Who we are

We are Northern Ireland’s leading youth work and youth arts charity

Improving the life chances for young people and their communities is our core aim. Everything we do is underpinned by exceptional youth work / youth arts principles and practices.

We are a membership-based, regional organisation, with an 80 year history of working with young people to improve their lives, tackle inequalities and contributing to flourishing communities and a peaceful and shared society.

We are Youth-Led and Community-Driven

We believe that young people are powerful agents of social change. We are committed to working with young people to shape a fairer, more inclusive world.

We see young people as assets to society. They bring energy, compassion, courage and ideas that challenge inequality and inspire others. Our youth work and youth arts approaches help unlock their full potential, building confidence, creativity, leadership and positive wellbeing.

We make an impact

For over 80 years, YouthAction Northern Ireland has transformed the lives of young people and their communities. We create powerful, life-changing opportunities that enable young people to thrive, lead and shape a fairer, more inclusive society. Our impact reaches across Northern Ireland—from rural towns to urban centres — empowering thousands of young people each year to step forward as activists, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, peacebuilders and youth workers.

Our Strategic Plan 2023-2027

Our Vision
Young people leading change for a fair and inclusive world.

Our Mission
YouthAction Northern Ireland challenges inequalities to improve life chances for young people and their communities.

Our History

Mary Gilmore, an active campaigner for reform, sets up the Federation of Girls Clubs in Northern Ireland, to improve the quality of young women's lives.
1944
Mary Gilmore - 1944
Radicalised by the experiences and suffering of war, activists lay the foundation for the charities commitment to social reform and young people. Brooklyn House is set up as a pioneering centre for youth work training by the Federation of Girls and Mixed Clubs.
1954
Brooklyn House is set up as a pioneering centre - 1954
Northern Ireland Association of Youth Clubs builds a wide membership of youth groups across Northern Ireland, offering benefits such as training, events and insurance.
1961
Northern Ireland Association of Youth Clubs builds a wide membership - 1961
McAllister Brew / Young People at Work courses lead the way in tackling youth unemployment and building business partnerships.

Large-scale events and competitions become popular with local youth clubs.

In 1971, Hampton is purchased, providing a sanctuary for young people and leaders during turbulent times, offering stability for over 35 years.
1970s
Large-scale events and competitions become popular with local youth clubs - 1970s
First young women’s equality officer appointed in the youth sector; seminal Equality of Opportunity research published.

Investment in Platform/Encounter, the first major youth participative initiative, later evolving into the NI Youth Forum.

NIAYC nurtures the formation of PHAB and Playboard.
1980s
NIAYC nurtures the formation of PHAB and Playboard. - 1980s
Name changes to YouthAction Northern Ireland, broadening focus beyond mainstream youth work.

The prestigious Rainbow Factory School of Performing Arts launches, bringing inclusive creative opportunities.

The Community Leadership Programme (CLP) begins, training young activists; precursor to the Apprenticeship in Youth Work.

YouthAction becomes the first youth organisation to maximise European Social Funds, creating equality, employment, and transnational opportunities.
1990s
The prestigious Rainbow Factory School of Performing Arts launches, bringing inclusive creative opportunities. 1990s
1996: Young Men’s Health initiative addresses emotional and cognitive needs of young men.

1997: A Sense of Belonging research defines the needs and aspirations of rural young people across Northern Ireland.
1996-1997
Young Men’s Health initiative addresses emotional and cognitive needs of young men. 1996-1997
The charity buys land in Belfast city centre, and architect John Tate begins the task of creating, with young people, volunteers, and staff, a shared space for a shared future.
2004
The charity buys land in Belfast city centre, and architect John Tate begins the task of creating, with young people, volunteers, and staff, a shared space for a shared future. 2024
College Square North is opened by the charity as a premier youth arts, democracy, and learning hub in the heart of Belfast.
2007
College Square North is opened by the charity as a premier youth arts, democracy, and learning hub in the heart of Belfast. 2007
YouthAction Northern Ireland celebrates 70 years of successfully tackling issues most critical to young people.
2014
YouthAction Northern Ireland celebrates 70 years of successfully tackling issues most critical to young people. 2014

2025

In 2025 YouthAction NI celebrated 80 years making a significant difference to the lives of young people. It is truly regional, with offices in Armagh, Londonderry, Fermanagh, Kilkeel, Newry and Belfast. College Square North strives to be a centre for excellence for youth work influencing and impacting on opportunities and young people well beyond the boundaries of Belfast.

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