community-relations.org.uk

22 September 2026 The Community Relations Council (CRC) has today revealed that its Core Funded groups are generating a return of £5.10 for every £1 invested, proving that peacebuilding is not just a social necessity but a major economic asset for Northern Ireland. The figures were released at the Making A Difference 2026: Building Belonging conference in The Jethro Centre Lurgan, a major gathering of peacebuilders and policymakers.

17 September 2026 The work that CRC’s Core-funded groups undertake can be grouped into four distinct themes, which illustrate the diverse issues that are currently taking place throughout the region during 2025-26. Sectarianism Work which seeks to address sectarianism in all its manifestations in communities, interface areas (rural & urban), workplaces and online.

04 September 2026 By Dr. Jacqueline Irwin, CEO, Community Relations Council International Day of Peace on 21st September is the annual global reminder that everyone has a part to play in building a peaceful world, starting in our homes and communities and building all the way out to international relations between countries. The need for this global call was recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in a unanimous resolution in 1981 to establish the International Day of Peace.

28 August 2026 By Michael McGlade, Community Relations Council At a time when conversations around identity, inclusion and belonging remain increasingly important across Northern Ireland, the Community Relations Council has launched this year’s Good Relations Week with the theme INCLUDE.

27 August 2026 The Community Relations Council is saddened to learn of the death of Eamonn Deane, a former member of our Board (1998-2004) and a worthy winner of The Community Relations Exceptional Achievement Award in 2006 for his “monumental contribution to a shared future in the North-West”. Eamonn worked to build and sustain peace for over six decades having trained as a teacher, before he went on to be involved in full-time community work from the early 1970s.

25 August 2026 Over 150 young people from 14 football clubs across greater Belfast came together for the fifth annual Play & Unite summer camp, supported by Clanmil Housing and six other housing associations. Clanmil, alongside Apex, Ark, Choice, Radius, Woven and NB Housing, supported the Play & Unite camp, which was delivered by the Sport Changes Life Foundation.

25 August 2026 Written by Emma Hassard, Integrated Education Fund The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) held a special event “Parental Choice & Preference: Education in Northern Ireland” On 6 August 2026 as part of the 2026 August Féile Debates & Discussions programme. Belfast-based freelance journalist, broadcaster and writer Amanda Ferguson chaired the event which included a presentation on recent research and a panel discussion.

25 August 2026 The North South Way Peace Camino is a cross-community, shared-island, community-led initiative connecting Portadown and Carlingford through a 33-mile (53-kilometre) walking route along the Newry Canal Towpath and the Carlingford Lough Greenway. Developed by REACT, the initiative transforms a historic trade and travel corridor into a shared pathway for peace, wellbeing and connection.

25 August 2026 A new digital resource created by Nerve Centre that explores the historic connections between Ulster and the United States was recently launched as America marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Community Relations Council supports Nerve Centre through its Core Funding Scheme. America’s Ulster Story brings together more than 100 stories exploring the people, places and events that connect Ulster with the foundation and development of the United States.

30 July 2026 Thanks to everyone who joined us for our recent webinar on taking part in Good Relations Week 2026. If you couldn’t make it live, or you’d like to watch it again, the full recording is now available. Good Relations Week takes place 12-18 October. The webinar video lasts around 50 minutes. We’ll walk you through this year’s theme of INCLUDE, what taking part involves, and how to register and promote your event.