Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations, has marked the conclusion of a 5-year Good Relations-based initiative that has supported tenants living in their shared housing schemes in Ballynahinch and Saintfield.
The event was organised by Choice and held within the grounds of the Montalto Estate and its award-winning Carriage Rooms. The ‘Spring Celebration’ heralded the fifth year of the Good Relations Programme and was open to tenants from their Shared Housing Developments - Ballymaglave Court, Ballynahinch and Manse Court, Saintfield, as well as partner organisations and community groups.
The event was supported through the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy, which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. Both Ballymaglave Court and Manse Court Shared Housing Developments are also supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. £2.3M has been invested in these developments and associated five-year Good Relations Plans.
Hundreds of people attended the event which celebrated the respective communities in the two County Down towns and the positive change Choice Housing has contributed to these since 2020.
Young and old were entertained during the day by live musical performances from Bella Duo, The Johnny Hero Grand Slam Band, and the Jam Shed Jazz Band. Horse-drawn carriage rides, magic acts, a caricature artist, and a barbecue also formed part of the Executive Office-supported party.
Choice Housing’s Good Relations Officer Mark Kent – who helped organise the successful free-to-enter event, said
“It was very important to host this Spring Celebration to mark the conclusion of the five-year Good Relations Programme for our Shared Housing Developments in Ballynahinch and Saintfield.
“I have no doubt the communities in both these towns where Choice Housing operates have benefited from our partnerships over the last five years.
“We would encourage tenants to continue to engage with Choice through our Community Network, Community Champions, Service Improvement Team, and similar initiatives to ensure the progress made through this initiative continues to develop.” he added.
