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Good Relations

'We Stand Together' OCN Level 3 Programme

Good Relations Strategy

Good Relations Programme: “Building Understanding”

Since 1998, all Northern Ireland public bodies have a legal duty to promote good relations between people from different community, religious and racial backgrounds. On 23 May 2013, the Northern Ireland Executive government furthered their commitment to good relations with the release of Together Building A United Community Strategy to improve community relations and continue the journey towards a more united and shared society.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme aims to improve day to day relationships by reducing all forms of prejudice, promoting equality and encouraging a society in which our own cultures and traditions as well as other people’s cultures and traditions are understood, respected and accepted.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Good Relations Programme works to deliver four key priorities and outcomes;

Our Children and Young People - To continue to improve attitudes amongst our young people and to build a community where they can play a full and active role in building good relations.
Our Shared Community - To create a community where division does not restrict the life opportunities of individuals and where all areas are open and accessible to everyone.
Our Safe Community - To create a community where everyone feels safe in moving around and where life choices are not inhibited by fears around safety.
Our Cultural Expression - To create a community which promotes mutual respect and understanding, is strengthened by its diversity, and where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recently completed an audit and strategy for Good Relations for the period 2020-25. The Strategy and associated local Action Plans have been designed to create and support a locally relevant and focussed programme of activity across the Borough. download your copy below;

Good Relations Audit and Strategy 2022-25

Discussion Topics
- Examples of successful good relations initiatives in your community
- Challenges or barriers to good relations
- Priorities for the next Good Relations Strategy
Your views will directly inform the recommendations for the Borough’s next strategy.
Course Dates and Locations
Participants can choose one of the following delivery options:

Group 1 – Evening Programme

Wednesdays | 6.00pm – 9.00pm | Spinning Room, Mossley Mill
- 16 September
- 23 September
- 30 September
- 7 October
- 14 October
Group 2 – Intensive Weekend Programme

Saturdays | 9.30am – 4.30pm | Barron Hall, Glengormley
- 19 September
- 26 September
What You'll Learn
Throughout the programme you will:
- Gain a greater understanding of hate crime and current trends in Northern Ireland.
- Learn about the experiences, challenges and resilience of people from different backgrounds.
- Understand the causes of prejudice, discrimination and division within society.
- Explore the impact of stereotypes, misinformation and disinformation.
- Learn how to report hate crime and access appropriate support services.
- Develop the confidence to become an effective active bystander and community advocate.
- Work collaboratively to develop a Mini-Manifesto aimed at tackling local issues and promoting inclusion.
Data Protection

All personal information will be handled securely, used only for this review, and anonymised in reporting. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any stage before analysis is completed.
What we do

The Council runs a series of programmes, activities, events and a small grants programme to help support the development of good relations locally for ALL age groups.
How can I get involved?

We would be delighted to have you join in our programmes or hear your suggestions or ideas. To get involved contact us on:

T: 028 90340000
E: goodrelations@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
RSVP

Please confirm your attendance by E. stacey@laragoodallconsulting.com, including the number and names of representatives attending.

If you cannot attend your local session, you are warmly invited to join the general borough-wide session on Thursday 4 September.
Workshop Programme
Workshop 1 – Introduction to Hate Crime
- Understanding hate crime and the role of HCAS.
- Hate Crime Isn't Funny comedy session.
- Stereotypes, misconceptions and hate crime.
- Local and global issues.
Workshop 2 – Protected Characteristics and Current Trends
- Exploring how hate crime affects people from different backgrounds.
- Hearing directly from people with lived experience.
- Hate Crime Isn't Funny comedy session.
- Understanding misinformation and disinformation.
Workshop 3 – Reporting Hate Crime and Accessing Support
- Hate crimes versus hate incidents.
- What happens when a hate crime is reported to the PSNI.
- Understanding the court process.
- Statistics, legislation, barriers and current trends.
Workshop 4 – Causes of Hate Crime and Active Bystanders
- Documentary exploring hate crime in Northern Ireland.
- Becoming an effective Active Bystander.
- Exploring the Northern Ireland Hate Crime Manifesto.
Workshop 5 – Building Good Practice
- Review and reflection.
- Facilitated group discussions.
- Focus groups.
- Developing a local Mini-Manifesto to be launched following the course.
Course Commitment
To achieve the OCN Level 3 qualification, participants will complete:
- 15 hours of learning
- 11 hours of facilitated workshops.
- Approximately 4 hours of independent work to support the development of the Mini-Manifesto.
Digital Resources
Each year thousands of pupils across the Borough embark on the transition from primary to post primary education, which can be both exciting and challenging at the best of times. Over the last year pupils have had to face the additional pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, making the transition to secondary education under very uncertain times. To help support children Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council through the Good Relations Programme have developed a digital resource that aims to promote personal well-being and the importance of connecting with others.

The themes included within this resource are;
In addition to the above we also have
- Pupil resource
- Teacher Resource
For more information please feel free to contact the Good Relations Team via E. goodrelations@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Benefits of Taking Part
By completing the course, participants will:
- Achieve an Open College Network (OCN) Level 3 qualification.
- Increase their understanding of hate crime and community relations.
- Build stronger connections within their local community.
- Gain practical knowledge of reporting procedures and support services.
- Develop the confidence to challenge prejudice and discrimination.
- Contribute to a practical model of good practice through the creation of a local Mini-Manifesto.

The Council’s Good Relations Programme receives funding support from The Executive Office.

Good Relations

'We Stand Together' OCN Level 3 Programme

Good Relations Strategy

Good Relations Programme: “Building Understanding”

Group 1 – Evening Programme

Group 2 – Intensive Weekend Programme

Workshop 1 – Introduction to Hate Crime

Workshop 2 – Protected Characteristics and Current Trends

Workshop 3 – Reporting Hate Crime and Accessing Support

Workshop 4 – Causes of Hate Crime and Active Bystanders

Workshop 5 – Building Good Practice