PEACEPLUS Understanding Our Cultures launched at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council

A new community initiative, Understanding our Cultures, delivered by MayWe Events, will connect people, promote community relationships and build awareness around culture and diversity. The project launched at the Civic Centre and opened with a craft session and a wonderful traditional Chinese dance performance. The project will engage over 200 participants from across the council area through a programme of cultural awareness, inclusion and cross community learning.

The two year project is part of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's PEACEPLUS Action Plan and is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The Understanding our Cultures project will support communities to come together, share experiences and build a greater understanding of the traditions, cultures and identities that shape local life. Through awareness, tolerance and integration, it will create opportunities for new, local and diverse communities to connect and strengthen relationships.

Through a series of workshops, events and activities, participants will learn more about different communities and cultures and the important role each has in creating a welcoming and socially diverse society. It will afford the opportunity for groups to share experiences, explore traditions and take part in dialogue and activities around diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Announcing the project, Sarah-Jane Montgomery, Joint Managing Director at MayWe said, “We’re very excited to launch the Understanding Our Cultures project across the entire Lisburn and Castlereagh Council District. The programme will work closely with local communities to design and deliver tailored training, workshops and capacity building sessions centred around inclusion and diversity.”

“MayWe proudly centres communities at the heart of what we do and strive to increase accessibility and promote diversity. This project will deliver that into communities and offer a real opportunity to build capacity and create better, more connected communities where everyone can thrive together.”

Welcoming the programme, Councillor Uel Mackin, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACEPLUS Partnership, said: “The Understanding Our Cultures project will bring people from different backgrounds together to share experiences and learn from one another. By encouraging community conversations, we can help build stronger connections, greater tolerance and improved integration, reinforcing the message that everyone is welcome, belongs and has a valuable contribution to make.”