality, climate change and the environment, improving individual health and well-being, eradicating poverty and hunger, and removing barriers to improved education.

They are also showcasing the outstanding good relations efforts of local communities in delivering peace and prosperity to the region, as well as addressing everything from sectarianism and racism to shared spaces, peace-building and cultural diversity.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Good Relations Week 2022 and it’s great to see so many local groups and organisations from across the district becoming actively involved in a week-long programme of events.

‘An excellent opportunity’

“Good Relations Week 2022 is an excellent opportunity to reinforce the message that ‘Change Starts With Us’ as we call on local communities to continue to work together to achieve a sustainable and shared future for our society.

“We hope this week of events will showcase the tremendous efforts of local groups and organisations to deliver groundbreaking projects and initiatives that focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and make a sustained and lasting difference in their communities.”

Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said: “The programme of events will showcase the creativity and enthusiasm of local groups and organisations in their efforts to achieving a better and more sustainable future for us all.

“It will explore how these groups and organisation have made concerted efforts to bring communities together, regardless of background, culture, or heritage.

“It will shine a light on their efforts to tackle important issues such as sectarianism, racism, and other forms of identity hatred and inequality, as well as addressing climate change, eradicating food poverty, and improving people’s mental health.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, said: “We want to thank all of the local groups and organisations across the region who’ve helped us put together a dynamic programme of workshops, lectures, discussion panels, music and theatre performances, exhibitions, archive videos and lots more for people to enjoy.”

Good Relations Week is supported by The Executive Office and contributes to delivering the Together: Building a United Community Strategy.

For further information on the Good Relations Week 2022 programme of events, see www.goodrelationsweek.com, or keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag, #GRW22.