Tides and Triumphs: A Day of Surfing in Portrush
Some of the Step Up For Change participants spent a day at the start of March in Portrush, catching waves and embracing the thrill of surfing. It was the perfect way to unwind and decompress after weeks of dedicated hard work. After a great time in the water, they headed to Ramore for a well-earned bite to eat, enjoying delicious food and the lively seaside atmosphere.
St Patricks Day Reception
CEO Emma Shaw attended the St. Patrick’s Day reception at the British-Irish Secretariat, highlighting the power of networking and collaboration in fostering strong business and diplomatic relationships. Meaningful connections drive success
Cllr David Douglas and MLA David Brooks Visit the Centre to Strengthen Community Ties
Cllr David Douglas and MLA David Brooks recently visited the Centre to engage with staff, discussing key local initiatives and ways to support ongoing projects. Their visit highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening community ties and ensuring continued development. We appreciate their time and commitment to our shared goals.
Her Safety, Our Responsibility – A Vital Conversation at Walkway Community Centre
We were grateful to attend Her Safety, Our Responsibility at Walkway Community Centre on Friday 21st March morning, where a packed room and an engaging panel discussion highlighted the urgent issue of violence against women in Northern Ireland.
This conversation is critical—not just to raise awareness but to drive real action. Ensuring women’s safety requires a collective effort from the justice system, the PSNI, and the wider community. We must continue advocating for stronger protections, better support for survivors, and a culture where violence against women is never tolerated.
A huge thank you to the Walkway staff for hosting such an informative and thought-provoking event. Let’s keep the conversation going and work together for change.
IFI Step Up For Change Visits Riddel’s Warehouse
The IFI Step Up For Change group had the opportunity to visit Riddel’s Warehouse, a remarkable Grade B+ listed building in the heart of Belfast.
Led by Hearth, the organisation working to restore this historic space, the group explored the impressive five-story galleried atrium and learned about the rich history of the lives that once filled its walls. Hearth’s vision is to transform Riddel’s Warehouse into a vibrant hub for the creative industries—offering an accessible, inclusive performance and exhibition space alongside collaborative co-working areas.
It was an inspiring visit, highlighting the importance of preserving Belfast’s architectural heritage while creating new opportunities for creativity and community engagement.
Phoenix Book Club Off to a Fantastic Start
We’re thrilled to share that our first Phoenix Book Club meeting was a great success! It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm as we kicked off with our first read, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
Our book club runs monthly, and we’re committed to making reading more accessible by providing the books—because we know that cost can often be a barrier.
If you love books and good conversation, we’d love for you to join us! Get in touch with Kirsty at kirstyd@phoenixeducationcentreni.co.uk for more details.
Celebrating Young Changemakers at the Youth Inspire Awards
We had an incredible evening at the Youth Inspire Awards at City Hall, where community groups from across East Belfast came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our young people.
A huge congratulations to all the award winners! Your hard work, dedication, and passion are truly inspiring. And to those who didn’t take home an award—know that you are still the future of our communities. Your resilience and determination push us all forward, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
Here’s to celebrating and supporting the next generation of leaders!
Successful Opening Night at Avoniel Leisure Centre & Upcoming Women's Workshops
We are thrilled to announce the successful opening night of Future Screens NI at Avoniel Leisure Centre! It was an incredible evening, with the community coming together to celebrate innovation, creativity, and the power of digital technology. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to share that Future Screens NI will be hosting women’s crafting workshops in East Belfast! These workshops are a fantastic opportunity to unleash your creativity, learn new skills, and connect with others in the community. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re interested in joining the workshops, please get in touch with Future Screens NI for more information and to sign up. We can’t wait to see you there!
Step Up for Change Takes on Prison Island
Our Step Up for Change group embraced teamwork, resilience, and a bit of healthy competition during an action-packed visit to Prison Island!
This dynamic experience provided the perfect opportunity to let off steam, build confidence, and strengthen bonds, all while tackling challenges together. It was a great reminder that positive change happens not just through learning, but through shared experiences and teamwork.
Well done to everyone who took part—your energy and determination were truly inspiring!
Continuing the Journey of Learning and Growth
Our IFI Step Up for Change group is continuing their hard work as they prepare for their Essential Skills exams in Numeracy and Literacy this May. Their dedication to learning is truly inspiring, as they balance exam preparation with their Employability OCNs, gaining valuable skills for the future.
In addition to the focused study time, the group has also been benefiting from trips and activities that break up the learning routine, helping to keep engagement high and providing valuable hands-on experiences. These breaks provide a fresh perspective and contribute to building a well-rounded skill set, ensuring that the learning journey remains enjoyable and impactful.
Keep up the fantastic work, everyone! We can’t wait to celebrate your achievements this May.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss our Easter Revision Camp, running from 22nd to 25th April from 10am-2pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to get focused support as you prepare for your upcoming exams. Whether you’re looking to boost your skills or fine-tune your revision strategy, this camp has something for everyone. Lunch is also on us.
Sign up now and secure your spot for a productive and engaging revision experience: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ERC2025