The challenges facing young people in Inner East Belfast, an area of economic and social deprivation since the closing of the shipyards, are immense. We have some of the highest rates of illiteracy and innumeracy in Northern Ireland. Illegal drugs, social fragmentation, and paramilitary control too often shape the future of East Belfast teenagers. The life expectancy of the Lower Newtownards Road is almost 20 years less than those living two miles up the Newtownards Road.

Helping Inner East Belfast young people rise above the cycle of social deprivation is a long-term work. Youth Initiatives youth workers take a preventative, distance travelled approach to accompanying young people to overcome the factors that hold so many of their peers back. By having a new, refurbished, home for our family-like youth community hub, our youth workers will be able to assist participants to grow, gain character and life skills, and find meaning and purpose for their lives.