Applications closing for Holywell Trust overseas study programme

Holywell Trust is encouraging last minute applications for its Forward Thinking programme, which will include two residential study trips to Catalonia or the Basque Region in Northern Spain, and a visit to Scotland.

The Forward Thinking programme will explore constitutional issues at home and abroad, considering Northern Ireland in a global context.

A key part of the project is direct engagement with people involved in other constitutional campaigns and discussions, with Northern Spain and Scotland top of the agenda.

By sharing the lived experiences of those involved in the debate, and gaining insight on tackling the challenges of constitutional reform, it is hoped that these foreign visits will contribute to the conversation in Northern Ireland.

Forward Thinking is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan, under the theme Celebrating Cultural Diversity.

Gerard Deane, Director of Holywell Trust.

Holywell Trust’s Programme Manager, Sara Duddy explained the value of broad community participation in the Forward Thinking programme, at a pivotal point.

She said: “This is an important time in the evolving conversation around the Irish border.

The Forward Thinking programme will explore the constitutional question here, while drawing on international experiences of constitutional change.

“The study visits to Northern Spain and Scotland will provide a really valuable opportunity for participants to see how other societies have navigated political and identity conflicts.”

“We are particularly keen to hear from people across all communities and identities, including those from Protestant, Unionist and/or Loyalist backgrounds, minority/ethnic backgrounds, and residents in border areas, to ensure a wide range of voices are part of the discussion.”

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For participants who prefer to stay closer to home, Holywell will also be hosting a series of Forward Thinking workshops exploring constitutional questions from a wide range of perspectives. These workshops, starting in September, will be free and open to all to attend. More information is available at www.holywelltrust.com/forward-thinking.

To apply for the residential study visits, interested participants should submit a CV, cover letter and monitoring form by 12 noon on Friday, August 29 to Programme Manager, Sara Duddy: Sara@holywelltrust.com.