Holywell Trust's Leadership Collective aims to strengthen community impact in north west

Twenty-three people from across the North West have joined Holywell Trust’s first-ever Leadership Collective, aimed at strengthening community impact and fostering collaboration in the region.

Over the next 10 months these leaders from the community and voluntary sector, private and public sector will gain the skills and networking needed to tackle the region's most pressing social, economic, and political challenges in this new programme from Holywell Trust, in partnership with Fermanagh Trust and Rural Community Network.

Participants can expect to enhance their leadership skills to achieve a greater positive impact on their community through reflective, action-oriented learning. Collective Leadership also aims to address regional imbalances by creating stronger cross-sector relationships and increased policy engagement to develop a resilient, sustainable community sector equipped to navigate challenges.

The members of Holywell Trust’s first Leadership Collective are:

• Aisling Doherty, Service Manager, Action Mental Health
• Amy McRory, Youth Engagement and Centre Manager, The Rainbow Project
• Carlene Lyttle, Innovation and Sustainability Lead, Spraoi agus Spórt
• Carol-Anne O’Kane, Employment Officer, Action Mental Health
• Damian McKane, Engineer, Seagate
• David Douglas, Business Consultant
• Emmett Friel, Actor/Facilitator, Freelance
• Fiona Jane Garrett, Communications Consultant
• Fiona Umetsu, Artistic Director, Foyle Obon
• Francesca Kelly, Owner, Aurora Counselling
• Glen Miller, Director, D A Miller & Sons Transport Ltd
• Grainne Robinson, NW Regional Manager, Woven Housing Association
• Joanna Gray, Head of Northern Ireland Football Fund, Department for Communities
• Lauren Hegarty, Centre Based Manager, Education Authority Youth Service
• Louise Collins, Aquaculture Regional Officer North Bord, Iascaigh Mhara
• Maria Herron, Co-ordinator, Waterside Women’s Centre
• Michelle McLaughlin, Project Support Administrator, Seamus Heaney HomePlace
• Myra McAuliffe, ChangeMakers Donegal Project Coordinator, Inishowen Development Partnership
• Paul Sceeny, Interim Manager, North West Migrants Forum
• Peter McBay, DCEO, The Bytes Project
• Sami Shakir, Employment Officer, Glen Development Initiative
• Steve Bradley, Chair, ‘Into The West’ rail campaign
• Tommy Canning, Head of Treatment, Northlands Addiction Treatment Centre

As all the participants gathered together for the introductory session at Holywell this week, some of the participants shared their aspirations for the programme.

Joanna Gray from the Department for Communities said: “Around these tables, there’s such a wealth of diverse experience—from public sector professionals and private sector commercial experts to individuals with extensive community and voluntary sector backgrounds, as well as others in leadership roles.

“I am hoping to be able to give back some of my experience and learning both as somebody who's worked in the area from a public sector point of view, but also someone who lives here as well.

“There’s a real opportunity here to come together and create something truly exciting.”

Local businessman Glen Miller said: “This is a great opportunity to come together, collaborate more effectively, and unlock the full potential of the North West—both economically and within our communities and groups. The goal is to find ways to tie all of these efforts together for the benefit of everyone.

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“We have so much to offer here, so much potential that has yet to be tapped into. It's about securing the resources this area needs to evolve.

“When groups like this come together collectively, they have an incredibly strong voice that demands attention so by working together, shifting the narrative, and turning this into a positive story.”

Myra McAuliffe from Inishowen Development Partnership said: “We’re involved in many cross-border projects, and given that Inishowen serves as the hinterland of this area and region, it's crucial to understand the challenges that exist. Equally important is maintaining dialogue to find solutions on a North West basis. It's an exciting time for Derry and the North West and there’s a lot to be optimistic about.

“It’s essential to approach this region with a focus on collaboration and relationships, as they are key drivers of the change that must continue.”

Participants will engage with expert leaders from public, private, and community sectors, promoting partnerships that extend beyond traditional boundaries. The programme’s content will tackle crucial issues such as health, housing, education, and labour markets, and incorporates sessions on private sector engagement, equality, diversity, and policy influence.

The programme will be facilitated through monthly workshops, guest speakers, study visits, and virtual sessions to connect participants with leaders across the UK and Ireland. A midpoint study visit to Dublin will allow participants to explore diverse leadership models and reflect on how they can apply these insights to benefit their communities.

Gerard Deane, Director of Holywell Trust, said: “Leadership Collective is more than just a programme; it’s a catalyst for positive change and a platform for empowering individuals. We’re thrilled to support this incredibly diverse and talented group of individuals who are already making significant contributions to their communities. By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to strengthen their roles as agents of change, we’re helping to create a ripple effect of progress across Northern Ireland.

“This initiative is about fostering collaboration, building connections, and amplifying their impact. We’re genuinely excited to see the results of their shared efforts and the positive difference they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.”