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Good Relations Week to explore issues including cultural diversity and dealing with the past

Launching the Good Relations Week 2018 programme at Ormeau Road Library are Peter Osborne and Jacqueline Irwin of the Community Relations Council (CRC), Jim O’Hagan from Libraries NI and Peter Day, also of the CRC
Launching the Good Relations Week 2018 programme at Ormeau Road Library are Peter Osborne and Jacqueline Irwin of the Community Relations Council (CRC), Jim O’Hagan from Libraries NI and Peter Day, also of the CRC Launching the Good Relations Week 2018 programme at Ormeau Road Library are Peter Osborne and Jacqueline Irwin of the Community Relations Council (CRC), Jim O’Hagan from Libraries NI and Peter Day, also of the CRC

CULTURAL diversity, dealing with the past, faith and sport are among the issues to be explored during this year's Good Relations Week.

More than 180 events will take place across Northern Ireland in a bid to encourage more people to "engage and foster new relationships" with others.

Good Relations Week, which takes place from September 17 -23, is coordinated by the Community Relations Council with this year's theme, 'Then, Now… Next?'.

Events range from Irish language taster sessions in Larne Methodist Church to the launch of a short film at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin called 'For the Love of Bands, which focuses on the contribution of individuals and families who support the marching band culture.

A Shankill Women’s Centre event aims to to unite women from nationalist and unionist areas of north and west Belfast to discuss how they can be involved in building a united community together.

Jacqueline Irwin from the Community Relations Council said: "Through Good Relations Week we showcase events and people who have chosen to build and sustain good relationships across our diverse community.

"The commitment and willingness to build good community relationships is the fabric of peace and it is changing the way we will share the future.

"We still have some way to go, but every day the groups and organisations showcased during the week continue to work to drive us all forward as one collective community, representing this place in all its diversity.

"The week is only a snapshot of the work that takes place year-round, and we hope it encourages more people to engage and foster new relationships."

Please visit www.goodrelationsweek.com for further information.