A new campaign has been launched to recognise the value of local government in Northern Ireland and the key role that councils play in our everyday lives.
Driven by NILGA and the 11 local councils across NI, the ‘Councils Make It Happen’ campaign will run from 8th February until summer 2021, highlighting the key roles and responsibilities that our councils perform.
Focusing on themes like recycling and waste, leisure services, local planning, business and entrepreneurial support, tourism, and parks and green spaces, the campaign will reflect the major responsibilities that councils carry out in our communities to keep them clean, healthy, and thriving. Press Release
Councils are a vital part of every community, they are the most locally focused, locally connected part of government and this is something they have shown time and time again in their response to the pandemic.
The focus of the first theme is Recycling and Waste Management, ‘Keeping Communities Clean & Green’ reflecting the importance of keeping communities clean and on the collection, recycling and disposal of waste - the key work of council staff, the resources invested and the value delivered by councils.
The second theme of the campaign was focused on 'Business Support ‘Backing Local Entrepreneurs’ reflecting the role of councils in supporting local businesses and encouraging and fostering entrepreneurship in their local areas.
The third theme of the campaign was focused on 'Community Planning/Place-Shaping/Health & Wellbeing/Parks & Green Spaces and Keeping Communities Connected to Nature'. Recognising how parks help to keep us healthy and active, bring us closer to nature and the natural environment, and provide free and clean green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
The next theme is focused on 'Healthy Councils, Healthy Communities' - how councils support the health and wellbeing of citizens, invest and provide quality leisure centres, gyms, and sports facilities, provide inclusive and accessible leisure spaces and how community centres provide social hubs for everyone to enjoy.