Shared Future News

In this episode of Northern Peacebuilders, we meet David Mitchell, Assistant Professor in Reconciliation and Peace Studies at Trinity College Dublin at Belfast, discussing his personal interest in peacebuilding, academic research, challenges in peacebuilding in Northern Ireland and globally, and the relevance of peace education. David emphasises the need for continuous research and education in peace studies to support practitioners in the field.

This episode was produced from an interview by Dr David McCann, televised by community-based Northern Visions (NVTV) and which received funding from the Community Relations Council. We are grateful to David and both organisations.

Northern Peacebuilders is presented by Allan Leonard and produced by Shared Future News, to highlight the work and efforts of those seeking to contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

In this episode of Northern Peacebuilders, we meet Gerard Deane, who discusses his background in peacebuilding and community development, influenced by his father's work at Holywell Trust. He reflects on his university experience and the disconnect between theoretical peace studies and real-world conflict. Gerard emphasizes the importance of values-based practice, building relationships, and the need for systemic change. He acknowledges the challenges in engaging the public, particularly younger people, and the impact of a divided society on their identities and opportunities.

Northern Peacebuilders is presented by Allan Leonard and produced by Shared Future News, to highlight the work and efforts of those seeking to contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

In this episode of Northern Peacebuilders, we meet David Robinson, who discusses his journey into peacebuilding and community relations. He shares personal experiences from his childhood, involvement in Corrymeela, and later work at Belfast City Council, particularly in the Decade of Centenaries. David emphasises the importance of genuine reconciliation and building positive relationships to create a peaceful and safe society.

Northern Peacebuilders is presented by Allan Leonard and produced by Shared Future News, to highlight the work and efforts of those seeking to contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

In this episode of Northern Peacebuilders, we meet Michael Doherty, a practitioner of peacebuilding and mediation in Northern Ireland. Michael shares his personal journey, from working in a barbershop to becoming a community relations worker. He discusses the complexity of the conflict, his experiences as a mediator, and the challenges in achieving lasting peace. He emphasizes the need for trust, dialogue, and understanding between divided communities, and expresses concern about the incomplete reconciliation process and the potential for a return to violence.

Northern Peacebuilders is presented by Allan Leonard and produced by Shared Future News, to highlight the work and efforts of those seeking to contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

In this episode of Northern Peacebuilders, we meet Dympna McGlade, a peacebuilder based in Northern Ireland, and learn about her journey into peacebuilding and her thoughts on the state of peacebuilding in society. Dympna discusses her personal background, her community development work in Belfast, the role of research in peacebuilding, the need for a new peace plan, and the importance of political will and community involvement in creating sustainable peace.

Northern Peacebuilders is presented by Allan Leonard and produced by Shared Future News, to highlight the work and efforts of those seeking to contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland. 

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to me, we meet Nandi Jola, who is a poet, playwright, and cultural ambassador.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet John Kyle from east Belfast, who is a GP and an elected representative of Belfast City Council.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Charmain Jones, who is a community relations professional, focussing on the development of rural communities.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Martin Magill, who is a priest at St John Parish on the Falls Road in Belfast and co-founder of the 4 Corners Festival.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Denis Stewart, who was a research scientist and educator, and is an enthusiast for conversation in civic spaces.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Emma Must, who is a poet and former environmental activist.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Rob Fairmichael, who is a long-time peace activist and coordinator of INNATE, a non-violence network in Ireland.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Gladys Ganiel, who is a reader and writer of sociology of religion, and has represented Northern Ireland in the marathon at the Commonwealth Games.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Linda Ervine, who is manager of the Tuas Irish language project in east Belfast.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Deirdre MacBride, originally from Newtownstewart in County Tyrone, who describes herself as "a person of this place".

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Brian John Spencer, who is an artist.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Paul Gosling, who is a researcher and writer.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Ian Marshall, who is a current member of the Ulster Unionist Party and former Senator of Seanad Éireann.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Norman Hamilton, who is a Presbyterian minister and a former moderator of the Presbyterian Church.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Claire Hanna from the SDLP, who is MP for South Belfast.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Paul McLaughlin, who is a journalist with experience in the corporate, voluntary, and charity sectors.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Eileen Chan-Hu, who is an educator in cultural awareness.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Joseph Nawaz, who is a writer and performer.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet William Redpath, who is a business owner and community worker.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Malachi O'Doherty, who is a writer and commentator.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Rich Dale, who is an entrepreneur and environmentalist.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In  this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Emily Stanton, who is a practitioner and an academic in peacebuilding, originally from the United States.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In  this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Sarah Creighton, who is a writer, commentator, and lawyer in Belfast.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern  Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Darren Ferguson, the founder of Beyond Skin, an organisation which uses arts to help develop a society free from racism and sectarianism.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Claire Mitchell, who's a writer from Belfast.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and  produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern  Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern  Ireland Office.

In this episode of What Northern Ireland Means to Me, we meet Quintin Oliver, who’s an activist, a campaigner, a lobbyist, and a public policy specialist.

What Northern Ireland Means to Me is presented by Julia Paul and produced by Shared Future News, to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, with funding from the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Shared Future News managing editor, Allan Leonard, interviewed Tony Kennedy, whose previous peacebuilding work includes serving as chief executive at Co-operation Ireland, with board memberships at the Community Relations Council, the Centre for Cross Border Studies, and the Institute of British-Irish Studies. Tony also has a passion for the poetry and writings of John Hewitt, directing its society and assisting in its annual summer school.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders — interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

Shared Future News volunteer Raquel Gomez interviewed Gerry McConville, director of Fally Community Council, based in west Belfast with a range of inner-community and community relations work. Gerry discusses his community development work over decades.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders — interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

Shared Future News volunteer Raquel Gomez interviewed Brendan McCourt, a journalist, film maker, and producer for over 30 years, who works to empower women and young people to imagine a new vision for their communities, including through the use of virtual and augmented reality tools.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders — interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

Shared Future News volunteer Raquel GOMEZ interviewed Kelly MORRIS, a freelance photographer who has worked with numerous communities in Northern Ireland over the past 20 years. For her, photography can bring love, compassion, inspiration, and healing to people, with participants telling their own stories through art.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders —  interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better  community relations in Northern Ireland.

Shared Future News volunteer Daniel BENNETT interviewed Catherine CREED, an Advocacy and Training Coordinator at Community Relations in Schools (CRIS). She described the work of the education and peacebuilding organisation, working increasingly with school leaders to increase their capacity of developing community relations in their educational environments.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders — interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

Shared Future News volunteer Daniel BENNETT interviewed Dr Gul Kacmaz ERK at Queen’s Film Theatre. Dr ERK explained the motivation  behind the CACity research group’s film series event, Walled Cities, and the powerful role that media and art play in collective memory and efforts to forge a shared future.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders — interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.

Shared Future News volunteer Daniel BENNETT interviewed John O’DOHERTY at The Rainbow Project. Topics included: LGBT inclusive services, what a shared future means personally and for the LGBT community in Northern Ireland, what we need to develop a shared future, and who provides inspiration for this.

This episode is part of our series on Northern Peacebuilders — interviews with individuals whose work and efforts contribute to better community relations in Northern Ireland.