United Youth Pilot Phase
Pilot Phase Video
Following an extensive co-design process involving young people and other key stakeholders, 12 United Youth pilots ran across Northern Ireland from August 2015 to March 2016.
Some 350 16–24 year olds took part in a range of activities designed to develop their capabilities across four key outcome areas – good relations, citizenship, personal development and employability. The purpose of the pilot phase was to test a range of approaches to achieving sustainable positive change with the target group, with a view to developing a service design framework for the United Youth Programme post 2015/16.
Evaluation of Pilot Phase
An independent external evaluation of the pilot phase has been completed and the findings were very positive. The pilot phase was deemed to have been effective in terms of:
- learning and development outcomes for the participants
- programme design
- engagement with and provision of support to delivery organisations
- administrative and financial control systems
A total of 63% of completers proceeded to an employment or training destination and almost 80% to a positive destination overall (employment, further education or volunteering experience). Over 800 accreditations were achieved by participants, with most at level 1 or level 2.
Further information
- Contact United Youth by calling 028 9025 7537
PEACE IV Children and Young People Priority 2.1
Going forward, the Northern Ireland Executive has secured extensive EU PEACE IV funding to deliver a cross-border programme under Children and Young People Priority 2.1.
The programme will target 14–24 year olds who are disadvantaged, excluded or marginalised; have deep social and emotional needs; and are at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, violence or dissident activity. It will be outcomes-focused in terms of good relations, personal development and citizenship, and will enhance the capacity of children and young people to form positive and effective relationships with others of a different background and make a positive contribution to building a cohesive society.
Within Northern Ireland, PEACE IV Children and Young People Priority 2.1 will align with the vision and objectives of the United Youth Programme as they were set out in the Northern Ireland Executive’s `Together: Building A United Community` Strategy.
The call for delivery organisations and a Quality and Impact Body for PEACE IV Children and Young People Priority 2.1 closed on 4 January 2017.
For more information: