Phoenix Education Centre NI - June 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to our June newsletter! As summer begins, June has been a month of celebration, achievement, and exciting progress across Phoenix Education Centre NI. From recognising the success of our learners at the Step Up For Change Graduation and Formal to supporting learners through Essential Skills exams, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to expand our work across Northern Ireland, there has been plenty to celebrate.
This month’s newsletter highlights some of the fantastic achievements of our learners and staff, shares updates from CEO Emma Shaw, reflects on our work within the wider community, and looks ahead to what’s coming in July. Thank you to everyone who continues to support Phoenix Education Centre NI and helps us make a positive difference in the lives of young people and families every day.
Spotlight: Graduation Party & Formal
June marked one of the most memorable celebrations of the year as Phoenix Education Centre NI proudly hosted our Step Up For Change Graduation and Formal. The event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work, determination, and achievements of our learners as they completed important milestones in their educational journeys. Family members, friends, staff, and supporters came together to recognise the progress our young people have made and the bright futures ahead of them.
The evening was filled with celebration, laughter, and well deserved recognition. Seeing our learners dressed for the occasion, receiving their certificates, and celebrating together was a reminder of the confidence, resilience, and personal growth they have shown throughout the year. Congratulations to every graduate, we are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing what comes next.
CEO Highlights - June 2026
June was another exceptionally busy month for our CEO as Phoenix Education Centre continued to strengthen partnerships, expand opportunities, and represent our community across Northern Ireland and beyond.
Throughout the month, Emma attended the Inner East Meeting, met with the PSNI, and participated in a tension monitoring meeting following the recent riots to ensure Phoenix remains engaged in supporting local communities. She also met with the Mid Ulster Group – Bounce Back for individual follow-up discussions and launched our new Parent Chat Group, providing another opportunity for parents and carers to connect and support one another.
Phoenix continued building strong partnerships by attending the Belfast City Council Economy Board, meeting with funders, welcoming staff from organisations across Northern Ireland, and taking part in the SPARC quarterly consortium meeting. Emma also travelled to London to meet with organisations interested in Phoenix’s work and attended the Summer Reception at Notting Hill, creating new opportunities to showcase the impact of our organisation.
Supporting learners remained at the heart of everything we do. Emma assisted with mock interviews, attended the Employer Fair, celebrated with learners at the Step Up For Change Graduation and Formal, and supported participants completing their Essential Skills examinations in the centre.
During June, Phoenix also welcomed new tutors to strengthen our growing team, secured new tenders to support future delivery, and continued working on exciting expansion plans that will allow us to reach even more people across our communities.
Emma also had the opportunity to visit the US Consulate to say farewell to James Applegate as he completed his posting in Belfast, recognising the positive relationships that continue to support education and community development across Northern Ireland.
Community Corner
Phoenix had another month filled with learning, achievement, and community engagement across Phoenix Education Centre NI. Learners continued participating in mentoring, training, and educational programmes designed to build confidence, develop practical skills, and create new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
A significant milestone this month was the completion of Essential Skills examinations, with learners demonstrating the commitment and hard work they have invested throughout the year. We wish everyone the very best as they await their results and congratulate them for reaching this important stage.
Alongside our regular programmes, Phoenix continued working closely with community organisations, employers, and local partners to ensure that learners have access to meaningful opportunities that support progression into further education, training, and employment. As a community-led organisation committed to tackling educational underachievement in East Belfast, we remain focused on creating positive pathways for people of all ages to reach their full potential
Coming up in July
As we move into July, we are looking forward to another exciting month at Phoenix Education Centre NI. Our summer programmes will continue to provide engaging educational activities, mentoring opportunities, and community events designed to keep learners connected, active, and supported throughout the school holidays.
We will also continue developing new partnerships, welcoming new participants into our programmes, and progressing our organisational expansion plans to ensure Phoenix can continue growing its impact across East Belfast and beyond. We look forward to sharing more success stories, celebrating achievements, and continuing to provide opportunities that help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and realise their potential.
Thank You & How To Stay Involved
As always, we would like to thank everyone who continues to support Phoenix Education Centre NI. Whether you are one of our learners, parents, volunteers, partner organisations, funders, employers, or supporters, your encouragement and commitment make a genuine difference to the work we do every day.
Every success story is made possible through the collective efforts of our community. Together, we continue creating opportunities that improve lives, raise aspirations, and tackle educational disadvantage across East Belfast.
If you would like to stay involved, keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on upcoming programmes, events, volunteering opportunities, and community activities. Thank you for being part of the Phoenix journey, we look forward to another successful month ahead.