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03 December 2009

Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council for Northern Ireland, was the keynote speaker today at the launch of the corporate plan of the Down Diversity in Action Forum.

The event was held in the Gallery of Downpatrick Library at lunchtime, Wednesday 2 December 2009 before an invited audience.   Councillor William Dick, Chair of Down District Council, welcomed everyone to the event and endorsed the work of the Forum.

The Chair of the 18 member Forum Marta Majer said,

“It gives me great pleasure to launch the corporate plan of the Down Diversity In Action Forum in the presence of the Chair of Down District Council and the Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council.  The Forum is a multi-agency partnership, comprising representatives from the public, voluntary and community sectors, that is committed to respecting difference across county Down and to embracing diversity for the benefit of all.  The members of the Forum commit themselves to work in partnership and as individual organisations promoting good relations based on the principles of equity, diversity and interdependence.”

Explaining the background to the partnership Marta said,

“A number of organisations first came together just over 3 years ago to explore ways in which they could work together to reach out to minorities living in Down to ensure their social inclusion.  At the beginning of this year the members committed themselves to a route and branch review of work to date.  From this the partners established a new mission, aims and objectives and partner agreement.  The Forum partners will actively work together and will be better able to target their endeavours and resources in respect of promoting diversity, community and social cohesion.  Improved relations in and between communities will benefit everyone.”

The Chair of Down District Council, Councillor William Dick said,

“The challenge of living in an increasingly diverse society is to realise the contribution that all groups make to the community, not just from an economic sense, but to our society.  We need to be open to one another, to find new ways to recognize those things that we have in common and that bring communities together.  In recent years the numbers of people from beyond our shores seeking to make their homes in Northern Ireland have substantially increased  and with them the challenges of diversity for both ourselves and our communities.  It is important we all ensure migrants have the same rights and benefits in the workplace as local staff. Also the wider community must develop activities and networks to promote greater integration.”

The keynote address was given by Dr Duncan Morrow, Chief Excutive Officer of the NI Community Relations Council.  Duncan stated,

“Diversity is another way of talking about the interaction of different people of different backgrounds and the opportunities that this offers.  As communication and economics draws us closer together, so we have an opportunity and responsibility to build a safe, secure, fair and shared future for all.  The Down Diversity In Action Forum is a wonderful response to these opportunities and challenges and deserves the support of everyone.”

• Down Diversity In Action Forum is committed to respecting difference and valuing the individual regardless of background while creating opportunities that embrace diversity for the benefit of all.  Its aims are to:
• Adopt a strategic approach to identify real needs in respect of addressing diversity.
• Maximise resources and opportunities to promote equity, diversity and interdependence.
• Develop communication channels to encourage people to live, learn, work and play together.
• Embrace a partnership approach encompassing all sectors of the community to create a shared future for all residents of Down through positive action.
• Build the capacity of local groups to articulate their needs and to embrace diversity through cultural activities.
• Marta Majer is the Chair of the Down Diversity in Action Forum.  She is a Polish national living with her family in Down who works for the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust.
• The member organisations of the Forum include: ASCERT; Down District Council; Down Community Safety Partnership; Gays and Lesbians Across Down; Down District Citizens Advice Bureau; Down District Volunteer Centre; EDRCN; Libraries NI; NIHE; PSNI; SERC; SHE&SCT; NI Court Service; NI Fire & Rescue Service & Down District Policing Partnership.

For further information please contact Fergus Coope, Tel: 028 4461 9122,   Mobile: 07779  291670