Beyond25 Research Paper Launches Today
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July 31, 2024
Today Springboard launches Beyond25, a research paper exploring Good Relations Practice with young people beyond the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Beyond25 highlights the high levels of trauma, mental ill-health and ‘them and us’ aspects to everyday life felt by young people, along with ongoing challenges from ‘gatekeepers’ and paramilitaries in communities. Young people pointed to Good Relations programmes as a key driver of positive and sustainable change, particularly co-designed, ‘purposeful’ and in-depth programmes.
Research findings affirm a youthwork development approach is foundational to successful Good Relations practice. Beyond25 also recognises the increasing economic and social pressures on young people, coupled with unprecedented societal shifts of inequality and increasing narratives of division, and calls for trauma-informed & mental health practice and cultural competence practice as vital elements to future good relations work.
Lastly, as the biggest changes and challenges are currently facing young people, Beyond25 recognises the importance of the ‘skilled worker’ offering an unendingly responsive approach in times of disruption and ability to work in ambiguity, recognising out of chaos comes opportunities for emerging young agents of change.
Click here to read the report