Charmain had the privilege of attending “In the Midst of Trauma – A Collective Journey” at Corrymeela.

This was a powerful and deeply reflective space bringing together practitioners who work cross community and cross border on peacebuilding, community relations and trauma-informed practice.

Across the day she explored:

🕊️ Trauma-informed and rights-based approaches to peacebuilding

🗣️ How trauma shapes communities and relationships

🤝 The importance of resourcing ourselves as practitioners when working in trauma spaces

🔥 The value of shared reflection, stillness and collective learning

What stood out most was the reminder that peacebuilding and community relations work is not just structural or political — it is profoundly human. How we hold space, listen, respond and care matters as much as the policies and programmes we design.

At NIRWN, this learning is especially relevant as we continue to support rural women navigating complexity, legacy, identity and belonging across communities and borders.