Junior Ministers praise organisations delivering good relations projects
Date published:
Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting have praised local organisations that are working to build a more inclusive and peaceful society.
Speaking at a special event in Parliament Buildings to mark Good Relations Week, the Junior Ministers said it was important to recognise and celebrate the work of groups delivering projects through the Central Good Relations Fund, the Urban Villages Initiative and the Minority Ethnic Development Fund.
Junior Minister Reilly said:
“This year’s Good Relations Week celebrates connection – between families, friends and communities. Through our T:BUC strategy, The Executive Office is proud to support groups working hard to bring people together, often in the face of real challenges like sectarianism and racism.
“Their work builds hope, understanding and belonging, and helps create communities where everyone can feel safe, valued and connected. I want to thank them for everything they do to make that possible.”
Junior Minister Bunting said:
“T:BUC reflects our commitment to improving community relations, and through your work, you are living the values of T:BUC every day.
“It is not easy work, but it is essential work that is making a real and lasting difference. It is thanks to your creativity, compassion and courage that we are building a more inclusive society where everyone is made to feel safe and welcome, a society of which we all can be proud.”
During the event, guest speakers from a number of organisations currently funded through The Executive Office shared details of their projects and highlighted the positive impact their work is having on local communities.
Nisha Tandon OBE, Chief Executive of ArtsEkta, said:
“For more than a decade, the Minority Ethnic Development Fund has been a cornerstone of our work at ArtsEkta, strengthening racial equality and intercultural understanding across Northern Ireland. The fund has allowed us to reach deep into communities and schools, supporting people to connect, share culture and build mutual respect. Its impact demonstrates what can be achieved when racial equality is championed and embedded in our communities – creating a society where diversity is celebrated and everyone belongs.”
Susan McCrory, Falls Women’s Centre, commented:
“When we build positive relationships, we empower women to be visible, vocal, and valued, and to take part in civic life — shaping a brighter future for themselves, their families and the entire community.”
Kyle Thompson of the North West Cultural Partnership said:
“The investment from the Urban Villages Initiative has transformed the area; improving the physical environment, creating additional facilities and helping us develop a thriving, welcoming community.
“New Gate Arts & Culture Centre acts as the gateway to The Fountain and promotes its rich cultural heritage, nurtures and develops our community’s artistic talents and enables people to engage with, understand and appreciate the significant contribution that this community has made to the city and region.”
The reception is one of more than 200 events taking place to mark Good Relations Week 2025, which is running from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 October. Information about other events is available at: https://goodrelationsweek.com/
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Pictured (l-r) at a special event in Parliament Buildings to mark Good Relations Week are Martin McDonald, Chair of the Community Relations Council; Jackie Redpath, CEO of Greater Shankill Partnership and a partner in the Crescendo Management Committee; Ciaran Flanagan, In Your Space Circus; Junior Minister Joanne Bunting; Junior Minister Aisling Reilly; Susan McCrory, Falls Women’s Centre; Dr Nisha Tandon OBE, ArtsEkta; Kyle Thompson, North West Cultural Partnership and (front row) three performers from In Your Space Circus.
- This year’s Good Relations Week theme is ‘Connect’ and is an opportunity to highlight the importance of working together to address key challenges such as sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty, and education.
- Good Relations Week is an annual celebration coordinated by the Community Relations Council (CRC), designed to showcase and promote the work of individuals, groups, and organisations across Northern Ireland who are actively building a more inclusive, peaceful, and connected society.
- The Community Relations Council (CRC) is a key delivery partner for departmental good relations policy, including the implementation of the aims and objectives of the T:BUC strategy. For more information on CRC, please visit https://www.community-relations.org.uk/
- The 'Together: Building a United Community' (T:BUC) Strategy, reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. More information is available at https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/topics/together-building-united-community-tbuc
- Media enquiries should be addressed to The Executive Office Press Office via email – press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.