A two-night pilot initiative called Stronger Together, designed to bring young women and girls aged 12 and over from diverse backgrounds into a shared space through sport, wellness, and meaningful experience took place recently. The programme was supported by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Delivered in partnership with Ballymacash Sports Academy and Canal Boxing Club, the programme reflected the Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering good relations across the community. Both partner organisations are deeply rooted in their local communities making their collaboration a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose.
Stronger Together which took place on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd July uses physical activity and values-based workshops to encourage cross-community connection, build confidence, and support mental wellbeing. Participants took part in a range of interactive activities designed to spark conversation, reflection and understanding—promoting respect and inclusivity in a fun, safe environment.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Alan Givan, Vice Chair of Communities and Wellbeing at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, said: “Programmes like Stronger Together show the positive change that can happen when communities come together through shared experiences. By giving young women the tools to connect, communicate and grow in confidence, we will build a stronger, more inclusive future for Lisburn & Castlereagh.”
Stronger Together is supported by the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Good Relations Programme, which works year-round to promote mutual respect, understanding and community cohesion across the region.
The initiative also aligns with the Northern Ireland Executive Office’s END Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, launched in 2024. It addresses various forms of gender-based violence, abuse, and harm disproportionately experienced by women and girls—issues rooted in gender inequality.