Draft Good Relations Strategy 2026 to 2035

Actions: 

Contact programme developing initiatives between pupils, staff and governors of schools that prioritise understanding of the development of the city.

Young leaders programme for existing youth leaders in communities targeting uniformed and non-uniformed youth organisations focusing on potential next generation of leaders and their response to changing demographics and new media.

Small grants programme that will offer pilot three-year funding across all TBUC priorities with a priority on social justice commonalities.

Actions:

Minority ethnic equality, inclusion and integration programme including support for the continuation of the Ethnic Minority Forum.

Interface Common Issues and Leadership programme developing joint initiatives.

Small grants programme that will offer pilot three-year funding across all TBUC priorities with a priority on social justice commonalities.

Actions:

Review and reimagining of the role of the Shared City Partnership.

Delivery of a cultural awareness and competency training programme for decision-makers in key agencies including Council, SCP members and key community organisations.

Trust-building initiative between communities and key public agencies.

Exploration of good practice from across the islands to further develop thinking, policy and delivery relevant to council staff and members.

Production of a 25-year strategy for cohesion in Belfast.

Small grants programme that will offer pilot three-year funding across all TBUC priorities with a priority on social justice commonalities.

Actions:

Supporting critical cultural expression activities including seeking alternatives to bonfires while encouraging lawful and respectful bonfires celebrations.

Supporting critical cultural expression activities including around St. Patrick’s Day celebrations attracting people from all communities including established and newcomer communities.

Small grants programme that will offer pilot three-year funding across all TBUC priorities with a priority on social justice commonalities.

Results are outlined in greater detail in the action plan. They include:

• Engagement of traditionally excluded, disadvantaged, minority and people from different faiths including newcomer communities.
• Enhanced sense of belonging.
• More young people involved in good relations activities developing skills, changing behaviours or attitudes.
• Greater collaboration between schools from different sectors.

Results are outlined in greater detail in the action plan. They include:

• Changed behaviour
• Reduced anti-social behaviour
• Reduced isolation
• Enhanced health and wellbeing
• More traditionally excluded people engaged
• Increased trust in institutions
• Recognised good practice and good news stories
• Acknowledgement of positive diversity

Results are outlined in greater detail in the action plan. They include:

• Increased sense of belonging and a positive acknowledgment of difference.
• Greater understanding of the benefits of interculturalism.
• Greater inclusion of people from minority faith or cultural backgrounds.
• Enhanced skills and knowledge.
• Increased trust in institutions.
• Changed behaviours and attitudes to others.
• Increased environmental awareness and actions.
• More interface and cross community active cooperation.
• Greater Council engagement in good relations across all departments.
• Better collaboration across public agencies promoting a more cohesive city.

Results are outlined in greater detail in the action plan. They include:

• More quality, lawful cultural expression
• Acknowledgement of, and respect for, different, lawful cultural expression
• Increased sense of belonging and a positive acknowledgment of difference.
• Greater understanding of the benefits of interculturalism.
• Better cross community and intercultural understanding, cooperation and trust.
• Greater inclusion of people from minority faith or cultural backgrounds.
• Enhanced skills and knowledge.
• Changed behaviours and attitudes to others.

Communication objectives include:

Increase awareness.

Greater knowledge of the diverse range of skills and knowledge gained through programme participation, promoting participation and the wider impact that builds community cohesion.

Highlighting change perceptions and long-term benefits caused by the actions in the strategy. Promote awareness of strategy outcomes and changed focus through the strategy.

Recognition of the positive funding as a key catalyst for better relations, promoting cohesion and belonging.

Continuous promotion and awareness among local communities and stakeholders regarding the strategy and action plan activities, ensuring all stakeholders are aware of the long-term outcomes and impacts.

Outputs from initiatives that promote better relations.

Increased knowledge and understanding of, and support for, regional and city policies and strategies.

The co-designed plan includes new and innovative approaches in the city including amongst other things:

• Projects that will ensure decision-makers and public agencies align to a commitment to interculturalism.
• Social justice projects that response to needs within a city where the common social justice needs across interfaces and disadvantaged communities.
• Investment that aligns with the overall strategic priorities of all public agencies and the TEO and the Belfast Agenda.
• Delivery of programmes that develop skills and fosters collaborations across interfaces and with disadvantaged communities.
• Delivery of programmes that draw on themes of cultural diversity, civic identity, health and wellbeing and many others.
• Deliver innovative programmes that support training learning and skills development through, leadership programme and tackling issues associated with new media.
• Programmes that collaborate with public agencies and community forums to ensure genuine cultural competence in decision-making given the changing demographic dynamics in the city.
• Social cohesion: Provide relevant platform for participants to share stories, gain insight, and perspectives relating to conflict, recognition of minority communities, and addressing ongoing inclusion issues.

The Action Plan will help to address long standing social and economic challenges which have, and continue to, impact communities, particularly those in Belfast's interface communities.