Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases

24 March 2009

“The Challenge of Change”, Interface Working Group (IWG) Conference in Belfast An important conference will be held on Friday 27 March 2009 in Farset International, Belfast. This has been organised by the Community Relations Council on behalf of the Interface Working Group, made up of key interface agencies and government departments.

The conference will feedback on responses received through the consultation processes held in the first week of March across Belfast and further the conversations in search of a strategic approach to these areas including:

· addressing the legacy of the past;

· supporting young people at interfaces;

· exploring realistic and deliverable regeneration plans;

· working with communities at all levels and their pace.

Duncan Morrow, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council said:

“In responding to the legacy of physical segregation the perceptions of safety and security of the people living near to interfaces and interface barriers must be the priority. This was clearly articulated in the consultation events but was coupled with a desire to begin a new conversation at all levels of society.

There are many aspects to the needs of these communities – social, environmental and economic regeneration being to the fore but all underscored by the deep, emotional impact of loss and trauma from the past”

The conference will begin at 9.30 am and finish with lunch at 1pm. It is open to all interested groups and individuals and is free of charge. Numbers will be limited to the capacity of the venue so registration is necessary.

For further information or to register for any of the above events please contact:

Grace O’Sullivan, Community Relations Council, 6 Murray Street, Belfast, BT1 6DN

Email: Temp3@nicrc.org.uk Telephone: 02890 227500

Media enquiries to Ray Mullan

rmullan@nicrc.org.uk