PCSP Hosts Event to Support Ethnic Minorities in Newry

Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has identified a need amongst Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and resettled communities in Newry to engage with key agencies and support services.

To help facilitate this, Culture in the City, an outdoor intercultural community information event will be held in Marcus Square, Newry on Thursday 16 June from 4pm to 7pm. The event is aimed at families from ethnic minority communities who are living or working in the wider Newry area and those who have recently resettled in the area.  It is also open to everyone as a fun and informative inter-community event with crafts for children and intercultural music performance and dance.

During the afternoon there will be representatives from a range of agencies and support services in attendance. All will be available to chat and offer advice and information on issues to include educational opportunities, housing, family support services, volunteering and health and wellbeing services.

PCSP Chairperson, Councillor Kathryn Owen said, “Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP is delighted to support this community engagement event for BAME and resettled communities in Newry. We would encourage all those who identify as BAME or are part of a resettled community in the Newry area, to come along on the day where there will be help and advice available and an opportunity to enjoy some family fun.

“Within the COVID-19 recovery period, a need for support to newcomer families including those who have settled in the Newry area was identified. This was due to periods of lockdown, which had a significant impact on many families across Newry, Mourne and Down. Isolation became more prevalent and issues with language and communication and access to IT equipment were major contributing factors, particularly for resettled families.”

Cllr Kathryn Owen continued, “In April 2021, the Council successfully organised a positive engagement event for Syrian families, demonstrating the importance of making available relevant information about support services in the Newry area. Now with the Ukraine refugee crisis following closely in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown period, Culture in the City is a timely and important event for our ethnic minority communities.”

This is a drop-in style event so if you, or someone you know, could benefit please come along and say hello.

For more information email: ffknmd@gmail.com