About the programme
Voice Matters began in 2022 in Derry/Londonderry with a simple belief: the people most affected by local issues should help shape the decisions made about them.
Each spring, the project brings residents together through a “people’s panel” model, offering two weekends of learning, discussion, and collaborative problem-solving on a topic selected through community consultation.
How it works
At the heart of the project is deliberative democracy — an approach that empowers ordinary people to make informed choices through structured dialogue.
Participant story
“Despite our reputation for division, we can all come together and safely sit in a seat.
“I think, if our voices can be heard in here, then our voices should be heard outside of here, and if we work and shout loud enough together, we can change our wee city for the better.
“Well, for me, It's just a sheer optimism and enthusiasm that people here have to make the city better. Okay. And I think if that can be captured... Anything's possible... you know, you think, yeah, you know, there's such light at the end of the tunnel."
The Impact
10,500
Households invited to take part
Findings shared with government
Meet the Team
Ireland Twiggs
Our Funders
