Belfast Friendship Club - 'a space for diverse people to experience common ground' - a weekly gathering in safe and inclusive space welcoming 20-60 people from many nationalities, walks of life, backgrounds and identities in an atmosphere of warmth and spirit of equity, respect and solidarity. Described variously as 'a quiet human miracle' and 'the best kept secret in Belfast', it is a weekly example of what's possible in a post-conflict society still at odds with itself and is arguably the 'real' face of Belfast in 2017. To date, we have welcomed 4000+ members and have inspired nine other groups to set up something similar in Scotland, Ireland and beyond. Our weekly meetings are simply the 'crucible' that give rise to much, much more.

Specialising in social cohesion

Using creative and child-centred methodology in schools to capture students' experience of learning, I directed a short, animated film using their ideas and images to promote meaningful conversations between learners and teachers.

Responsible for delivering a wide range of research projects concerning the experiences of young people facing multiple exclusion such as BME and other marginalised groups including: Irish travellers, young people in care, those in secure accommodation and those with learning difficulties.