Lisburn YMCA recently launched Future Leaders, a new youth leadership and citizenship programme for young people aged 14–25 across the Lisburn & Castlereagh area.

Supported through PEACEPLUS, the programme has been designed to bring together young people from different backgrounds in a safe and welcoming environment to explore leadership, identity, citizenship, community relations, and positive social action.

Through a series of interactive workshops, discussions, team-building activities, and shared experiences, participants will have the opportunity to develop confidence, communication skills, leadership abilities, and a greater understanding of the communities around them.

Topics explored throughout the programme include:

Leadership & Citizenship
Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing
Confidence & Self-esteem
Cultural Diversity Awareness
Good Relations
Understanding Self & Others
Peer Mentoring & Leadership

Future Leaders aims to empower young people to have their voices heard, build meaningful relationships across communities, and become active citizens who can positively influence the future of Northern Ireland.

To mark the beginning of the programme, Lisburn YMCA hosted a youth-led launch event on 24th June, bringing together young people, schools, community organisations, elected representatives, and stakeholders from across the Lisburn & Castlereagh area. The event provided an opportunity to hear directly from young people about the issues affecting them today and their hopes for the future.

We are incredibly excited to begin this journey and look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders over the coming months.

Your Voice isn’t just background noise.

For more information please contact Mathew Jess at matthew@lisburnymca.com