A programme called 'Challenging Conversations' has been bringing interface communities in Belfast together to discuss difficult topics and promote respect and understanding. Over 300 local residents have participated in the nine-week course, which covers issues such as The Troubles, cultural heritage, politics, history, and identity.
A programme that brings interface communities together in a bid to build respect and understanding by facing difficult conversations has helped hundreds of people in the past six years.
Stephen, who is from a unionist background, told Belfast Live it was interesting to be part of Challenging Conversations as participants could engage with people from all walks of life, who they would maybe not run into on a day-to-day basis. "Since the Good Friday Agreement, we have moved on, and it's very interesting to just hear how people's fears were at that time to where we are now. Some people in the room would never have been meeting if it wasn't for the ceasefire and the agreement.
It is one of several community engagement initiatives delivered alongside the IFI’s Peace Barriers Programme, which TASCIT delivers in North Belfast. It develops and delivers a range of confidence and relationship building interventions within and between interface communities to help residents reach a position where they feel it is safe and appropriate to proceed with the removal of Peace Barriers in their area.
"If you're getting to meet people at the other side of the wall, you're getting to people surrounding them areas that you've never met before. You're maybe not likely to go in and start a conversation unless it's something I guess is organised for you to take part in.
Belfast Interface Communities Challenging Conversations Respect Understanding The Troubles Cultural Heritage Politics History Identity
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top Ten Indian Takeaways in Belfast as Voted by Belfast Live ReadersBelfast Live readers share their recommendations for the best Indian takeaways in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Find out the top ten as voted by the readers.
Read more »
Limelight Belfast Granted Permission to Use Old Belfast Telegraph Print Hall for Conferences and EventsThe Limelight Belfast has received full planning permission to convert the old Belfast Telegraph Print Hall into a conference center and events/entertainment space. The application was approved unanimously by the Belfast City Council Planning Committee. The site is located on the ground floor of a Grade B2 listed building on Royal Avenue.
Read more »
Popular North Belfast Business Purchases Belfast BarMcKenna's bar in Belfast's Sailortown area is set to reopen under new ownership after being purchased by the owners of Ben Madigan's Bar and Kitchen. A refurbishment and rebranding will take place in the coming months.
Read more »
Belfast's favourite Indian takeaway as voted for by Belfast Live readersOur mouths are watering just thinking of the fantastic eateries shortlisted
Read more »
Public Consultation on New Walking Trail Project in BelfastThe public is being asked to have their say on plans to create a new walking trail on a Belfast mountain. The Black Mountain Pathway project aims to connect Ballygomartin Road with the Upper Whiterock Road. Proposals also include the addition of new seated areas, visitor information signs, and fencing to enclose the walking trail, protecting both the public and grazing animals. It's hoped the new plans could help local people get more active outdoors, while also attracting more visitors to the Black Mountain. Community activists have been campaigning for decades for the protection and regeneration of the area.
Read more »
Founder of Project Children to Attend Play in BelfastDenis Mulcahy, the founder of Project Children, will travel to Belfast to see a play inspired by his work. The play, produced by Brassneck Theatre Company, will be held at the Lyric Theatre. Fionnuala Kennedy, a Belfast playwright, has documented the intervention through interviews with participants.
Read more »