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Our Erasmus Adventure with Churches Trust 🌍✨

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:11:47 GMT

By Adel, Anna, Lili and Zsuzsana.

Hey everyone! ��

We’re Adel, Anna, Lili and Zsuzsana, four students from Hungary, and we’ve just spent four unforgettable weeks in Derry as part of our Erasmus+ work placement with the amazing team at Churches Trust.

From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how kind and welcoming everyone was. The offices were clean, calm and cosy, a totally different vibe from busy Budapest and we quickly felt right at home.

Getting Started ☕��

Our first week was full of new experiences! We got to know everyone through friendly chats, small introductions and even a little tour of the office. We helped with everyday tasks like organising cupboards, shredding papers, tidying up and sorting clothes in the charity shop.

Sometimes we went shopping for supplies or helped with donations, no two days were the same! One of the best parts was working with children, which at first seemed a little scary, but quickly became one of the most fun parts of our placement. We painted, crafted and even taught them how to fold paper boats! Seeing their creativity and focus during activities like the watercolour workshop was absolutely heartwarming. ��

Learning by Doing

This month wasn’t just about work, it was about growth, learning and fun.

We all noticed how much our English improved, and we became more confident and independent day by day. We learned teamwork, time management and how to handle different kinds of tasks, even the unexpected ones!

It was also fascinating to see the differences between Derry and Hungary. For example, public transport here is quite different, the buses don’t go as often, and trains are more expensive, but people are so much more laid-back and friendly, which makes up for it! We also loved exploring charity shops, which are on another level here — so much more accessible and full of treasures. ��️

Favourite Memories ��❤️

Each of us has our own favourite moments:

Adel loved working with children and found it inspiring to see how creative and open they were.

Anna enjoyed the variety of tasks and said the experience made her more independent and confident.

Lili’s highlight was the coffee morning, where everyone came together to chat and share smiles.

Zsuzsana will never forget the moment one of the boys who came to the Churches Trust for mentoring gave her a drawing he made just for her, such a sweet and unforgettable gift. ��️

And of course, we all loved the watercolour workshop, where we could relax, create and connect with others through art.

Looking Back ��

These four weeks have taught us so much not only about work, but also about people, community and ourselves. We’ve learned to adapt, to be patient and to appreciate the little things that make every day meaningful.

We’ll definitely go home with only good memories, new skills and lots of new friends. The people at Churches Trust made us feel so supported and this experience showed us how much joy there is in helping others and working together.

We’re heading back to Hungary full of positive energy, inspiration, and gratitude and we hope everyone at Churches Trust enjoyed having us as much as we loved being part of this amazing team! ��e body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:59:11 GMT

Funded by PEACEPLUS and DCSDC

My name is Sinéad Smyth – artist, educator, counsellor, and mother of three. I run the Inishowen Artists’ Retreat & Studio in Donegal and am passionate about sparking creativity. Having worked with the Churches Trust on several arts engagement projects, I was honoured to be selected as Project Coordinator for Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated. The Trust is an organisation I have long admired.

My journey has been shaped by education and chance encounters. I studied Geography and later completed a Postgraduate in Education in Coleraine. By accident, I found my first arts job in Belfast’s Crescent Arts Centre, followed by a role with Belfast City Council in 1995, where I was encouraged back towards creativity. After a Certificate in Community Work at Queen’s University and working in environmental education, I traveled across Europe in a camper van, living in Germany with my three-year-old son before returning to live in Donegal. I worked teaching in local schools and returned to creating my own paintings. Art became a lifeline for healing and reflection. This experience, together with an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication, strengthened my belief in the powerful connection between creativity and wellbeing.

My artwork has since been exhibited with the Royal Ulster Academy, the Boyle Arts Festival, and internationally in Cyprus and Mumbai. I have collaborated with the Turner Prize education team and created cover art for Oisín Leech’s acclaimed album Cold Sea. These experiences inspire my creative approach to co-designing events for the Cecil Frances Alexander (CFA) Celebrated project.

With the guidance of a dedicated Steering Group, we are shaping a diverse programme of cultural and community events across Strabane, Derry, Fahan, Co. Donegal and Killeter, Co. Tyrone.

In Strabane, Each Bird Sings writing workshops exploring the humanitarian and environmental messaging in CFA’s Hymns with journalist and author Kathy Donaghy are available on Eventbrite. An interfaith All Souls Lantern Walking Tour will take place on November 1st, highlighting Cecil Frances Alexander’s legacy. Lantern-making workshops are scheduled at Christchurch (Oct 9 ^th 7-9pm), the Methodist Church (Oct 8 ^th 2-4pm), and Strabane Community Project (date tbc), with further sessions in Killeter.

A Celebration Concert in April 2026 will feature St. Columb’s Cathedral Choir, the Inishowen Gospel Choir, and Strabane’s Chamber and community choirs, culminating in the premiere of a specially commissioned hymn. Educational resources around Alexander’s humanitarian legacy are also being developed for Key Stage 3 schools.

In Derry, a mural project with St. Columb’s Cathedral will invite local schools to take part in creative workshops, supported by Friends of the Cathedral and designed by artist Domnall Starkie.

In Fahan, An Evening by Candlelight at the Old Rectory (Nov 15th) will combine poetry recitals, crochet workshops, harmonies with The Henry Girls, motion theatre, garden sculptures by the Inishowen Carnival Group, and a panel discussion around CFA and connections to nursing among other things, which will be documented by film.

Meanwhile, Killeter will host lantern-making workshops, join us in Strabane for our Lantern Walk, assist in the development of a tourist bus trail around CFA and host film documentation taken from our November 15 ^th panel discussion in Fahan.

There is much to coordinate, but I am grateful for the support of several experienced, knowledgeable people and am enjoying every moment.

Working in the Community - Margaret Bonner HEC

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:38:54 GMT

It's been another busy few months!

Hello Hello! My name is Margaret and I am the Health Equalities Coordinator with The Churches Trust. I have been in this role for 9 months now and during this time I have been involved in delivering Community Education programmes for women and men across Derry & Donegal alongside promoting and assisting in the running of our Charity Shop on Spencer Road and our Social Supermarket “The Pantry Project”. I am going to give you a bit more information about some of the brilliant programmes I am involved with.

Developing Women in The Community

This programme is funded by DfC and aims to tackle isolation and foster cross community relationships as well as empowering women to get more involved in their community. We meet fortnightly at three different locations – our office at the Diamond, our office on the Limavady Road and in Strabane. The 2024/ 2025 programme has just finished and we’re currently looking for new participants for the new programme which will run until March 2027.

The Developing Women in the Community programme is designed to inspire and empower women across the Derry and Strabane District Council area and is funded by the Department for Communities. DWC offers accredited training, leadership development, and practical support in areas such as mental health, family support, and community engagement.

The previous participants gained an OCN Level 1 in Community Development and an OCN Level 3 in Understanding ACE’s. They enjoyed lots of opportunities to socialise including day trips. They also came together to organise and run two fantastic Christmas quizzes for their communities which were both huge successes!

TrACE to Transform

TrACE to Transform is a 10-week course which Laura, our Community Relations Manager, and I run with women across Derry and Donegal whilst our youth team run a similar programme with young people. The programme looks at human development, empathy, resilience and ACEs. It encourages people to look at family and community life from a trauma informed perspective. It allows for personal reflection as well as group work and culminates in an intergenerational workshop bringing the youth and adult participants together to share their perspectives and learn from each other and finally, a learning conference. The 2024/25 programme finishes this month and we are delighted to let you know that we have secured funding to run the programme again in Autumn/ Winter 2025. If you would like to be involved, please get in contact!

tHIS Matters

tHIS Matters is a men’s programme running across Derry & Donegal, with content very similar to TrACE to Transform. We are currently running 3 groups – Letterkenny, Carndonagh and Waterside. This year is a pilot programme funded by DfA and has had great uptake across the two border counties. The programme consists of 8 weeks of learning with each group in their respective location followed by a shared learning experience and a study trip bringing all three groups together. The men met for the first time this week at our TrACE to Transform learning conference. We will bring them together again in July and August as part of the programme and hopefully help create lasting connections across the groups.

The Pantry Project

Food insecurity is an ongoing concern in Derry, with numbers still rising since the cost of living crisis came about. We offer emergency food support through community partners and also offer an eight-week social supermarket programme. This eight-week programme offers community members the opportunity to purchase groceries at a low cost, helping to tackle food poverty and redirect any income towards other bills or necessities. During the eight weeks, we will have conversations and get to know the clients allowing us to understand their needs and support or signpost to other services where possible. Donations for the social supermarket come from across all communities and without these we would not be able to offer either of these services.

The Churches Trust Charity Shop

Our charity shop, based on Spencer Road, is an extension of the community education work we carry out. It is a hub for the community as well as a social enterprise project – meaning that we provide employment for local people and any profits are put straight back into the charity through our other services. We are currently looking for volunteers for the charity shop – please get in contact if this is something you feel you would be interested in. We have recently been making some changes to the charity shop including redecorating to brighten the place up and installing a card machine to make shopping more accessible to all. We are particularly interested in volunteers who could help develop an online platform for us as we know this is very much a more convenient method for shopping today.

If you are interested in any of the programmes I’ve discussed, or becoming a volunteer please feel free to contact me directly on margaretbonner@thechurchestrust.org.uk for more information.

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:51:59 GMT

Our City Our Story - Social Action Project

We are so excited to share an update on this year's social action project from the OCOS group. They have decided to develop a series of recorded interviews highlighting the wide diversity Derry/Londonderry has to offer. The interviews explore the stories of Muslims, PSNI, Working Mothers, LGBTQIA+, Disabled people, Men’s Mental Health, Older People, and Young People. These groups were chosen by the young people as important diverse groups, and a representative of each group were invited to an interview.

Full length interviews will be published in due course but for now please enjoy the Trailer for this year’s social action project here .

Building Bridges Through Heritage

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:43:12 GMT

The Churches Trust continues to make meaningful strides in peacebuilding, interfaith engagement, and cultural heritage through two dynamic initiatives: the Columba Journey Project (CJP) and the Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated (CFAC) project. Supported by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and the Benefact Trust, these projects aim to foster cross-community connection, cultural learning, and mutual respect in the Northwest of Ireland.

The Columba Journey Project: Peacebuilding Rooted in Local Story

The CJP centres on the legacy of Columba, the Irish monk who helped shape early Christian Ireland and Scotland. Since August 2024, the project has brought local history to life for young people through accredited OCN programmes, and interactive events.

A highlight was our Columba Conversations Lecture Series, which in February featured Rev Dr Harold Good exploring the role of faith leadership in peacebuilding. Over 40 people attended the event at the Playhouse included Bishop Andrew Forster, Bishop Donal McKeown, Rev David Skuce and others. March saw Ulster University, Magee Campus host the lecture Columba’s Sisters by Prof Maeve Callan, focusing on often-overlooked women of the early Church and how their stories can inform modern understandings of inclusion, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

The ongoing Columba Conversations series has brought historical insight and contemporary relevance into public dialogue. Christy Gillespie captivated an audience at St Columb’s Hall with his deep knowledge of Columba’s legacy in Donegal and Scotland, weaving together archaeology, folklore, and local memory. Dr Brian Lacey shared his deep knowledge of Columba while Rev David Skuce explored how religion has been both a source of conflict and a pathway to peace at a thoughtful evening at St Columb’s Park House.

In April we hosted a Columba walking tour led by Blue Badge guide Michael Cooper, starting at the Columba Heritage Centre and taking in key sites across the city that connect past and present, legend and learning. These events continue to strengthen cross-community engagement and bring Columba’s story into the heart of contemporary conversations about reconciliation.

Young people have taken centre stage in this work. Our Columba Champions programme (for 16+) and Columba Camp (for under 16s) are designed to give young people a platform to explore identity, heritage, and reconciliation. Youth groups from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds have come together through site visits, story-based learning, and creative workshops.

Cecil Frances Alexander Celebrated: A Hymnwriter for Peace

The CFAC project recently launched at the start of April and celebrates the music and social legacy of Cecil Frances Alexander, author of timeless hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful. While religious in origin, her hymns emphasise shared values—compassion, care for the vulnerable, and appreciation for the natural world.

Funded by PEACEPLUS and supported through the Benefact Trust, this programme will bring together communities across Derry, Tyrone and Donegal, using Cecil Frances Alexander’s story as a vehicle for interfaith learning and cultural connection. Workshops and site visits will have participants reflecting on how shared cultural figures like Alexander can help heal past divisions.

Crucially, this project frames her work in a wider context—not only as a hymnwriter, but as a social reformer, educator, and advocate particularly for deaf children. Through music, discussion, and community events, CFAC aims to reclaim her legacy as a cross-community figure whose life and lyrics still resonate today.

Interfaith Development: Conversations That Matter

Both projects are unified by a core theme: interfaith dialogue as a cornerstone of reconciliation. Whether revisiting Columba’s peace efforts at Drumceat, or reflecting on how religious traditions have at times been manipulated for division, the emphasis has been on finding shared values—peace, justice, and equality.

We continue to work with a range of churches and community organisations to make space for meaningful conversations about faith and belonging. With public lectures, participants have discussed topics such as:

The role of religious leaders in rebuilding trust
Shared faith values and peacebuilding
Religious traditions as both a source of division and healing
Inclusion of women’s voices in faith histories

Speakers such as Rev David Skuce, Dr Brian Lacey, and Rev Harold Good have helped frame these discussions.

Looking Ahead

In May, we will take a group on an Inishowen Columba Heritage Tour, connecting the geography of Columba’s early life with conversations about peace and cultural transmission. Further OCN sessions and a Columba Camp for young people are planned throughout the summer.

Please do get in touch to get involved and find out more

We are also working toward a final musical celebration of Cecil Frances Alexander’s work and a Columba Heritage event in 2026, bringing communities together through performance.

Acknowledgements

We are deeply grateful for the generous support of PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, and the Benefact Trust, whose investment in cross-community learning, cultural heritage, and interfaith development makes this work possible.

Together, these projects are building a legacy rooted in the past but focused on the future—a more inclusive, peaceful, and connected society.

Empowering Young People

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:04:35 GMT

Empowering Young People Through Skills, Creativity, and Personal Development

Hi everyone my name is Jack and I’ve been a Youth worker with the Churches Trust for the last year and a half. This month I am going to give you a wee overview of some of the work we’ve been doing over the last month. So, lets get stuck in!!

We run multiple youth projects where young people can gain qualifications, have fun with their peers, or receive support in a safe and welcoming environment. Our goal is to empower them with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

At our mentoring programme, we are passionate about supporting young people as they engage in new activities, develop valuable skills, and build confidence in various areas of their lives. Here’s a look at some of the exciting initiatives they’ve been involved in recently.

Culinary Skills: Cooking Up Confidence

A group of young people have taken up cookery and are thoroughly enjoying the experience. They are learning about nutrition, refining their culinary skills, and, most importantly, taking pride in preparing and eating the food they create. Cooking is not just a life skill but also a creative and therapeutic outlet that enhances well-being.

Music and Peer Learning: A Symphony Of Success

Music has become a bridge for mentorship, as one young person is teaching another how to play the guitar. This peer-to-peer learning approach creates a sense of leadership, patience, and perseverance, highlighting the power of young people supporting each other’s growth.

Fitness and Strength: Building Confidence Through Sport

Three young people have recently joined a gym and taken up kickboxing. This not only keeps them physically active but also strengthens their mental resilience, self-discipline, and confidence. Exercise is a fantastic way to manage stress and channel energy into something positive and rewarding.

Artistic Expression: Murals with Meaning

Creativity is flourishing as another young person, guided by a mentor, is working on an art mural. This initiative allows them to express themselves artistically, develop practical skills, and contribute to their community’s visual landscape.

Trace to Transform Projects: Exploring Social Issues

We are excited to have launched a new group in Donegal and Derry/Londonderry, focusing on children’s rights, adverse childhood and community experiences, and managing emotions and stress. The young people involved have actively engaged in discussions and debates around these important topics, showing great interest in exploring social issues that affect their community and using art to express their feelings.

Our City, Our Story: Celebrating Diversity

As part of this initiative, young people have recorded interviews with community members to explore themes of good relations and diversity. These conversations will be compiled into a booklet alongside video interviews, creating a valuable resource for promoting inclusion and understanding within Derry/Londonderry.

Looking Ahead: How You Can Get Involved

Through these projects, we continue to support young people in their personal development, equipping them with skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

If you would like to support The Churches Trust, there are several ways to get involved:

Donate to fund our programmes and ensure more young people have access to life-changing opportunities.

Spread the word by sharing our initiatives and success stories within your community.

Let Young People Know about different projects we are running.

Together, we can create a space where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey ! Cheers Jack

Celebrating our new move, website and look!!

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:30:14 GMT

2024 has been a year of positive changes for the Churches Trust

A year that has given us much to celebrate, reflect upon and move forward into 2025 from a place of hope and optimism for all our staff, and those we work with.

We now have amazing new headquarters at 11 Limavady Road, which is modern and spacious. This allows us to run many of our programmes here in a safe, welcoming environment complementing our Youth facility in the city centre at the Diamond. Along with this move we updated our look with new branding and a new website, reflecting our image as an organisation poised to keep on learning and adapt to the evolving needs of a modern, contemporary society.

In recognition of our growth as an organisation, we recently held a launch celebration day with our Trustees, Board members and staff and we are delighted to share with you our successes over 2024, and how we now work together as a Trauma Informed organization. This means not alone do we support our staff ensuring that they enjoy coming to work every day, this then allows us to support those we work with to overcome family and community adversities in a way that empowers us all.

These changes facilitate our understanding of what is needed to meet the everyday issues and concerns impacting us all across the Northwest through proactive programme delivery, support and services. If you would like to learn more about the Churches Trust, we invite you to take time and explore our website, alternatively you can contact us through email or phone.

The Churches Trust Blog

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:03:00 GMT

Becoming the New CEO of Churches Trust: A Journey of Shared Purpose and Vision

Stepping into the role of CEO at Churches Trust is both an honour and a profound opportunity. It marks the beginning of a new chapter where we embrace a mission close to my heart: embedding Trauma-Informed Approaches across every aspect of our work. This framework aligns perfectly with our goal to nurture stronger communities and empower individuals—especially young people, women, and families—to thrive.

At Churches Trust, our focus is clear: to enhance good relations within families and communities and to support children, families in reaching their full potential. These are not just aspirations but commitments that stem from a shared belief in the transformative power of empathy and opportunity. For me, this role is not just professional; it’s deeply personal. My values resonate with the core ethos of Churches Trust—ensuring no one is left behind, particularly those who often face systemic barriers or limited access to opportunities many take for granted.

Trauma-Informed Approaches offer a powerful lens through which we view and address challenges. They teach us that understanding and addressing the root causes of behaviour is essential to creating meaningful change. It’s about ensuring we have environments where individuals feel safe, respected, and valued—because healing begins when we listen, empathize, and respond with compassion.

Building Stronger Communities, One Step at a Time
Every day, we have the chance to impact lives, whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a program that uplifts and empowers. Communities thrive when we acknowledge our interconnectedness and take responsibility for how our actions—big or small—shape the world around us. By promoting empathy and understanding, we can make transformative changes that ripple through families, our communities and further afield.

As we move forward, I’m eager to work alongside the talented and dedicated team at Churches Trust. Our work is enriched by their passion and commitment to delivering impactful projects. In the coming months, the team will share stories and insights from their individual projects, offering glimpses into the incredible work being done on the ground. These stories will inspire, challenge, and remind us all of the power of collective action.

 Looking Ahead: A Time of Growth and Opportunity
This is an exciting time for Churches Trust. With our recent office move and a range of ongoing and upcoming initiatives, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and deepen our impact. As 2025 approaches, we anticipate many wonderful opportunities to strengthen our programs and partnerships, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

I am deeply grateful to the Board of Directors for their trust and support and to Fiona Fagan, whose mentorship has been invaluable over the past year. To the entire staff, thank you for your kindness and dedication. Together, we are poised to achieve great things.

This journey is about more than leadership; it’s about partnership, purpose, and the unwavering belief that together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future. Watch this space as we continue to grow, learn, and create lasting change.

Mary Holmes - CEO