Residents are picking up 
good relations

Residents in the Brookfield and Edenderry areas of Banbridge got together for a fun day to promote a shared future.
Local residents, Councillors Marie Hamilton, Junior McCrum and Ian Burns, Brookfield Combined Community Association committee members and Claudia ONeill (NIHE Cohesion Advisor South Area).Local residents, Councillors Marie Hamilton, Junior McCrum and Ian Burns, Brookfield Combined Community Association committee members and Claudia ONeill (NIHE Cohesion Advisor South Area).
Local residents, Councillors Marie Hamilton, Junior McCrum and Ian Burns, Brookfield Combined Community Association committee members and Claudia ONeill (NIHE Cohesion Advisor South Area).

Brookfield Combined Community Association (BCCA), with the support of the NI Housing Executive’s Shared Communities Programme, organised the good relations fun day, which took place in the neighbouring Edenderry estate.

The occasion was a great success, according to the BCCA chairperson Michelle Copeland.

“It was so rewarding to see the committee’s hard work pay off with so many of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the summer sun and having fun,” she said.

“The event was a welcome addition to our calendar of good relations events made possible by the support from the Housing Executive.

“I was delighted to see young and old chatting, sharing food and obviously enjoying each other’s company.”

The wonderful weather and entertainment saw residents of all ages out enjoying the sun and fun.

The event had an inter-generational theme which meant the committee involved ensured all ages were catered for.

The Association had bouncy castles, Sumo suits, face painters, balloon modellers and music.

A barbecue was held to help keep everyone fuelled for the fun day and give the less active a chance to chat and renew acquaintances.

This event was organized in response to the community audit carried out by the Housing Executive’s research team last year which highlighted residents’ desire for more inter-generational cross community events to promote greater understanding and respect within and between the local residents.

Brookfield Combined Community Association was formed in 2004 and has developed a good relation Action Plan aimed at building good relations in the area.

They have organised a number of good relations projects to give residents of their estate and neighbouring estates an opportunity to engage and build good community relations in the area.

The programme’s central purpose is: to develop Shared Housing Communities where people choose to live with others regardless of their religion or race, in a neighbourhood that is safe and welcoming to all, and threatening to no-one, and has led to football tournaments and trips for the area’s children.

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