Phoenix Education Centre

A new peacebuilding initiative, Let’s Talk–Dialogue Development, delivered by Phoenix Education Centre, was launched at Lisburn Civic Centre on Thursday 20th August 2026. The PEACEPLUS Project will support local communities to explore the legacy of the past, encourage respectful dialogue and build greater understanding across different backgrounds, traditions and experiences. The project will engage 200 participants through a programme of dialogue, storytelling, shared learning and visits to historical and contested spaces.

The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The Let’s Talk–Dialogue Development project will provide opportunities for people, young and old, to come together in a safe and supportive environment to discuss the impact of past conflict and its continuing influence on communities today. The programme will explore challenging issues including transgenerational trauma, contested history, commemoration, mental health, addiction and suicide, while recognising the political and cultural sensitivities that surround these areas of work.

Through a range of activities, facilitated conversations and learning opportunities, participants will be encouraged to listen to different perspectives, challenge myths and perceptions, and consider new ways of building consensus on local issues. The programme will support people to engage with contested history from all sides, learn from those who experienced the journey from conflict to peace, and grow in respect for others’ views and backgrounds.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACEPLUS Partnership, thanked all those working on the project and said: “This is an important and timely programme that will help people explore difficult aspects of our shared and contested history in a respectful and constructive way. By creating opportunities for dialogue, storytelling and shared learning, Let’s Talk will support communities to acknowledge pain and suffering, challenge perceptions and build stronger relationships for the future.”

Announcing the project, Emma Shaw, Executive Director of Phoenix Education Centre said, “The project will create an important space for people to reflect on the legacy of the past, hear experiences that may not always have been heard, and work together towards a more cohesive and shared future. We are looking forward to supporting participants as they build confidence, understanding and trust through open dialogue and shared learning.”

Gay Sherry-Bingham, Centre Manager of Atlas Women’s Centre, said:

“Atlas Women’s Centre is delighted to be involved in the programme. It offers people the opportunity to come together in a welcoming environment, discuss issues that are important to their communities, learn from one another and build new relationships. We look forward to playing our part in what promises to be a really positive initiative.”

The Let’s Talk–Dialogue Development project will run across the council area. For more information on the project and courses, please contact Phoenix Education Centre on info@phoenixeducationcentreni.co.uk.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

2. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14 billion.

3. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

4. Information on the work of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) can be found at www.seupb.eu. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s website is https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/