News & Events
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Coming Up / News
World Aids Day
Contact
ryan@youthaction.org for more information.
Workshop
Do you need a room to hold a group session or give a presentation? Why not try the Workshop!
Contact joanne@youthaction.org
for more information.
Young Gamechanger Fund!
See funding opportunity attached...
We're Hiring!
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to katie@youthaction.org
We're Hiring!
Contact katie@youthaction.org
for more information.
Hampton Suite & Workshop
Do you need a room to hold a group session or give a presentation? Why not try the Hampton Suite or Workshop!
Contact joanne@youthaction.org
for more information.
Youth Action Preloved Fashion Fundraiser
Come on down to Youth Action for our Preloved Fashion Fundraiser. Why waste perfectly good clothes when you can sell them on.
Contact maria@youthaction.org for more information.
5th Floor for Rent
Do you need a big, open and bright space
to run your organisation?
Contact joanne@youthaction.org
for more information.
Rooms for Hire
Do you need a room to hold a group session or maybe just to have a relaxed meeting? Why not use our Green Room. Perfect for presentations!
Contact joanne@youthaction.org
for more information.
Coca-Cola Thank You Fund Recipient Announcement NI
YouthAction N.I are delighted that the Northern Ireland Recipients of the 2023 Coca- Cola Thank You Fund have been Revealed and that 11 local voluntary youth organisations, including our member organisation- Patrician Youth Centre , Downpatrick are celebrating the news that they will each receive a grant share from this year’s €200K Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.
We are Hiring!
Please contact katie@youthaction.org
for the application form/ more information.
We are Hiring!
Application forms
are to be returned to
katie@youthaction.org
and the monitoring form
to
moyra@youthaction.org
Click the red button to access more information
and the
application forms:
Summer Programme 2023
The Rainbow Factory Titans performing arts classes are based in Ballymena and celebrate young people from different ethnic minority backgrounds.
Email vrf@youthaction.org for more information.
Click here for Titans summer programme report -->
Healthy Oceans, Healthy Minds!
The Shine Bright programme is supported by Phoenix Energy and connects with community groups across Northern Ireland. Young people living with physical, mental or learning disabilities combine a passion for performing arts and a love for protecting the environment. The outdoor sensory adventures were a fantastic opportunity to bring together participants, volunteers and families involved with Rainbow Factory.
Click here for 'Healthy Oceans, Healthy Minds' full report -->
Video link: https://youtu.be/_BxU_gSCsoI
The Rainbow Factory Presents: Matilda The Musical!
Research Hub
ryan@youthaction.org
YouthStart has Started
Check out our range of summer programmes, please get in touch if you are interested in any of our upcoming programmes here.
Applications for this year's Coca-Cola Thank You Fund can be accessed via www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou . Closing date for applications is 6pm on 15th Thursday June 2023. Applicants are encouraged to visit the website for further details and full terms and conditions. New Paragraph
Click the button bellow to read more
GET SET for Barista Training
Commencing November 2022
GET Barista skills! Learn how to make the perfect coffee on our practical barista skills course starting November 2022. GET an OCN in Barista Skills and Service, Food Hygiene Certificate and help to get a job. Spaces are limited.
To register your place or to find out more, call 02890240551or contact Olivia below.
OCN NI Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
Learners must be currently working or volunteering within a youth work context and have opportunity to deliver a group work programme.
Learners must be at least 18 years of age and have achieved the OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice.
To find out more, contact Mary Jo below or call 02890240551.
#WMHDay2022
Check out the video to see what we got up to!
Click here to view events, workshops and training happening across the regions this autumn.
Lonely Not Alone
Lonely Not Alone is a Co-op Foundation campaign created to tackle the stigma of youth loneliness.
It matters because 95% of young people say they feel lonely but only 35% feel confident talking about it.
Explore the #LonelyNotAlone universe, a safe place for young people to share stories and discover their constellation. Loneliness doesn’t have to last forever.
Visit
lonelynotalone.org
and @lonelynotalone across social media.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Check out our new gallery page featuring young people from The Rainbow Factory in their summer musical production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
View the gallery here.
Tale As Old As Time
Check out our new gallery page featuring young people from The Rainbow Factory in their summer production Tale As Old As Time.
View the gallery
here.
US Rotary Students
YouthAction NI staff Sean and Ryan had a great day with US Rotary students this week! The students took a tour of North Belfast, visited young people and participated in training around some of our newest Peace Building resources.
Youth Start Launch16 March 2022
YouthStart is a exciting new partnership initiative between leading youth work charities YouthAction Northern Ireland, The Prince’s Trust, Springboard Opportunities Ltd, the Northern Ireland Youth Forum and The BYTES Project. Together we are offering 125 economically inactive young people (16-25yrs) from across Northern Ireland, a bespoke framework to build their life and work skills.
Through YouthStart each young person will benefit from;
life and health skills activities to tackle barriers to employment; learning skills activities to gain qualifications and motivation; work skills activities to build transferable and specific skills for growth sector jobs; receive 150 – 200 hours minimum support and training.
YouthStart will bring opportunities to young people across Belfast, Newry Mourne & Down and Derry~Londonderry areas.
AMPLIFY Celebration Event
Last week we celebrated the closure of the Amplify project, a youth work partnership between Foróige, Youth Work Ireland, the Northern Ireland Youth Forum and Patrician Youth Centre, led by YouthAction NI. It inspired 960 young people aged 16 – 24 years, from diverse backgrounds, to build good relations and take positive actions.
We are so proud of the work and effort of all of our young people who took part in the project.
Check out the videos below!
We're Hiring!
A Social Media and Comms Assistant, based in our Belfast office
and
A Youth Work Assistant based in our Enniskillen office.
Click
here to visit the Jobstart Jobs Vacancy List.
To find out more information, contact Mark below or phone 028 9024 0551.
The Ideas Fund
We are so pleased to be one of the 42 projects supported by the very first round of funding from The Ideas Fund. More information on all awardees is here www.theideasfund.org/news
and here is an overview of our project…
IDEAS FUND
British Science Association
Lead partner: YouthAction NI (Dr Martin Mc Mullan)
Academic: Queens University Belfast (Dr Dirk Schubotz)
Title: ‘Lifemaps: Developing Outlooks, Habits & Practices to build happiness & well-being’
Timeframe: 1st November 2021 – 30th April 2023
Beneficiaries: Young people (14-25yrs) and adults of all ages
Summary:
Our tested LIFEMAPS positive psychology through youth work portfolio will be extended to reflect the changes in life for young people/communities across Derry and Strabane.
Our lens will centre on Resilience (managing and navigating life’s challenges and difficulties) and Positivity (reframing outlooks, seeing and seizing opportunities).
We will consider the core elements of Orientation (mind-set and outlook to goals and risk) alongside Inner strength (having personal confidence and control).
The approach explores individual strategies alongside connections and support from others.
The research-practice approach will involve 14 young trained peer researchers to:
1. Capture examples of outlooks, techniques and tools to improve well-being.
2. Pilot, test and share new peer-to-peer approaches to well-being.
3. Develop and promote a LIFEMAPS journal/diary/app (toolkit).
4. Champion and promote well-being across their local communities.
5. Showcase altruism and the seeds of compassion among young people.
6. Support shared learning and training opportunities across the council area.
7. Synthesising key messages to building happiness and well-being (an array of outlooks, techniques, practices).
The The Ideas Fund received 146 applications and 42 projects have now been selected to receive funding that feature a broad range of topics from sport, nature and nutrition to issues faced by disabled, refugee and LGBTQ+ communities. Early-stage grants have received up to £25,000 each with developed idea grants awarded of around £90,000 to get their ideas off the ground. All of the projects work with communities based in the four UK locations that The Ideas Fund operates in which are the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, Hull, North West Northern Ireland, and Oldham #TheIdeasFund.
GET SET Young Women Moving Forward
Young Women Moving Forward group is now face to face!
If you're from the Newry area, aged 16-24, interested in making new friends, looking at ways to improve your well-being and trying new things then this group is perfect.
For more information, get in touch with Sarah below.
Previous Events
World AIDS Day Conference
Thursday 1 December
10am-2pm
14 College Square North, Belfast
We are delighted to invite you to our World AIDS Day Conference. This will mark the 25th anniversary of YANI's first ever World Aids Day conference, held in December 1997.
The Conference, aimed at youth work practitioners, seeks to continue to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with HIV and Aids.
If you would like to book a place, please contact Emma below.
Critical Youth Research Hub: HIV Awareness
with George Potts
Friday 25th November
12 noon to 1.15pm
14 College Square North, Belfast
We encourage everyone to come and learn more and take part in an Awareness and Training Workshop on HIV & AIDS. Lunch will be provided.
To register your place or to find out more, contact Ryan below.
Front of House Crew
Don't miss The Rainbow Factory's next Front of House Crew meeting!
If you'd like to learn new skills and make new friends contact Helen below to find out how to sign up.
Mental Health Day Conference
Monday 10 October
11am - 2pm
14 College Square North, Belfast
Don't miss the opportunity to attend a networking event for youth and community workers to 'make mental health for all, a global priority'.
If you would like to attend, contact Mary Jo below or call 02890240551.
Self-Care Awareness Month
Self–Care Awareness Month in September is a time to remind us that taking care of ourselves, first and foremost, is essential.
Self-care is anything you do to take care of yourself so you can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well. Its benefits are better physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Research suggests self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to manage stress.
Click
here to view a self care diary for the month of September with some great ideas to practice daily. Share this with anyone you think could benefit from some self-care this month.
Good Relations Week: Shared Education &
An Agenda for Peace
Thursday 22nd September
10am - 2.30pm
14 College Square North, Belfast
See the links below for more information and how to sign up for the event. It is sure to be an informative and engaging session with a great opportunity to network.
On their website:
On Eventbrite:
LIFEMAPS Train The Trainers
Thursday 15th September
10am - 1pm
Buncrana beach, Co. Donegal
As part of YouthAction Northern Ireland's LIFEMAPS model A Youth Work Journey to Build Mental Health, you are invited to attend a LIFEMAPS train the trainers session on Buncrana beach.
We hope to demonstrate the versatility of the model and the access, benefits and impact of completing activities in nature alongside our natural elements. There will also be an optional sea dip and an invitation to contribute to a sharing picnic for lunch. We are unable to control the weather so wrap up and come prepared for mother nature's plan for the event.
For further information or to book a place email Emma below or call 02890240551.
There are 2 places available per organisation.
Critical Youth Work Network: Incel Awareness
Friday 12th August
12 noon - 1.15pm
14 College Square North
Critical Thinking is a conversational space to review and dig deeper into areas that impact youth work and wider civil society, while supporting workers & volunteers ongoing development as critical thinkers.
This session will explore the ways we can help young people challenge/change mindsets regarding the topic of incels.
We encourage everyone to come and take part in the conversation. Please find attached a leaflet for more information.
To confirm your attendance, contact Ryan below.
Volunteer with the Front of House Crew
The Rainbow Factory are currently looking for some young people to assist with Front of House duties for their upcoming summer musical production.
You'll have the chance to make new friends, build new skills and most importantly have some fun.
If you'd like to get involved, contact Helen below!
Celebrate Pride with YouthAction
Young people are welcome to enjoy free workshops leading up to Belfast Pride Parade on Saturday 30th July.
Join our staff with the YANI banner leaving Custom House Square at 1.00pm!
If you'd like to find out more information or register your place, contact Cori below.
GET SET for Leadership & Youth Work
Calling anyone Volunteering in their community, or would like to participate in Leadership Training!
Our Level One summer scheme runs from the
25th to 29th July, from 10am-4pm.
The summer scheme will involve the OCNNI level 1 Youth Work Practice, activity day’s, meet-ups with other young leaders from all over the region and an opportunity to plan your very own group event.
If you are interested in attending, contact Naomi below.
Gender Community of Practice
Friday 24th June
1 - 2pm
14 College Square North
This informative session will focus on incel awareness and will reflect on recent findings and research.
It will cover the ideology and beliefs of the incel community, incel terminology and the ways in which you can support and educate colleagues, parents and young people.
If you would like to attend, contact Ryan below.
Critical Youth Research Hub:Employment Experiences of Autistic Young People
Friday 10th June
12 noon - 1pm
14 College Square North / Zoom
This Research Hub Talk is very promising and we encourage everyone to come and learn more about findings from a study conducted with youth workers and a socio-political model of youth sector and peacebuilding.
For those able to attend in person, will have the opportunity to try out some of our recently launched peace building resources.
Presented by Denise Doherty, GET SET Employability Programme Youth Worker at YouthAction.
To register, contact Ryan below.
Casual youth work tutor required:GET SET for Work Project, North West regional office
We are seeking a casual youth work tutor to support our GET SET youth employability project in the North West region.
If you are interested in this post, contact Clare below.
Critical Thinking: Faith-based youth work from a Christian perspective in Northern Ireland
Friday 13th May
12 noon - 1.15pm
College Square North / Zoom
Critical Thinking is a conversational space to review and dig deeper into areas that impact youth work and wider civil society, while supporting workers & volunteers ongoing development as critical thinkers.
We encourage everyone to come and take part in the conversation
To confirm your attendance, contact Ryan below.
Joseph Auditions
Saturday 23 April
10am - 4pm
College Square North
We are so excited to announce that the Rainbow Factory Summer Show 2022 will be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Audition applications are now open!
Please note:
• You must be 13+ to attend the auditions
• Must be available to attend all intensive rehearsals and performance dates
• Due to high demand, audition slots will be on a first come first serve basis
To register please email with the subject
“joseph audition”
Applications close on the 20th April.
The UK Youth Fund: Thriving Minds*Funding Opportunity*
UK Youth in partnership with Julia & Hans Rausing are offering a 3 year unrestricted grant
programme of up to £50,000 a year combined with a bespoke package of wrap-around
support to improve mental health support and provision for young people and youth workers.
The fund was launched as a direct response to the growing mental health crisis.
Applications open 28th February 2022 to youth organisations in the UK, with a turnover of up to £500,000, ensuring they have the resources needed to properly engage with the programme, and implement and instigate learnings to improve their mental health provision.
Head to the UK Youth website to find out more by clicking here.
Deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 20 March 2022.
Critical Youth Research Hub:Youth Work Perspectives on Peace
Friday 11 March
12 noon - 1pm
College Square North, Belfast/Zoom
This Research Hub Talk is very promising and we encourage everyone to come and learn more about findings from a study conducted with youth workers and a socio-political model of youth sector and peacebuilding.
For those able to attend in person, will have the opportunity to try out some of our recently launched peace building resources.
We look forward to seeing you.
To confirm your attendance and your preference for in person or zoom, contact Ryan below. Please note the Zoom link closer to the time of the event.
Children's Mental Health Week
This week is Children and young people's Mental Health week.
As part of our Ideas Fund programme, we have launched a resource containing worksheets etc. as well as a case study from one of our young people on the GET SET programme.
The case study is an excellent tool and has a worksheet attached. We have used this case study with groups from last week as well as today with great feedback.
You can download the resource here
https://www.youthaction.org/critical-dialogue
Youth Work Training:Online Autumn Course
Some places are still available on our online level 2 Youth Work course starting Thursday 23 September
7pm-9pm. Contact course tutor Dominic below.
Course fees £100pp member’s special rate & £385pp for non-members. To join our membership contact Shirley below.
Improving Young People’s Lives Through Youth Work
Friday 19 November
12 noon - 2pm, with lunch
College Square North, Belfast
YouthAction NI would like to invite you to the launch of our new curriculum resources to enhance and support youth work practices that improve the lives of children and young people.
These resources include environmentalism, nature-conscious practice, youth activism and peace-building work.
This launch forms part of our Critical Youth Work Network which supports the development of the non-formal education workforce. This supports non-accrediting training, sectoral thinking and building relationships and synergies across the youth work sector on key youth work priorities.
In addition to the launch of curriculum resources, we will showcase the key impact and outputs from the Critical Youth Work Network in its first year and outline key priorities for the year ahead.
To book your place, contact Ryan below.
An outstanding space that is similar to fellow theatres like the Naughton Studio Lyric, the Baby Grand in the Grand Opera House Belfast. This dynamic theatre space features floor to ceiling mirrors, professional standard lighting and sound and adjustable seating that can fulfil almost all theatrical requirements. The theatre is a 'black box’ space that can transform into almost all theatre styles, making it suitable for full scale productions (seating 100), conferences (150 capacity), events, lectures, movie nights (large screen), presentations festivals. To find out more contact buildingadministrator@youthaction.org
5th Floor up for rent!
Youth Action are delighted to announce the availability of 2 office units to the Rental Market!