Good Relations

What's it all about?

Good Relations Promoting equality and good relations are key to improving the quality of life for everyone in the city - making Belfast a better place to live, work, socialise and do business. We want to make sure that fairness, equality and respect are at the heart of everything we do. These values are central to our policy making process and underpin all our activities.

Our commitment

We've carried out a number of public surveys and good relations has been consistently identified as a being a key issues for residents. We are committed to making Belfast a place that is safe and welcoming to everyone. We need to continue to work hard to transform a city known for division, into one that is share by all.

The Good Relations Partnership oversees Good Relations work in the city and is also responsible for managing and administering the funding available through the PEACE III Programme.

Diversity and changing community dynamics

In Northern Ireland, the traditional divisions between Catholics and Protestants persist. Many of our citizens continue to live parallel lives, with some communities still separated by physical barriers. It is no coincidence that the poorest neighbourhoods in Belfast continue to be those located in and around interfaces and flashpoint areas. Building relationships across communities is central to the good relations agenda, with work continuing to create a better future for people within these neighbourhoods.

Over the last number of years, the population of Belfast has changed substantially. We have welcomed new people from other countries who have come to make Belfast their home. This diversity has enriched our culture and contributed to our prosperity.

Our aims

Our work falls under the following headings: This will be delivered under our six strategic themes: