“Making Hope Happen” is a partnership initiative with RESILIO and North West Community Network and has been endorsed by the Mayor. We are marking a significant milestone as Derry and Strabane District Council embarks on becoming the First District of Hope. This is an era of uncertainty and despair for many.  We know that hopelessness is one of the prime predictors for poor mental health and sadly suicide. We believe hope events are needed more than ever. 

On 27th April we are running a HOPE Human Library at 1pm in the Guildhall.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Individuals, groups, schools, workplaces are encouraged to organise their own HOPE event in the lead-up to the 27th April. These events will provide opportunities for individuals to activate hope by coming together, alongside celebration events with Ulster University, North West Regional College.  Our young people from Ardnashee School and Oakgrove College will gather in Ebrington Square to map out the letters of HOPE on Friday 26th April.  These HOPE initiatives will become annual events which we will build on each year. 

The Mayor said “I am delighted to support this initiative. We would encourage everyone to support the first HOPE event on Saturday 27th April in the Guildhall.  This dynamic initiative is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of optimism, resilience, and progress within our communities and beyond.”

Roisin Mc Laughlin Manager of North West Community Network said “Making Hope Happen embodies a spirit of collaboration, and unity and this has been evident by the number of groups who have come on board to activate this initiative across the District”.  

“Through the collective efforts of RESILIO, North West Community Network, and supported by National Lottery Community Fund, we plan to make a lasting impact on our community by fostering a culture of hope and resilience. As we embark on this collective journey we reaffirm our commitment to build a community where hope is not just a concept but a lived reality and together we have the power to uplift, inspire and transform lives”, Marie Dunne the Director of RESILIO.