Chinese businesses to attend good relations conference

Environmental Health Officers and Good Relations Officers will also be in attendance at the conference, entitled "The Art of Communication," will take place tomorrow, Thursday, 29th April from 9.00am to 1.15pm and is part of the Council's week-long activities for Community Relations Week.

Eamonn Toner, from Derry City Council's Environmental Health Department explained that the conference will celebrate the launch of "The Art of Communication" research led by Derry City Council:

"We have carried out innovative research exploring issues about the mainstreaming of Good Relations practical ideas into Environmental Health Services, by focusing primarily on the effectiveness of the communications we share with ethnic minority employers.

"This type of research is a first for the Environmental Health profession in Northern Ireland and was made possible by true partnership working between a range of public, private and voluntary organisations from right across five council districts of the western region.

"We are keen to share the findings of the research with the wider group to help inform future improvements in how we communicate with ethnic minorities particularly Ethnic Minority Businesses she explained.

"Good Relations – in the sense of promotion of equal access to services for all – is not just something that council believes is a good idea for the community and voluntary sector.

"It is also about strategically looking at the services council provides and leading by example.

"This initiative is about mainstreaming best practice in terms of good relations with Ethnic Minorities into council's Environmental Health Services" stated Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer.

The launch is funded through the District Council's Community Relations Programme as part of Derry City Council's Good Relations Strategy.

Community Relations Week, organised by the Community Relations Council runs from April 26 to May 2 and is the biggest week in the community relations calendar involving 150 events and thousands of people throughout Northern Ireland.

The theme for the week is the role of young people in building a shared society, with the strapline Time to Change the Conversation

Tony McCusker, Chairman of the Community Relations Council which devised and co-ordinates Community Relations Week every year says: "This week has become a vital means by which the work of those in the community relations sector is communicated to, and recognised, by a wider audience.

"It is only one week in the year, but it highlights the important work of this sector that takes place throughout the year."

Advance booking is essential - further details about the event can be obtained by contacting Eamon Toner directly at 028 71365151.