'Voices Without Borders' event creates a space where every voice is heard and valued

WOVEN and Rural Housing Association in collaboration with the Western Health and Social Care Trust hosted the 'Voices without Borders' community workshop in Strabane.

The workshop is part funded by the Housing for All programme and Good Relations Special Initiative Fund.

The Sion Mills Advisory Group have been instrumental in designing the workshop and as the community continues to grow with residents from across the globe, Voices Without Borders aims to create a space where every voice is heard and valued.

Through a collaborative approach, participants will explore the rich traditions and experiences that make our community vibrant and unique.

Community involvement officer, Deirdre Nash, said “We believe that every culture has a story to tell, and this workshop is about building bridges - not just learning about other traditions, but celebrating the people who bring them to life in our community."

On behalf of Rural Housing, Ruth Buchanan, added “Rural Housing is delighted to host this interactive event in partnership with Woven Housing Association as part of our ongoing good relations plan for the Sion Mills area.

"Voices Without Borders is an example of how people from all backgrounds can come together to share experiences, build understanding, and create a real sense of belonging.

"By celebrating our diversity, we’re building a stronger, more united community for everyone."

The Voices without Borders workshop is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Housing for All Shared Housing Programme.

The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.

A potential total of £2.9m will be invested in The Beeches and Linen Mill Court shared neighbourhoods and their associated Good Relations plans.

Ballyfatton Close in Sion Mills was one of the first Shared Housing developments in Northern Ireland, and that has now increase to four shared housing developments in Sion Mills.

Woven and Rural are delighted to be able to build on the success of previous projects with further funding secured for the five-year Good Relations Plan.

The Sion Mills advisory group is made up of local representatives who continue to identify the good relations opportunities in the community to ensure we are a shared, welcoming community.

The Melmount Road Good Relations Plan includes ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, community development, culture and identity.

For more information on T:BUC, visit:

https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/

shared-housing-programme