Co-operation Ireland and the National Youth Council of Ireland have partnered on a €2 million PEACEPLUS-funded project aimed at helping disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. 

Joining the partnership are Ulster University and Pobal, forming a consortium supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This initiative will enhance the impact and quality of cross-border and cross-community youth projects across the region. 

The consortium operating under the name YouthImPact, will provide training and development support to over 300 youth workers engaged in six PEACEPLUS Youth Programmes. These workers engage with young people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face complex needs.    

The purpose of YouthImPact is to maximise the quality of the Youth Programmes by promoting a high-quality, youth-centred approach, concentrating on youth work methods that foster sustainable good relations and employability outcomes for thousands of children and young people.

The PEACEPLUS Youth Programme, already in action, is working with at 14–24-year-olds living in the Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. These young people, while growing up in a time of relative peace,  continue to experience the visible and invisible ripple effects of the conflict in their daily lives.

Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for the Economy, said:

“The PEACEPLUS Youth Programme supports young people to develop skills to help them progress to the next stage of their life journey. YouthImPact will play a crucial role by supporting, developing and empowering the youth workers delivering the PEACEPLUS Youth programme projects. Encouraging and supporting participation in supportive inclusion programmes such as this, is a critical part of tackling economic inactivity.” 

Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the SEUPB said: 

“This important project brings together the partners’ collective wealth of experience and skills, which will be incredibly beneficial in addressing the needs of our disadvantaged young people. The partners have demonstrated such vision, ambition, and commitment to providing the networks and opportunities for young people, many of whose lives are still deeply impacted by the legacy of the conflict. I look forward to following the progress and impact of the projects and those involved in the months and years ahead.” 

 Ian Jeffers, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said: 

“The best way to reach young people and equip them with lifelong skills is by involving them in programmes that ignite their potential.

“These programmes will spark a journey towards a bright and positive future for our young people.  

“YouthImPact is designed to bring PEACEPLUS direct delivery projects together, encourage the sharing of strategies and approaches to better reach out to and engage the most marginalised young people across our communities. 

“I would like to thank SEUPB for this tremendous opportunity.  As a partnership we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the strategic development and delivery of the PEACEPLUS Youth Programme. We are very much looking forward to the next four years.” 

The YouthImPact initiative will take place over the next four years, growing young people’s capacity to build positive relationships with peers from different backgrounds. It will develop their confidence and future potential, helping them make meaningful contributions to a cohesive society.

The project is match-funded has by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland.