Article written by Youth Link. The Community Relations Council supports the organisation through its Core Funding Scheme.
Jo Berry made an important decision to exercise learning rather than practice hate.
She has a journey that began in 1984, upon receiving the news that her father had died to the hands of an IRA atrocity. The event commonly referred to as “The Brighton Bomb” was one the most chilling and significant event of the Troubles. Whilst in the early stages of an horrific grieving process, Jo took it upon herself to understand the point of view of the perpetrators of the attack. This led to a meeting in person and forming a connection that has involved sharing the stage with Pat Magee on hundreds of occasions.
At the end of April, we welcomed Jo Berry to Youth Link for a series of events titled Exploring Empathy. As practitioners in good relations and trainers in youth work, we recognise empathy as a vital concept – not only to understand, but to practise in challenging conversations and divided spaces.
Engaging young adults
Our first event welcomed young adults to hear Jo’s story firsthand and to consider how empathy can grow when people sit together across deep disagreement. Although many of those present were younger in years, they brought a wide range of life experience to the conversation.
For attendees beginning careers in youth work, care and related professions, Jo’s story offered a powerful sense of hope and a practical example of how empathy can support peacebuilding, dialogue and personal transformation.
Working with professionals and project participants
Later that evening, we welcomed professionals from across the voluntary and education sectors into Youth Link to hear Jo speak. Each person in the room held a significant role in the practice of community relations in Northern Ireland.
The atmosphere was both poignant and peaceful as Jo shared her story with a captivated audience. She also spoke with young people actively participating in our Empower 2 Transform Project, prompting them to ask thoughtful questions of themselves and others about the meaning and practice of empathy.
We are proud to help share Jo’s learning and will continue to apply these lessons throughout our ongoing good relations work.
Reaction from those attending
Below are quotes from attendees:
- “The evening session with Jo Berry was nothing short of powerful. Hearing Jo's story was a complete privilege. This will benefit me within my professional and personal life. Through my journey in my youth work career I have had many questions in relation to empathy and forgive. Hearing the difference between forgiveness and empathy was helpful and I had many thoughts surrounding this! I would recommend anyone who may have the chance to hear Jo's story and journey of peace building to take the chance!”
- “It's nearly been two days since the discussion, and I honestly have not stopped thinking about it. Jo is an inspiration and I would love to be like her when I am older. Her vibe is just calming and you can sense the peace she has worked so far to learn and maintain in her life.”
- “Sharing is important and the right need to be in the room & it felt spiritual.”
- “This has taught me the importance of creating pace for empathy and young people.”
- “There’s young people with no empathy – how we teach this to young people is a big challenge. Hearing this story is a start.”
- “Releasing shame to create & understand empathy is a concept I have learnt this evening.”
- “Justice over peace can be changed to a different mindset of peace”
- “I love the idea of empathy over forgiveness – I am going to learn to humanise people better.”
- “I am learning about opposing truths and active truths.”
- “I have learnt about the power of people’s story & empathy.”
- “How do we challenge without blaming, shaming & killing. I will challenge myself with empathy.”