LOCATION: Greater Belfast, North-West (Derry/Londonderry) and South-West (Fermanagh/Donegal/Cavan) regions

Third Space is a project supported through €3.99m of EU funding under the European Union's Peace IV programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

The Third Space project aims to positively transform the lives of 800 young people aged between 14-24, who have been identified as being vulnerable and at risk, and allowing those from different communities, cultural, and religious backgrounds, and rural areas, to undertake a personalised self-development and training programme.

This cross-border project is being delivered in conjunction with partner agency Verbal, an organisation promoting the power of the spoken and written word. The project will operate across Northern Ireland, Cavan and Donegal until 2020.

As part of the 26-week programme, which is open to young people already on a range of benefits and allowances, participants will be offered the opportunity to meet new people, take part in residentials, and participate in shared reading experiences. In addition, they will acquire new skills in video production, and gain a qualification.

A key focus of the project is to help highly vulnerable young people to:

• Reduce social isolation
• Develop a deeper sense of community awareness within their communities
• Successfully negotiate and manage a programme of personal development for themselves, supported by qualified staff.

Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in Ireland.

Referrals for the Third Space rolling programme can be made by contacting the project team at Extern or Verbal on the numbers below.

HELPING: Young People & Families

HOW DO I ACCESS THIS SERVICE? As well as self-referrals, referrals are welcomed from agencies and organisations working with young people

CONTACT:

Tel: Extern 028 9084 0555 or Verbal 028 7126 6946.

Email:

General enquiries: [email protected]

Greater Belfast & Newtownabbey: [email protected] 

North West (Derry/Londonderry): [email protected]

South West (Fermanagh/Donegal/Cavan): [email protected]  or [email protected]