LOCAL community groups got together last week for a special ‘Hot Potatoes’ conference aimed at bringing people together to discuss a range of sometimes contentious issues.
The event, which took place in the Maldron Hotel, was a joint project between Derry City and Strabane District Council and a range of groups from the Rosemount and Springtown areas, as well as schools and trainees.
Speaking after the event Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Hilary McClintock, said it had been a positive experience for all involved. “It’s fantastic to see so many people engaging with Council’s Good Relations programme, especially so many of our younger citizens.
“As well as promoting Good Relations it’s a great personally enriching opportunity for all those who take part, as it brings people from differing backgrounds together to share their experiences and learn from each other.
“I would encourage all local groups and schools to engage with the team here at Council and find out what opportunities are open to them, helping to build on community relations in their area.”
Council Good Relations Officer, Angela Askin, said the event had been extremely positive in promoting a better understanding of a range of key issues.
“The event was really successful in bringing together a broad spectrum of people of different ages and backgrounds to discuss a number of shared issues.
“The idea is that people have the opportunity to have conversations with new people in a welcoming and open environment and get to hear a range of new perspectives.
“They can broach issues which may normally lie outside their comfort zones and find out what affects people living in other communities.
“We were delighted to see the event so well attended by pupils from our local schools and trainees, some of whom took on the task of co-facilitating the discussions with members of the local community.”
Pupils from Oakgrove, St Columb’s College and St Joseph’s Schools all participated in the event along with trainees from the Rutledge Recruitment and Training group.
Over 80 people in all engaged in the Café Culture style event and there was much positive feedback from participants following the session.
To find out more about future Hot Potatoes events, and other highlights in the Good Relations programme please go to www.derrystrabane.com/goodrelations
