The Lord O’Neill has been connected with YouthAction NI (formerly Northern Ireland Association of Youth Clubs) for 50 years. He was actively involved in the purchase and conversation of the charity’s premises Hampton at Glenmachan Park, Belfast. The building was in a very poor state having been converted into flats and badly maintained. The NIAYC committee led the work to transform it into a residential centre for young people.
Appointed President of the charity in 1968, The Lord O’Neill was its figurehead for almost 40 years. In 2007, he was invited to become a patron of the charity and his son Hon. Shane O’Neill succeeded him as President. As a patron, The Lord O’Neill has continues to support the work by hosting a range of events for volunteers and supporters.
“Over the period of my association with the organisation, it has changed beyond all recognition. It would probably not be unkind to say that when I started it was run by a group of enthusiastic and inspired amateurs. Now it is run by a group of highly trained professional and dedicated individuals.”