YouthAction Northern Ireland is a voluntary regional development agency with bases in Belfast, Armagh, Crossmaglen, Ballygawley and the North West. The charity works with disadvantaged young people to enable them to achieve their full potential by providing services, information, training and support to community groups, youth groups, young people, their trainers and workers. It also seeks to extend the understanding of youth work through the development of innovative models of practice. Since its inception in the 1940s it has sought to make a distinctive contribution to the lives of young people and the development of high quality work with young people. During the 1970s the agency expanded and established the first residential training centre for youth work in Northern Ireland at Hampton, Glenmachan Park.

Since that time YouthAction Northern Ireland has developed and initiated innovative programmes such as the establishment of PHAB Northern Ireland, the first young people's forum, the development of girls' work, development of arts work through the Rainbow Factory, work with local communities in developing specific responses including the West Belfast Parents Group and the Inner East Project.

How We Helped

The Australian Ireland Fund grant of AU$75,000 in 2007 was to assist YouthAction to build a dynamic new youth facility in a neutral location in Belfast City Centre to provide a range of opportunities for young people at risk of social exclusion. The Australian Ireland Fund will be recognised through the naming of one of their training rooms.

With $3,900 from The American Ireland Fund YouthAction Northern Ireland set up the Kaleidoscope Project which focused on young people living within areas of south Armagh. Funds helped with workshop costs, venue hire and materials and props.

YouthAction Northern Ireland Mission

• We focus on working with urban and rural young people aged between 10 and 25, particularly targeting the older age range of 14 to 25.
• We target social need, working in partnership with communities and with those young people who are most deprived of and excluded from resources.
• We base our strategy and practice upon research and evaluation into the needs and issues most critical to young people.
• We disseminate our research findings and practice models through training and publications.
• We initiate and maintain partnerships with the voluntary, statutory, community and public sectors to influence policies and maximise resources.
• We work in partnership with transnational organisations to share practice and provide international opportunities for young people.
• Through training we recognise and accredit young people’s achievements thus enhancing their educational and employment opportunities.
• We support 180 youth groups by providing information and insurance services.

• Evidence Based Practice – practice should be based on research and evaluation.
• Community Development – the process of community development helps to ensure the full inclusion of young people in the social and economic life of their community.
• Partnership – the inclusion of young people is best facilitated by effective partnerships.
• Voluntary Relationships – young people will more readily participate in voluntary processes than those that involve coercion.
• Young People Led – young people are more likely to engage in initiatives of which they feel ownership.
• Innovation – to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of young people today we need to be responsive, flexible and innovative.