GATHERING TWO

Last Tuesday (19th September 2023) in St Comgall’s Community Centre 37 epilogues graduates from the last four deliveries came together to share their experience of participation in the programme. What if any were its long term impacts on their lives? What might they do individually or collectively to help deepen the peace?

A big thanks on behalf of one and all to the staff in St Comgall’s who ensured that we could get full use of their wonderful space, perfect technical support and food that left everyone leaving satisfied. A big thanks also to Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and the Irish government’s Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund without whose support these deliveries to women’s groups across Northern Ireland could not have happened.

There was unanimous endorsement within the room of the ongoing personal development impact epilogues has had on their everyday lives. A selection of comments shared in the room are shared below.

• “It was mind blowing, you walk in someone else’s shoes.”
• “It opened my mind, it humanised the police and the army.”
• “Listening to the stories of others you get to realise the actual impact of the troubles.”
• “You learn that justice means something different to everyone.”
• “It is scary to realise the media’s censoring bias and the truth of what happened.”
• “People from “the other side” were treated badly too.”
• “It instigated conversations within my home and family [that would never have happened otherwise].”
• “Trauma affected and continues to affect our lives.”
• “It changes your thoughts about everyday life.”
• “You listen with new ears.”
• “It creates an interest in politics and to seek more knowledge”

A more detailed analysis of the feedback will form part of an independent evaluation which will be published in 2024 and below is a 13 minute video record of the event.