Northern Ireland Youth Forum

Northern Ireland Youth Forum
Name	Northern Ireland Youth Forum
Formation	1989
Headquarters	Belfast
Region served	Northern Ireland
Membership	Youth aged 11–25
Leader title	Chair

Northern Ireland Youth Forum is a regional youth-led charity and membership organisation based in Belfast that represents young people aged 11–25 across Northern Ireland. It engages with devolved institutions such as the Northern Ireland Assembly, civic bodies like the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, political parties including the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Féin, Ulster Unionist Party, and public agencies such as the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland), influencing policy on issues affecting youth. The Forum operates alongside voluntary sector organisations like Barnardo's, YouthAction Northern Ireland, and international bodies such as the European Youth Forum, the British Council, and the Council of Europe.

History

The Forum was established in 1989 during a period characterised by the Troubles and in the aftermath of events including the Belfast Agreement and the Good Friday Agreement political processes that reshaped Northern Ireland governance. Early interactions linked the organisation with civic initiatives like the Community Relations Council and campaigns associated with figures such as John Hume and David Trimble, as well as youth work developments influenced by the Scouting movement and organisations such as Girlguiding Ulster. Over successive decades the Forum engaged with landmark institutions including the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and education reform debates connected to the Department of Education (Northern Ireland). The Forum’s evolution paralleled networks including NI Youth Forum (historic), charities such as Save the Children (UK), and international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Organisation and Governance

Governance is provided by a youth-led management structure with roles analogous to those in the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland regulatory framework and reporting to funders including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery Community Fund. The organisation’s board and executive team liaise with institutions such as the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, statutory commissioners like the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, and civic partners including NICVA. Leadership development links have included training from bodies such as the Institute of Leadership & Management, collaboration with academic partners like Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University, and engagement with political assemblies such as the House of Commons select committees when devolution matters arise.

Membership and Activities

Membership comprises young people aged 11–25 drawn from counties such as Antrim, Down, Armagh, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry. Activities include mentoring programmes similar to those run by Prince's Trust, campaigns modelled on initiatives by Amnesty International, and skills workshops reflecting partnerships with Citizens Advice services and employability projects linked to Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland). The Forum organises youth-led consultations with stakeholders like the Health and Social Care Board and participates in international exchanges with organisations such as Eurodesk, Youth Council of Ireland, and the British Youth Council.

Policy Influence and Campaigns

The Forum has campaigned on issues spanning mental health, sexual health, employment, and human rights, engaging with commissioners and ministers from the Department of Health (Northern Ireland), the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland), and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Campaigns have referenced reports and institutions such as the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, inquiries like those of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, and legislative developments debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Westminster Parliament. The Forum’s policy submissions have been informed by research from think tanks and NGOs including Institute for Conflict Research, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, and international standards set by the United Nations and the Council of Europe youth policy frameworks.

Events and Programmes

Regular events include annual conferences, regional forums, and training programmes co-delivered with partners such as YouthAction Northern Ireland, Barnardo's, and academic centres at Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. The Forum has hosted exchanges with bodies like the European Youth Parliament, participated in festivals including the Belfast Festival at Queen's, and staged workshops referencing best practice from organisations such as Coram and YouthScotland. Programmes cover leadership, civic participation, employability and wellbeing, often involving facilitation by charities like Minding Kids and collaborations with statutory agencies such as the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland).

Partnerships and Funding

Funding and partnerships have included the National Lottery Community Fund, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland), and charitable trusts such as the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. Collaborative relationships extend to international networks including the European Youth Forum, bilateral links with the British Council, and local partnerships with Barnardo's, YouthAction Northern Ireland, NICVA, and academic partners like Queen's University Belfast. The Forum also interacts with political institutions such as the Northern Ireland Assembly and advisory bodies like the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People to secure programmatic support and influence policy.

Category:Youth organisations in Northern Ireland Category:Charities based in Northern Ireland