From 13th - 16th April 2026, 27 participants from the PeacePlus Forward Thinking group took part in a study visit to the Basque Country. During the visit the group met with different organisations, academics, trade unions, and politicians to explore different views on Basque independence. We also met with a number of victims and survivors of the Basque conflict, including those bereaved as a result of paramilitary violence, state violence, and those severely injured.

Rising Authoritarian Practices and the Erosion of Human Rights. Gráinne Teggart, Northern Ireland Deputy Director of Amnesty International UK, will discuss the rise of authoritarian practices and the pillars of a free society which are under attack in the UK and in other parts of the world, as well as efforts to undermine international systems designed to protect human rights. The talk will highlight global patterns and authoritarian tactics and will be a timely reminder that we all have a responsibility to rise to this challenging time and to protect human rights.

The event is on Monday 2nd March at 11am at Holywell Trust.

When Aisling Doherty joined Holywell Trust’s Leadership Collective, she wasn’t just looking for traditional professional development. As Project Manager for SkillSET at Action Mental Health, she wanted something deeper: a space where leaders could tackle big societal challenges, moving beyond political divides to create real change. In the Holywell Leadership Collective, she’s found what she was looking for.