OUR Generation Project Launch
The OUR Generation Project was officially launched on November 13, 2024, in Belfast, with the support of Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, Paul Givan, MLA. The event at New Forge Sports Complex gathered project partners, funders, and supporters, including Paul Beattie from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Dr. Claire Campbell from Ulster University.
Minister Givan emphasized the urgent need for mental health support among young people, highlighting how the project would provide crucial services. Sharing his personal experience with loss due to mental health struggles, he stressed the importance of resilience and timely intervention. He commended the project’s role in creating lasting, positive change in communities and expressed gratitude for the initiative’s impact.
Project Overview OUR Generation is a cross-border initiative led by Action Mental Health, in collaboration with Youth Work Ireland, Donegal Youth Service, Cooperation Ireland, Playboard NI, Boys and Girls Clubs NI, Ulster University and Youth Action NI. Running from 2024-2027, the project will operate across Northern Ireland and border counties in Ireland, focusing on increasing mental health literacy, emotional resilience, and leadership skills in young people aged 9-25. Research into mental health and trauma’s impact on communities will also be a key component. The initiative aims to engage approximately 33,000 young people and 5,000 youth workers.
The Youth Work Ireland OG Team will be delivering the following programmes
- Mind Matters: Building Friendships, Resilience, and Personal Growth
- CHOICE: Contraception, Healthy Options for Intimacy, Consent, and Empowerment
- Stand UPP: Understand Power & Prevention in Gender Based Violence
- Rise Up: Youth Leadership & Community Action
Find out about the Youth Work Ireland OG Team and the programmes they will be delivering here>>
