Building Community Connections in Newtownards

The heart of Newtownards was buzzing as Conway Square transformed into a hub of information and community spirit earlier this month. 

A powerful showcase of community support, the recent Information Event in Conway Square brought together dozens of essential local services. 

This engaging event featured 30 informative stalls dedicated to a variety of community resources, including mental health support, housing advice, youth programs and family services, to name but a few.  

The lively atmosphere was inclusive and family friendly as the event catered to all age groups through interactive entertainment. Streetwise NI’s Trash Can Dan engaged with the public on stilts on the importance of recycling and PartyAnimalsNI provided a mobile mini zoo offering an exciting hands-on experience for children and families.  

The event was not just about information; it was also about building connections. Attendees had the chance to engage directly with local service providers, ask questions, and gain insights into how these programs can benefit their lives. 

Guided by the local Advisory Group with the underpinning ethos of the Good Relation Plans for the area, Ark and Radius Housing worked in partnership to coordinate the event.   

The Good Relations Plan includes ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include Health and Wellbeing, Education and Training. 

Radius Housing are currently developing the Bawnwall Site resulting in the 3rd ‘Housing for All’ Development in the local area.

Ark Housing has two ‘Housing For All’ developments in Newtownards- Quarry Heights and Frances Mews.   

Mark Houston, Director of the Link Family and Community Centre was keen to express his thanks: "Thank you for a brilliant event on Friday past – a brilliant opportunity for so many of our community groups. We are delighted to have been able to offer some room space to the suicide group that we met for the first time."

Conway Square Community Information Event is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in 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.  

Radius Housing has 15 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland and a potential £13.1m will be invested in the Bawnwall shared housing development and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.  

Ark Housing has 7 shared housing developments across Northern Ireland and a potential £4.2m will be invested in the Frances Street and Quarry Heights shared housing developments and associated five-year Good Relations Plans.