The CAN Inclusion Festival will run from Friday 21^st September 2012 (International Day of Peace) until Friday 5^th October 2012 (National Diversity Day) and groups are being encouraged to run events and projects focusing on the diversity in their culture.

The ‘Respect Programme’, funded by the CAN Peace III Partnership is creating opportunities for groups to run projects and events in their local communities which focus on celebrating the diversity which exists in our area. Local groups are being encouraged to consider exploring the diversity in their community, what can be done to enable people in the local area to get to know each other and identify any prejudices and misconceptions that need to be addressed.                                                                            

Lynda Kennedy, Respect Project Officer commented, ‘The CAN Area Inclusion Festival is a new initiative which we hope will take off and become an annual event.  Groups should consider running an event during the fortnight of the Inclusion Festival and support will be offered, whether it’s required in development of ideas or getting the event off the ground. Some funding is also available for suitable events and projects through the Respect Programme.’

We all want to live in friendly, safe communities and getting to know our neighbours and making everyone welcome is one step towards this so get involved this autumn and celebrate the diversity in our culture!

For more information about the CAN Inclusion Festival or the Respect Programme please contact Lynda Kennedy 028 9446 3113 (extension 1322) or email lynda.kennedy@antrim.gov.uk