Northern Ireland

Springboard launches ‘Journeys Programme’ designed to empower more than 1,700 ‘disadvantaged’ young people

Representatives highlighted the significance of the programme in building a more cohesive and inclusive society

Ruth Curran, Chloe Magee, Sam McCaw, Steph O’Rourke, Vic Sheridan, Conor Hamilton( Springboard staff), Paddy, Sophie, Bronagh and Morgan (Springboard young people)
Ruth Curran, Chloe Magee, Sam McCaw, Steph O’Rourke, Vic Sheridan, Conor Hamilton( Springboard staff), Paddy, Sophie, Bronagh and Morgan (Springboard young people)

Springboard, in partnership with local organisations, has launched a new programme aimed at empowering young people from disadvantaged, excluded or marginalised communities.

Journeys, which is backed by the PEACEPLUS programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), targets people aged 14-24 at risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour, violence, or paramilitary activity, especially those from areas affected by economic deprivation and the legacy of conflict.

Speaking at an event to mark its launch Steph O’Rourke, executive director of Springboard Opportunities, said it will positively impact more than 1,700 young people.

“Springboard is delighted, along with our partners, to launch the Journeys project which will support and positively impact 1,728 young people from across diverse communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Cavan and Monaghan.

Meegan (Creggan Enterprises), Cathy O’Kane (Roe Valley Residents Association), Sonja McQuaid (CMETB), Conor Hamilton, Steph O’Rourke (Springboard), Maureen McIntyre (CMETB)
Meagan Sharkey (Creggan Enterprises), Cathy O’Kane (Roe Valley Residents Association), Sonja McQuaid (CMETB), Conor Hamilton, Steph O’Rourke (Springboard), Maureen McIntyre (CMETB)

“As an organisation, we are dedicated to building peace and contributing to a society that values diversity by encouraging mutual understanding and respect and fostering positive, sustainable relationships across differences.

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“The Journeys programme represents a significant opportunity to bring young people together to realise their potential and become changemakers in building a shared, united, and more connected society. We are proud to lead this initiative which places young people at its heart and will make a lasting positive difference to them and our society.”

Julie Kurth (SEUPB), Steph O’Rourke (Springboard Executive Director), Jackie Redpath (Springboard Chair), Moira Doherty (Dept for the Economy)
Julie Kurth (SEUPB), Steph O’Rourke (Springboard Executive Director), Jackie Redpath (Springboard Chair), Moira Doherty (Dept for the Economy)

Moira Doherty, head of skills and education at the Department for the Economy, said after the launch: “The new Journeys project will support skills development in young people, helping them to progress to the next stage of their journey, improving their life chances and enabling them to realise their potential. Encouraging participation in inclusion programmes such as this is a critical part of removing barriers to inclusion and tackling economic inactivity.”

Gina McIntyre, chief executive of SEUPB, said: “Investing in young people is truly essential for long-term peace and prosperity. It will give young people the opportunity to improve their life chances, skills, education, confidence building, creative and sporting activities, and will encourage social entrepreneurship.”