Cross-border relationships are more important now than ever before. That’s according to Jim Flanagan who is the Chairperson of the Clones Family Resource Centre, which recently took part in the ‘Connect2Gether’ initiative alongside Co Armagh Community Development (CACD).
According to the Clones native, there is a “need” to build positive cross-border and cross-community relationships in order to tackle common issues such as poverty, isolation, and the cost of living crisis.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Mr Flanagan said that the project which took place over a period of 12 months helped participants like himself gain empathy in their relationships with others from diverse backgrounds in border areas. He added that society is “changing” and that it is important to talk to one another and respect each other’s positions for the future good of younger generations.
"We are all border people, no matter what persuasion we come from, we all have the same trials and tribulations albeit from different directions," explained Jim. "During this process we found that we have more in common than we have differences. A lot of people and families from both sides of the community share the pain of the past and what we don't want is to pass on any of that animosity to the younger generation.
"By us learning to live, chat and have a bit of fun together, we hope to show the younger generation that they can make their own way in life without carrying the crosses and judgements of the past."
