Cross community scheme launched for Mid and East Antrim 16-24 year olds

by Gráinne Connolly

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched a new cross-community youth project for 16 to 24 year olds.

The 'Fresh Frontiers Youth Exchange Programme' is free and will involve one to one mentoring for participants, training in good relations, interpersonal skills, communication and presentation skills, conflict resolution and confidence building. 

Participants will also engage in a community project, practical work experience in a voluntary work placement and a cross border cultural awareness visit.

It kicked off in Larne last month with a community engagement event held at Willowbank Business Park last month.

It was attended by over 25 young people from across the borough who gathered to find out more about the programme and how to get involved.

Phillip Bain of ShredBank gave a motivational talk on how to be successful inspiring those in attendance to take advantage of opportunities available.

The chair of the PEACE IV Partnership Alderman Maureen Morrow said “ The Peace IV Partnership is delighted that the Fresh Frontiers project will provide this opportunity to young people from across the borough.

"I would encourage any young person who may be interested in this programme to contact LEDCOM and discuss how the programme can benefit them”

The programme is now open for applications and will commence in January 2019.

The training element of the programme will be held in Willowbank Business Park, Larne and is scheduled each Monday and Thursday evening for a period of six weeks.

This is a unique opportunity for young people aged 16 – 24 years to enhance their skills, work experience and ability to have a positive impact in their community.
The scheme is being delivered by LEDCOM, in partnership with the Mid and East Antrim Peace IV Partnership and is being funded by the Europe Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).