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Activities

In Our Shoes: Bridging Policing and Local Communities + Panel Discussion

On 17th September, a powerful and deeply moving screening of In Our Shoes was organised at the Ballynafeigh Community Development Association. This included three short films addressing hate crime, racism, and discrimination, produced by Voicing the Void to bridge the gap between policing and local communities, as well as a spoken piece that was honest, enlightening, and hopeful.

Thanks to the support of Queen's Film Theatre, a second screening has been organised at Queen's University as part of our Sanctuary mission. The event will take place on Saturday 12th October at 3.45pm, marking the beginning of Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Tickets are free to ensure the event remains as inclusive as possible (those who wish, can opt for a £4 ticket to support the QFT).

Part of Hate Crime Awareness Week 2024, In Our Shoes: Bridging Policing and Local Communities is a collaborative effort between Voicing the Void, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and the South Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership to promote understanding and combat hate crimes.

This event will feature a series of short films and a spoken word piece. The films highlight the experiences of women who have fled Syria and their journey toward a new life in Belfast, where they seek safety, hope, and the opportunity to build a new future in a welcoming community.

Dawson's story offers an intimate look at his decade-long struggle through the asylum system, exposing the frustrations and obstacles faced by those trying to integrate into a new society. Fatima, born in Northern Ireland to a diverse background, courageously addresses the Islamophobia, racism, and hate crimes she has faced. Mimi's film, showing her journey from asylum seeker to founder of Bomoko NI, showcases the determination required to build a new life in a foreign land.

This event will feature a panel discussion with participants involved, the PSNI, Voicing the Void and community members.

This project was made possible through the support of the Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership, the Community Fund, and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Read the post-event press release