Empowering Communities Through Culture, Creativity & Connection
Connecting Minds Northern Ireland unites young people from Catholic, Protestant, newcomer, refugee, and minority communities through storytelling, sport, music, mindfulness, and technology. Our initiatives extend beyond education—we cultivate community development, inclusion, and leadership from the ground up.
Our Values
Guiding Everything We Do
At Connecting Minds Northern Ireland, our values guide every decision, partnership, and programme we deliver. They are not just words—they shape how we show up in communities across Northern Ireland.
Born from Division. Built for Unity.
Genesis of Connecting Minds Northern Ireland
Established in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecting Minds Northern Ireland began as an online initiative addressing the challenges of isolation, anxiety, and digital fatigue among young people. Through mindfulness, storytelling, and creative expression, we provided safe spaces for youth to manage stress and reconnect with their communities. As pandemic restrictions eased, we recognised the growing need for inclusive programming, especially among refugee and migrant families facing cultural disconnection and exclusion. In response, Connecting Minds evolved into a dynamic, cross-community project utilising cultural education, intergenerational storytelling, music, mindfulness, and digital tools to unite young people across divides and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Programme Overviews & Outcomes
Focus Areas
A Team Rooted in Experience & Inclusion
Who We Are
Our team comprises educators, youth leaders, social workers, artists, and refugees, reflecting the diverse communities we serve. By co- designing workshops with community members, we ensure our programmes are relevant, inclusive, and authentic.
Learning Side by Side
What We Are
Shared Education brings together young people from different backgrounds to learn with, from, and about one another, fostering collaborative, inclusive, and trust-building educational environments. All Connecting Minds NI projects are grounded in this model.
Pre-2021 - Laying the Foundations: Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland
Why We Are
Northern Ireland's history of conflict, known as The Troubles (1968-1998), left deep divisions between communities. The signing of the **Good Friday Agreement in 1998** marked a turning point toward peace, reconciliation, and shared futures. In the years that followed, education and community sectors began working to break down barriers through **Shared Education**, cross-community youth initiatives, and peace-focused funding. Key programs such as **Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC)** and **Good Relations funding** supported efforts to promote inclusion, dialogue, and mutual understanding across cultural, religious, and ethnic lines. This legacy of peacebuilding inspired Connecting Minds to build on those foundations, empowering young people to carry the work forward through creativity, empathy, and cross-cultural learning.
"Supporting Shared Education outcomes in partnership with schools and youth settings— independent from Education Authority provision."
From Conflict to Connection: Why We Exist
To visually communicate our foundation and purpose on the website:
1968-1998:
The Troubles
"A period of violent conflict that divided communities and left a legacy of trauma."
2000s:
Rise of Shared Education and T:BUC
"Initial school partnerships reduced prejudice and fostered cross-community friendships."
1998:
Good Friday Agreement
"Formally ended the conflict. Schools and housing remained segregated with limited interaction."
2021-2025:
Connecting Minds Programs
"Shared Ed extended into informal settings. CM filled gaps in SEL, refugee support, and cultural inclusion."
Connecting Minds Northern Ireland - Community Impact Timeline
"At the heart of Connecting Minds lies a powerful legacy of peacebuilding. Our work with young people is deeply rooted in Northern Ireland's journey from conflict to connection. This timeline showcases how we've built on decades of reconciliation efforts to empower youth, promote inclusion, and strengthen communities across divides."
Starting with just 100 students connected via Zoom in 2021—from Northern Ireland, Germany, and Finland-Connecting Minds has grown into a cross-community, cross-cultural initiative directly impacting over 6,000 beneficiaries by 2025. This growth reflects the increasing need for creative, trauma-informed, and inclusive programs in
schools and communities across Northern Ireland.
Rooted in Peace & Reconciliation
All of Connecting Minds Northern Ireland’s projects align with the values of the Good Friday Agreement (1998) and support the goals of:
• T:BUC – Together: Building a United Community
• The Shared Education Framework
We work across formal and informal learning environments—schools, youth clubs, cadets, and community hubs—ensuring young people from all backgrounds learn, lead and grow together.
Our Approach: Shared Education in Every Setting
Connecting Minds programmes are:
• Co-designed with the communities they serve
• Delivered in shared, cross-community spaces
• Supported by ESOL consultants for English language learners
• Reinforced by gamified, digital materials to continue learning beyond the workshop
We operate in:
• Primary and post-primary schools
• Youth groups and clubs
• Cadet organisations and community groups
• Sports programmes and cultural centres
Participant Testimonials
It helped me feel calm and accepted. I didn't speak English before, but now I can talk to my classmates. I loved the drawing and yoga games.
- Primary school student, Belfast
Support Our Work
COMING SOON
Funders
Visit our U.S. website
Registered Charity:
NIC109673
CONTACT US
Follow Us On Social Media
Connecting Minds Northern Ireland is a locally registered, independent charity based in the UK. While we are not legally affiliated with organisations of the same name outside the United Kingdom, we collaborate in partnership where missions align—particularly in promoting global peace, inclusion, and youth leadership.
© 2023 Copyright By Connecting Minds Project. Designed by Wix Patriots