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.