New ‘Unity in Diversity’ programme to drive social inclusion and community cohesion across Mid Ulster

Mid Ulster is set to benefit from a major new programme aimed at building intercultural understanding, inclusion, and community resilience.

Led by the First Steps Women’s Centre (FSWC) in Dungannon, the three-year initiative across the Mid Ulster District Council area will deliver a range of diversity-based projects in schools, businesses, and community organisations. 

Known as The Unity in Diversity: Empowering Ethnic and Minority Communities Project, it is part of Mid Ulster District Council’s co-designed €5.2M Local Community PEACEPLUS Action Plan.

The Action Plan and new FSWC-led project are supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

As part of The Unity in Diversity Project, residents in the Mid Ulster area can look forward to an exciting programme of cultural events and activities. Initiatives and events will include a programme for schools to support the School of Sanctuary Award scheme and accredited ESOL English classes. Human Libraries and Flavours of the World events will invite participants to explore international cuisines together, while photography enthusiasts can join Cultures Unveiled courses to capture the area's rich diversity.

The project will culminate in a Diversity Festival in 2028, showcasing its achievements through music, poetry, art, and food.

FSWC and Mid Ulster District Council hope that the legacy created by the extensive programme will result in the establishment of a new Mid Ulster Diversity Network, the development of a Diversity & Inclusion Pledge for local organisations, and an independent Impact Report tracking outcomes across the Council area.

Announcing the project, Michael McGoldrick, CEO of FSWC, said: “For more than 25 years, First Steps Women’s Centre has supported women and children arriving in Mid Ulster. We’ve seen at first-hand how they have enriched our area through culture, heritage, employment, and the growth of local businesses. We are proud to be leading the next step in further strengthening community cohesion and understanding for everyone across the District by celebrating the joy of our diverse cultures here. With the support of Mid Ulster District Council and SEUPB, we now have a fantastic chance to build the kinds of lasting connections that are going to be advantageous to everyone across Mid Ulster today and for generations to come.”

Councillor John McNamee, Chairperson of the Mid Ulster PEACEPLUS Partnership noted that: “This PEACEPLUS Programme is designed to strengthen relationships and build a shared sense of belonging across all communities. The Unity in Diversity project is a powerful example of how local collaboration can make a real difference- promoting inclusion, respect, and understanding while creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect and thrive together.”

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton added: “Women from all backgrounds benefit from coming together to learn and knowing that their children are safe and being cared for by a professional team in the creche provided as part of the learning and upskilling programme offered by First Steps Women’s Centre. This greatly enriches the lives of those taking part in the classes provided by First Steps Women's Centre here in Mid Ulster, and this exciting new project is set to help us go further in celebrating and building stronger, more cohesive communities across the district. 

“As a Council, we are committed to providing our residents of all ages, cultural, and educational backgrounds with new opportunities to learn, develop, and improve their circumstances and to connect, celebrate, and build opportunities for them for a good work-life balance which ultimately enriches the lives of the whole family.”

The FSWC-led project is one of nine projects across the Mid Ulster District Council area, running over three years, that contribute to the PEACEPLUS themes of Thriving and Peaceful Communities, Building Respect for All Cultural Identities, and Local Community Regeneration and Transformation.