Empowering VOICES at key conference

A key conference in Belfast this month will help empower those in our society whose voices have been silenced.

Empowering Voices - Creating Change is organised by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland's VOICES Project, which aims to highlight the experiences of groups on the margins of local life and to help groups find their voices.

Grosvenor Hall on Belfast's Glengall Street is the venue for the conference, which will take place on Thursday, June 30 from 10.00am - 3.00pm.

Guest speakers at the conference include Niall Crowley, former CEO of the Republic of Ireland's Equality Authority and Grainne Teggart, a local campaigner for Amnesty International.

Dr Avila Kilmurray, Director of the Community Foundation, will make a special presentation, as will several successful advocacy groups, including Justice for the Magdalenes, Kinship Care NI, 'Safe and Sound' Youth Action Group.

BoildVOICES Films, recently premiered at the Queen's Film Theatre in Belfast, will also be screened as part of the event.

VOICES Co-ordinator Jude McCann is looking forward to the event, and he believes; "Any group in Northern Ireland who are interested in having their voices heard will find this event inspiring.

"As well as the packed agenda already announced, there will be a panel event of opinion formers and journalists who will be there to advise how best to get messages across to those in power."

If you would like more information, or to reserve a place at the event, please contact Bryony Livesey at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland on 028 90 245 927 or email blivesey@communityfoundationni.org.