Springboard’s Journeys Participants Give Back To Their Communities
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October 5, 2026
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Day of Service, young people on Springboard’s Journeys programme planned and participated in a #DayOn to give back to their communities.
Journeys is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
#DayOn is inspired by Dr. Martin Luth King Jr’s Day of Service, where citizens are called to take action to improve their communities, instead of taking a day off. For Springboard’s young people on the Journeys programme, this initiative brought them together to discuss key issues they feel should be addressed within their communities and determined how they could act.
The participants decided that local wellbeing was their priority. By caring for their public shared spaces and helping boost wellbeing and morale in other young people, they would be able to give back to their communities in a meaningful way. Beginning in Belfast City Centre, young people led a community litter pick to contribute to a safer and more enjoyable environment, highlighting the importance of clean shared spaces for all. They shared messages of support and positivity that encouraged recycling and proper waste disposal with locals.
Young people then made their way to a traditional Sports Day designed and delivered by Sports Leaders on the Journeys programme. The session was targeted to participants who may have disengaged from formal education or training and hadn’t had the chance to experience such an event in the past. Young people were encouraged to enjoy sports as a way to care for their health and wellbeing. Attendees competed in inclusive games and friendly challenges, as well as gaining important education on wellness.
Participants reflected with pride on the planning of their DayOn, acknowledging the impact they have had on their local area. Those who took part left feeling inspired to continue community service, looking forward to delivering a social action project that will have a positive influence.
A young person commented,
Taking part in Our Day On made me realise how important it is to look after the community. I enjoyed being able to make a positive difference especially among people my age.”
This cross-community initiative led by Springboard’s Journeys participants has empowered young people to contribute to maintaining and developing shared spaces in pursuit of a cohesive society.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Notes To Editors
- The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
- PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14 billion, to be delivered over the next four years.