Down District Volunteer Centre

Explaining the background to the partnership Marta said, “A number of organisations first came together 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.”

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.”

In his keynote address Duncan Morrow 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.”