Sue Divin, Derry City Council community relations officer.
Local community organisations are being invited to sign up for two community relations training opportunities taking place in Derry next month.
Derry City Council’s Community Relations Service, in conjunction with the Peace and Reconciliation Group, is offering two day-long workshops giving basic level training on community relations and facilitation skills.
The first event is titled an “Introduction to Community Relations” and will take place on Friday, 3 October from 9.30am – 4.00pm.
Some of the key topics on the day will focus on defining sectarianism, racism, the consequences of discrimination and finding a way to move forward.
The second training day will be held on the following Friday, 10 October from 9.30am – 4.00pm and will be based on providing an “Introduction to Facilitation Skills.”
The issues will include learning how to manage and use group sessions efficiently, strategies to overcome difficult behaviour and lastly, programme planning.
Both training days are free and take place in the Shared Future Centre (between Irish Street and Top of the Hill).
Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council, Sue Divin, encouraged local groups to sign up fast for the workshops if interested as there is a high level of demand.
She said: “The events are specifically designed to equip community workers or volunteers with the basic skills they need to build and maintain good relations within the wider community.
“The workshops will provide the tools needed to promote meaningful engagement, build relationships and encourage dialogue in problem areas, and will focus on key issues such as racism and sectarianism.
“I would really encourage community workers, committee members or volunteers who haven’t already undertaken this type of training to avail of the opportunity to learn more about the law, issues and skills required for local Good Relations work.”
Registration for the events will remain open until Friday, 26 September next although places are being offered on a “first come first served” basis and may fill up well before this.
For application forms contact Hayley Hollington at the Shared Future Centre. Tel: 02871365151 ext.8221 or e-mail: [email protected]
