THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock, has officially launched a special information booklet aimed at the Black and Ethnic communities in the North West.
The ‘World on your Doorstep’ publication has been composed by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Good Relations team, in conjunction with local support groups and the Foyle Race Equality Forum (FREF).
Speaking at the launch the Mayor acknowledged the vital work being carried out by the groups in the area in promoting equality across Derry and Strabane.
“As Mayor I have been honoured to represent the array of nationalities from across the globe who have made our City and District their home,” she said.
“I have been invited to attend wonderful cultural celebrations such as Diwali and Ubuntu and I have been given the warmest of welcomes from a wide range of our ethnic communities. It has been a real learning experience for me and I feel we all have much to learn from each other’s cultures.
“Achieving equality and inclusive growth is one of the key priorities identified in our forthcoming Community Plan and something we should all strive to achieve to the benefit of everyone living in our council area, regardless of their background.”
The publication was officially launched at the Holywell Trust, and aims to provide vital information for groups and individuals who need to access support.
Council’s Good Relations team focuses on areas such as Cultural Diversity, Challenging Sectarianism and Racism, dealing with the Past, Shared space/Contested Spaces, Interfaces, Bonfire and Alternatives, as well as working closely with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.
Good Relations officer for Derry City and Strabane District Council, Pauline O’Neill, said: “This publication provides a comprehensive list of BME community organisations who work across the council area and the North West. This booklet will be a great tool for people who need to contact BME organisations or require them to provide training, cultural diversity initiatives or assist in programming for cultural events and festivals.”
For more information about the booklet or organisations listed please contact Pauline O’Neill at Derry City and Strabane District Council on 028 71253253 or email [email protected]
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