Forward Thinking hold meetings in Northern Ireland, February 2022

Between the 15-16th February, the UK Programme team travelled to Northern Ireland. The aim of the visit was to meet with representatives involved in delivering services for young people in Northern Ireland to discuss their work. Conversations focused on how initiatives to strengthen societal resilience are implemented in the Northern Irish context and whether any insights can be relevant in other parts of the UK. Some of the challenges faced by young people include poverty, pressure within the education system, a lack of self-esteem, and a desire for a sense of belonging, among others. For approaches aimed at supporting young people to be effective, it was stressed that they must be led by those who have an experience within communities, understand the relevant issues and able to build and maintain trust.