Conference Marks Full Circle Moment for Female Empowerment Course Participants

SERC concluded a Female Empowerment Programme with a unique cross-border mini conference for participants of the PEACEPLUS funded programme.

Designed to inspire and build on the momentum achieved throughout the course, the conference hosted in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, featured women who had turned their passions into careers including Caroline O’Neill, entrepreneur, community builder and digital advocate, best known as the founder of the Digg Community; Brinan Johnson who, after years of unfulfilling jobs, re-designed her career and now empowers others to navigate career pivots; and Annette Kelly, speaker and personal development coach and founder of Little Penny Thoughts. 

Claire Loughran offered signposting and information for entrepreneurs, outlining support available through Go Succeed, the go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland’s eleven local councils. 

The eight-week Female Empowerment Programme saw 31 women from across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area develop their skills in leadership and personal confidence, whilst gaining an OCN Level 3 Award in Employability and Professional Development Skills.

Catherine Shipman, Head of Engagement and Development at SERC said, “This exciting programme provided a space for women and girls to gain a recognised qualification and grow their confidence.

“Whilst some of the participants had been out of education for several years, others were keen to find a new career path or kickstart a career which suited their current lifestyle, family commitments and aspirations.   Everyone, however, was excited to give the programme a go, to find the right pathway and further opportunities that could help them reach career aspirations that might have been missed."

Catherine continued, “We were delighted to complete the programme with what one participant described as a ‘full circle moment’.   Our amazing line up of inspirational speakers made the conclusion of the Female Empowerment programme feel like the beginning of something for the 31-strong women participants, some of which are planning to retrain, upskill and set up their own businesses.”

The next Female Empowerment Programme starts in SERC’s Ballynahinch Campus in January 2026. For information contact: peaceplus@serc.ac.uk