Ballymena Borough Council | Community Life

24 July 2008

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PROMOTING GOOD RELATIONS

Ballymena Borough Council has been active in promoting Community Relations since 1991. The Council have amongst other things:

Promoted several high profile annual events and festivals, such as the Summer Festival and Ballymena Arts Festival
Organized events aimed at improving the understanding of our cultural diversity
Worked closely with key partners to promote Community Relations priorities for all sections of the Borough

In February 2001, after a seven-month consultation with our ratepayers and stakeholders, it was decided by Council to review our Community Relations activities. During the consultation it became clear that there was a need for change. New areas of concern became apparent including Intimidation, Cultural Identity, Territory Marking and Ethnic Minorities issues.

As a result, the new Vision for Community Relations in the Borough was created,

“The Council will provide leadership to the community and others by working in partnership with other agencies to deliver a Community Relations programme which relates directly to the needs of local citizens, is focused on the priorities expressed by citizens, and is founded on the principles of equitable treatment of all, respect for diversity and acceptance of our interdependence”

The following eight key theme areas were identified in order to assist the transition from merely promoting community relations to a more strategic Good Relations programme.

Eight Key Good Relations Areas of Work

Cultural Traditions – Need to increase respect for cultural traditions
Ethnic Minorities – Need to address the needs of people from Ethnic Minority Groups
Single Identity – Focus on appropriate Single Identity work
Inter-Church – Help establish meaningful inter-faith work
Intimidation – Initiate dialogue within communities and try to address intimidation
Territory Marking - Consult with communities and address all detrimental environmental matters.
Councillor Relationships - Promote an ethos of Civic Leadership and reduce confrontation
Good Relations Training – Introduce a training programme for Councillors, Staff and raise awareness throughout the Community.

This Strategy is currently being reviewed.

For further details, please contact:

Mrs. Jackie Patton,
Community Relations Officer,
Policy Unit,
Ballymena Borough Council,
“Ardeevin”,
80 Galgorm Road,
BALLYMENA,
BT42 1AB

e-mail: jackie.patton@ballymena.gov.uk

Telephone (028) 2566 0447

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