Good Relations Programme

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Good Relations Programme is managed by the Council's Engagement Section which is part of the Active and Healthy Communities Directorate.

The Council's Good Relations Programme seeks to encourage and support activity that promotes good relations between people from different backgrounds to help improve people’s quality of life.

In seeking to do so, the Council's Engagement Section works with a range of local community, voluntary and statutory organisations and other sectors to deliver the Good Relations Programme.

Join us for a celebration of Good Relations in Newry, Mourne and Down!

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will host a Celebration of Good Relations Event on Thursday 16 October at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry at 7pm. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase the creativity and dedication of local community and voluntary groups who are recipients of Good Relations funding via Council and undertake work to promote good relations across the district.

A programme of other key events will run across the district from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 October 2025 as part of a region-wide programme co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office under the Together: Building a United Community strategy.

The celebration event will act as a platform to highlight the transformative power of people and communities working together to address key good relations challenges such as sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty, and education in our district. The evening will bring together a range of local community and voluntary sector groups along with key funders and policy makers to discuss the key challenges and opportunities in the delivery of good relations work.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson Councillor, Philip Campbell said, “This Celebration of Good Relations is a fantastic chance to highlight the ongoing positive work in our district and recognise the groups and individuals who dedicate themselves to bringing people together,' he said. Our Council is passionate about celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and building a brighter shared future. It's inspiring to see the energy of so many local groups highlighting this year-round work. By joining discussions and events throughout Good Relations Week, sharing experiences, and learning from one another, we can all contribute to the positive change our society requires.”

What event attendees can expect on the night:

A panel featuring representatives from local community groups to discuss Good Relations in our district.
Opportunity to meet directly with funding representatives including: The Executive Office, Community Relations Council and the NMDDC Grants and Funding Team.
Performances from local groups including the Kirknarra School of Dance and St. Joseph's Pipe Band Glassdrumman.

Date: Thursday 16 October
Time: 7pm (registration from 6.30pm) light refreshments served
Venue: Miller Suite, Canal Court Hotel, Newry
Entry: Free of charge
Booking: Book tickets via the EventBrite link to reserve your place

For any additional information, please call the Good Relations Team on 0330 137 4854.

Good Relations Week 2025

Local groups and organisations across Newry, Mourne and Down have put together an exciting programme of community and cultural events for Good Relations Week 2025.

This year’s theme, ‘Connect,’ recognises that the foundation of a better community is built on People, Planet and Prosperity - all connected by the goal of Peace.
The programme leads up to and during Good Relations Week from October 13-19, 2025, as part of a region-wide programme co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council and supported by The Executive Office under the Together: Building a United Community strategy.

Throughout the week, audiences can look forward to workshops, lectures, panel discussions, podcasts, storytelling, digital content, exhibitions, and more. These events highlight how communities are working together to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and create opportunities for a more inclusive society. The events will also highlight positive efforts to address challenges such as sectarianism, racism, gender inequality, health and wellbeing, poverty, and education.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is proud to once again support Good Relations Week. Our Council is passionate about celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and building a brighter shared future. It is inspiring to see so many local groups coming together with such energy to highlight the good relations work happening all year round.
“I encourage everyone to visit the Good Relations Week website and explore the excellent events programme and consider getting involved and attending an event. By joining discussions, sharing experiences, and learning from one another, we can all play a part in the positive change our society needs.”

Good Relations Events in Newry, Mourne and Down:

Crotlieve
Communities Leading Change Initiative Crotlieve DEA– Warrenpoint Town Hall. Saturday, October 4, 2025, 11-2pm
Chinese Celebration Event - Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint. Monday, October 13, 2025, 7pm

Newry
Diwali Celebration – Date TBC, Hall for All, Newry 4-7pm

Slieve Gullion
Funding Fair - Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Cloughreagh Community Centre 2-7pm

Ethnic Minority Support Centre (October 13-19)
Newry Town Hall (by appointment only)
- Monday 9am – 4pm
- Tuesday 9am – 4pm
- Thursday 12.30 – 4.30pm

Newry and Mourne Museum free tours during Good Relations Week
Daily Monday 13 to Friday 17 at 2pm

Newry, Mourne and Down Celebration of Good Relations Event
Thursday, October 16, 7pm, Canal Court Hotel, Newry
To book your place at the event visit: GoodRelationsNMD.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information, please call the Good Relations Team on 0330 137 4854.

Good Relations Strategy

The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Good Relations Strategy creates a framework for improving community integration, cohesion and belonging across the Council area. It supports Council to actualise initiatives which positively promote Good Relations, based upon evidence, research and good practice. The Good Relations Audit and Strategy 2021 can be read here.

Good Relations Action Plan

The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Good Relations Action Plan covers outcomes, indicators, measures and actions for projects, supported by budgets and resources under the four T:BUC themes.

The Action Plan supports a range of activities to foster Good Relations throughout the Council area. Examples of projects supported under this plan includes:

Addressing DEA Good Relations issues via District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum Initiatives
Council's Good Relations Small Grants Scheme
Council's Ethnic Minority Support Centre & BME Integration Programme
Council's Cultural Celebrations Programme
Youth Engagement Programmes

Our Good Relations Programme is 75% part-financed through The Executive Office with the remaining 25% financial commitment being met by the Council.

Staff also provide:

Advice and guidance on Good Relations matters
Assistance with organisational development through capacity building initiatives

Contact Details

Martina Flynn
Safer Communities and Good Relations Manager
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
McGrath Centre
1 Margaret Street
Newry
Co. Down
BT34 1DF

Telephone: 0330 137 4689