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Two community organisations from different traditions are marking ten years of partnership that has quietly dismantled barriers through craft, conversation and shared experiences, offering a living example of reconciliation as Good Relations Week approaches.
South Armagh Rural Women's Network from Crossmaglen and REACT, an Armagh City-based community group, have spent the past decade building bridges between their members through regular activities and genuine friendship. Their sustained collaboration, backed by the Victims and Survivors Service, demonstrates how meaningful relationships can develop across traditionally divided communities when people commit to genuine engagement.
The Victims and Survivors Service focuses on enhancing the health and wellbeing of those affected by the Troubles through tailored support including talking therapy, advocacy and social programmes. By partnering with trusted local organisations, VSS ensures its resources reach those who need them most whilst fostering community connections.
Each year, South Armagh Rural Women's Network hosts a Good Relations celebration in Crossmaglen, welcoming REACT members for a day of shared activities and socialising. This year's gathering, supported by both VSS and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, showcased the diverse creative talents within SARWN, with members displaying traditional lace making, felting, painting, crocheting and quilting alongside performances of line dancing and music.
Women from both organisations admired each other's work, danced together and deepened existing friendships over lunch, creating an atmosphere of warmth that reflects years of building trust and understanding.
Andrew Walker, Chief Executive of VSS, highlighted how the event embodies the organisation's fundamental principles. "We are delighted to support REACT and SARWN and this event in particular, which reflects VSS's commitment to being 'Connected' – one of our core values alongside being Trauma Informed, Compassionate, and Trusted."
Cliodhna Geraghty from South Armagh Rural Women's Network emphasised the partnership's relevance to this year's Good Relations Week theme. "Our partnership with REACT perfectly embodies Good Relations Week's 'Connect' theme. Our members have shown that connection and friendship can flourish between communities from different traditions."
The relationship between the two groups extends well beyond their annual celebrations. Over ten years, members have shared respite breaks, attended relaxation evenings together, participated in joint craft workshops, watched cooking demonstrations and worked side by side on gardening projects, creating multiple opportunities for natural interaction and relationship building.
Shirley Hayes from REACT reflected on how the decade-long friendship has flourished through shared values and commitment. "Our commitment to supporting victims and survivors aligns perfectly with SARWN's community-focused approach. After ten years of friendship, craft-sharing, and mutual support, our members prove that when communities choose connection over division, everyone prospers."
The tenth anniversary represents more than a milestone for two organisations – it exemplifies how VSS's collaborative approach with community and voluntary groups can generate lasting transformation, building resilience and hope in areas still healing from conflict.
Council Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell praised the initiative's contribution to broader community cohesion efforts. "Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted to support South Armagh Rural Women's Network for their good relations event through our Good Relations Financial Assistance. By funding initiatives like this, we are helping to strengthen relationships, celebrate diversity, and build inclusive communities for the future."
Good Relations Week runs from 13th to 19th October 2025, with this year's 'Connect' theme encouraging people throughout Northern Ireland to build bridges across traditional divides.
