Counselling in Prisons Network Conference 2026
About this Event
Welcome to the Counselling in Prisons Network Conference 2026!
Join us at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, on 8th and 9th July 2026 for a relaxed and insightful two-day conference exploring therapeutic services within the Pr*son system across the UK and the island of Ireland.
Bringing together speakers and practitioners from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the conference will highlight the range of therapeutic supports available across custodial and community settings. Through keynote talks and interactive workshops, we will explore current approaches to therapy, support services, and community-based interventions, creating space for learning, reflection, and meaningful cross-border collaboration.
It’s a great chance to connect with others, share ideas, and discover new approaches in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a professional or just curious, this event is for you.
General Admission for 2 day attendance at conference - £110
One day attendance only - Use Promo Code ONEDAY at checkout - £55
++PROVISIONAL TWO DAY PROGRAM PUBLISHED BELOW BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE++
Key note speakers:
Dr Rhona Morrison - Retired Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Artist, award winning author and professional speaker from Scotland. With over 30 years experience working with mentally disordered offenders.
Dr Richard Bunn - Consultant Psychiatrist for BHSCT and SEHSCT. Dr Bunn graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 1997. He gained postgraduate qualifications in Child Health and Obstetrics & Gynaecology along with specialist training in Addictions and Forensic Psychiatry. He has been practising as a Consultant in Forensic Psychiatry since 2006.
Robyn McVeigh (PBNI) - Area Manager.
Erick Oduor - Qualified counsellor with over 15 years volunteering in HMP Maghaberry providing bereavement support.
Trish Cathcart - Trish is a qualified CBT Counsellor specialising in substance use and recovery and holds postgraduate qualifications in Dual Diagnosis and Substance Use Disorders. She is currently the Start360 AD: EPT Service Manager at HMP Magilligan, where she has worked for over 14 years. A dedicated advocate for recovery-focused interventions, Trish is a certified SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) facilitator and a Compassion Pr*son Project Ireland Ambassador.
Tony Crowe - A lived experience practitioner, recovery coach, trainer, and facilitator. Tony is the founder of Unorthodox Recovery Coach (URC), an identity-led approach to recovery and personal development that challenges. He is also the Lead Trauma Talks Facilitator in the community and the Lead Trainer for Trauma Talks across the UK & Ireland. Drawing from both professional qualifications and lived experience, Tony holds a degree in Youth and Community Work, a Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Youth Justice.
Rev. Graham Stockdale - Chaplaincy
Sarah Curran - RelateNI Clinical Lead
Jay Bobinac - CEO of Release, a not for profit organisation focused on restorative justice and supporting individuals with convictions.
Sadhana Mahade - Student Psychologist
Dr Manar Omar Al-Tayyar - University of Science and Technology, Jordan and King Abdullah University Hospital.
Ticket Price includes tea and coffee on arrival, and light lunch.
General Admission for 2 day attendance at conference - £110
One day attendance only - Use Promo Code ONEDAY at checkout - £55
This conference has been organised by Counselling in Prisons Network UK
Support for Pr*son Therapists | Counselling in Prisons Network
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Please note - Accomodation on Stranmillis Campus is available during the conference but not included in ticket price. Bed and breakfast on campus is £70 (81 Euros) per night, paid at least 4 weeks in advance. For more information or to book accommodation, please contact Jill - [email protected]
Delegates are welcome to come together for an evening meal in a local restaurant on Day One of the conference, however this is also not included in ticket price and must be booked separately. If you would like to join us for dinner, please contact Erick for more information - [email protected]
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 119.89
