Community Groups Celebrate Good Relations Week with Stormont Visit

Eighty residents from across the Rowallane, Downpatrick, Slieve Croob and Mournes District Electoral Areas (DEAs) came together for a special visit to Parliament Buildings at the Stormont estate on Friday 16 October as part of this year's Good Relations Week celebrations.

The trip, organised in partnership by the four DEAs, provided participants with the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of the historic building, learn more about the political institutions of Northern Ireland and meet local elected representatives.

The group was welcomed to the Assembly Chamber by Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong, who spoke about the Assembly’s role and answered questions from the DEA visitors who also had the opportunity to meet South Down MLA Cathy Mason during the tour.

The residents were also joined by Rowallane DEA Forum Chairperson, Councillor Jonny Jackson and Downpatrick DEA Chairperson, Councillor Oonagh Hanlon.

Following the tour, participants enjoyed lunch in the Long Gallery, providing an opportunity to socialise, develop new connections and celebrate the positive community relationships that Good Relations Week promotes.

Cllr Jackson said: “Good Relations Week provides an important opportunity to bring people together, strengthen community connections and encourage greater understanding of our shared society. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from across the four DEAs and to provide residents with the opportunity to visit Stormont and learn more about how decisions affecting local communities are made."

Cllr Hanlon added: "The visit was a wonderful example of people from different backgrounds coming together to learn, share experiences and build positive relationships. Events such as this help foster respect, understanding and a sense of belonging across our communities."

The Stormont visit formed part of a wider programme of Good Relations Week activities taking place across the district, aimed at promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity and encouraging meaningful engagement between communities.

Organisers would like to thank Kellie Armstrong and Cathy Mason for meeting with participants during the visit and Strangford MLA Harry Harvey’s Constituency Office for its assistance in helping to organise the trip and making the day such a success.