Sharing life experiences in South Antrim

Listening Ear, a Newtownabbey advice charity facilitated a Small World Café evening session in Newtownabbey via the Housing Executive community cohesion fund. 

Small World Café is a race relations project delivered by the Belfast-based Friendship Club.

Stephen Gamble, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, South Antrim said, 

“These workshops were extremely effective in helping people overcome fear and mistrust of cultural difference.

“Through the natural process of chatting and storytelling the hosts addressed misunderstandings and myths; fostered respect, trust and empathy and brought the similarities between people to light.

Brian Kerr, Listening Ear, said 

“The Small World Café encouraged small groups of four to six people to meet hosts from different countries for 20 minutes at a time.

“The hosts answered questions about their lives and explained how they ended up living in Northern Ireland while the small groups circulated the space.

“Our event ended with refreshments which was the perfect way for our hosts and guests to continue their chats and build relationships.

“All in all it was an extremely worthwhile project as everyone interacted with and enjoyed the company of people they had never have met before.”