VOYPIC is delighted to announce that we have been awarded almost £500,000 in funding over the next three years through The National Lottery Community Fund's Strengthening Communities programme.
This significant investment will enable us to deliver Link Up, an innovative new project designed to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people in care across Northern Ireland.
Young people who arrive in Northern Ireland without family, seeking safety and protection, often face significant challenges as they adapt to a new country, culture and support system. Through Link Up, VOYPIC will work alongside young people to build the skills, confidence and connections they need to thrive and prepare for independent living.
A key element of the project will focus on helping young people develop practical life skills and achieve recognised OCN qualifications, supporting them to reach their goals and strengthen their future opportunities. The project will also work in partnership with a range of community-based organisations to help young people build meaningful connections, access local opportunities and develop a sense of belonging within their communities.
Over the next three years, Link Up will also contribute to greater understanding and awareness of the experiences of unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people. VOYPIC will develop and deliver workshops for organisations and professionals, helping them better understand the unique challenges, strengths and support needs of young people who arrive here without family.
Central to the project will be ensuring that young people’s voices are heard. Participants will have opportunities to create videos, podcasts and other digital content to share their experiences, tell their stories in their own words and help shape public understanding of what it means to seek protection and build a new life in Northern Ireland.
Geraldine McGuigan, Participation and Youth Engagement Manager at VOYPIC, said:
“This funding represents a significant opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people. Many of these young people have experienced loss, uncertainty and significant change before arriving in Northern Ireland. Through Link Up, we will be able to provide opportunities for them to develop valuable skills, gain recognised qualifications, build supportive relationships and strengthen their connections within local communities.
“Just as importantly, we will create platforms for young people to share their experiences and help others better understand their journeys. We are incredibly grateful for this investment, which will enable us to expand our work and support more young people to achieve their potential.”
VOYPIC would like to extend sincere thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and to National Lottery players, whose support has made this project possible. Their investment in Link Up will help create lasting opportunities for young people, strengthen community connections and ensure that the voices of unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people are heard and valued.