HEROES+ is a project for young people 14-24 with a learning disability/additional needs and/or excluded from school, providing innovative, transformative programmes that inspire them to develop their potential and be future community peacebuilders.

Cultural Sharing Art Event

Karen Blasko, Ballymac Arts hosted a cultural art sharing event with The Falls Women’s Centre. Everyone who took part from Falls and Newtownabbey generously shared their henna art skills and crochet skills, as well as home baking. There was also an ink and print workshop, and a chance to chat over cakes and a cuppa. What we share makes us stronger!

Health Minister meets with Ukranian community in NI

The Northern Ireland Health Minister met with the Ukrainians in NI Community Group to hear about the charity’s work and the positive experiences of the Ukrainian people living here. The charity thanked the Minster for the support provided by the Department to the Ukrainian community in NI.

Springboard Opps GRW Programme

Springboard Opps ran a programme of diverse events embracing OpportUNITY as part of their celebrations for Good Relations Week 2024
Springboard have had an incredible week, full of celebration and success including:
🌟Celebration of Angila Chada’s monumental 32 years at Springboard!
🌟Screening of Beyond Twenty Five
🌟Visit to the Ulster Museum Troubles Exhibition
🌟Teambuilding
🌟Recruitment
🌟Employability
🌟OCN Qualifications
🌟Drop Ins
🌟One to One Sessions

Opening of Black Mountain Shared Space

A new £7m shared community building has opened in west Belfast as part of events to mark Good Relations Week.

More than 70m (230ft) of peace wall was removed to make way for the Black Mountain Shared Space at the former Finlay’s factory on the Ballygomartin Road. Funded by the EU’s Peace IV programme, Stormont’s Department for Communities and the Republic’s Department of Rural and Community Development, the building will provide services for residents and hold a range activities.

Belfast City Council (BCC), the lead partner in the project, also provided funding. BCC, the Black Mountain Shared Space Project, the NI Housing Executive and Dublin’s Northside Partnership have all been involved in the construction of the building. Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said Wednesday’s opening is the “culmination of the many years of cross-community engagement”.

Strive Programme reflects on GRW 2024

Strive programme wrap up Good Relations Week, they asked some our young people who completed Strive this year from NI Alternatives based in North Belfast how Strive impacted them. Here’s what Kenzie and Curtis had to say in the video produced here.

Shared Island Youth Forum Outcome Statement

The Shared Island Youth Forum’s Outcome Statement, setting out their vision and values for a shared future on the island of Ireland, was launched by the Taoiseach Simon Harris TD on 20 September 2024 at an event in Dublin Castle.

The Forum brought together 80 young people aged 18 to 25 from across the island, who met over the next year to develop a statement of their vision and values for a shared future on the island of Ireland.