Finding solutions

For me, the last seven days have presented stark contrasts. From the vexed issue of Parades, where we all hope local resolutions that truly respect everyone's cultural traditions and beliefs can be reached through dialogue; to the number of positive examples of how diverse groups are working together and with the police, regardless of their differences to make things better in and for their local communities.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending the 6th Belfast Mela - an extravaganza of pulsating music, vibrant colour, tantalising tastes and exotic smells held annually in the Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Around 30,000 people from all backgrounds, ages and faiths came together to acknowledge and witness first hand the positive contribution that people from the Indian and other communities have made to life in Northern Ireland.

On Tuesday I visited the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle, an important part of our own indigenous culture and heritage. Again thousands of people from all backgrounds across Northern Ireland and further afield descended on the town of Ballycastle to experience everything the fair is famous for. I even partook of some of the famous dulse and yellow man.

Yesterday I visited Newcastle to meet with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and staff and volunteers at the Kairos Centre. The centre is reaching out into the local community to provide all sorts of activities and support to help some of the most vulnerable young people and adults living in the local area.

This week reminded me that despite some very real and continuing deep-seated difficulties, there are so many examples of where local communities are reaching out and across to their neighbours and working together in the background out of the public eye to support each other and find solutions to those issues which matter most.

More Than Just ‘Street Talk’

I have spent today visiting colleagues in the North West.

This morning I started off in Strabane where I had the chance to meet with the local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Andy Lemon and patrol with members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team. I had the privilege of meeting with a number of local representatives who have clearly taken risks to engage with police and work with them to make a difference to address issues that matter to the local community.

This afternoon I had the opportunity to walk the Peace bridge in Derry/Londonderry. This was my first opportunity to do so since its completion. What a truly magnificent, iconic and inspirational symbol in the City.

I then visited the Playhouse where 'Street Talk' a partnership initiative involving young people was being launched. This cross community project was jointly pioneered by the International Culture Arts Network and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Involving four areas, Magherafelt, Foyle , Limavady and Strabane it uses the media of DJ'ing, graffiti and animation to provide an opportunity for young people to use and develop their skills with the help of professional artists. The work of the young people on display was absolutely fantastic.

A recent thematic review, undertaken by the Policing Board, identified that whilst the Service recognised the role young people play in any effective policing strategy, children and young people had indicated that they can have very different experiences of the police depending where they live. This is one of a number of important partnership initiatives which provides the opportunity for police officers and young people to work directly with each other to share experiences, break down barriers and create greater understanding.

This has clearly been a very positive initiative which has changed perceptions both on the part of police officers and young people - and I hope to see it replicated in other areas across Northern Ireland .

Preparations underway for our own Olympics

I have been enjoying a few weeks off recently but as well as spending some time relaxing away with my family I have been closely following the success of Team's GB and Northern Ireland, and Team Ireland at the Olympics.

Whether you're into sport or not, the entire country seems to be glued to their televisions following the progress of our sports men and women as they exceed all expectations on what already appears to be the most successful Olympics for many years.

It is exciting to think that this time next year we will be hosting our very own 'Olympics' in the form of the third largest sporting event in the world, the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). Taking place between the 1st and 10th of August, in Belfast, it promises to be one of the most spectacular events to ever come to Northern Ireland with the prospect of over 25,000 visitors and competitors from over 70 countries.

Preparations are well under way to facilitate the 66 sports across 41 venues and I want to pay tribute to the fantastic work of the World Police and Fire Games Company who have been tasked with the delivery of the Games.

Just like the Olympics, there are lots of opportunities for people to become involved by volunteering to assist in a range of activities to ensure that the WPFG is the very best, most successful and friendliest Games it can possibly be. I would encourage everyone, when volunteer registration opens in September, to consider becoming involved by signing up to assist and if you would like to find out how you can, just visit the WPFG website at www.2013wpfg.com

As chair of the WPFG Board I am really looking forward to the Games and the experience of our very own 'Olympics' right here on our doorstep.