Shared Neighbourhoods Celebration

Groups from Brownlow, Lissize, Newry, Fivemiletown and Enniskillen were welcomed to a recent event to celebrate local initiatives and projects implemented through the Housing Executive‘s Shared Neighbourhood Programme.

The event was hosted by the Housing Executive at its South Area Office in Marlborough House, Craigavon.  It highlighted the successful work being done by community groups through the Shared Neighbourhood Programme, which aims to develop shared areas where people choose to live with others, regardless of their religion or race, in a neighbourhood that is safe and welcoming to all.

Jennifer Hawthorne, Head of the Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion Unitexplained: “The Housing Executive is delighted to be able to celebrate the vital contribution being made locally by groups who work tirelessly to improve community relations and cohesion where they live and work.”

“A lot of excellent work is being done by these groups to develop relationships between and within communities. Today’s event provided an opportunity for those attending to highlight the benefits, and identify the challenges, offered by the Shared Neighbourhood Programme.  It also provides us with feedback on how best we can support this vital work.”

A range of initiatives and projects were highlighted which had been tailored to meet the needs of individual communities, addressing issues of concern that affect local residents’ quality of life.  These included the development of community safety leaflets, community welcome packs, providing training for local residents, as well as funding for good relations and multicultural events, local fun days and health fairs.

Additionally, the community groups are helping to develop an awareness of the diverse groups to be found in local communities and to recognise the valuable contributions these groups make to our society.

The Housing Executive hopes that successful initiatives like these will encourage other areas to create their own shared communities where diversity is welcomed and people of all backgrounds live, work, learn and play together.