Members of the Crosslinks Project – a partnership project between Youth Initiatives and Diverse Youth NI – showcased their work in Parliament Buildings Stormont.
The Community Relations Council (CRC) supports Youth Initiatives through its Core Funding Scheme.
Carál Ní Chuilín MLA hosted the event taking place during Good Relations Week. The occasion provided a powerful platform to showcase how young people across the region are bridging divides and championing good relations.
During the event in The Great Hall, the Crosslinks youth volunteer team had the privilege of sharing their experiences from Crosslinks: a project that, for over a decade, has brought young people together across religious, cultural, and ethnic divides. Through creative arts, dialogue, and community action, Crosslinks builds trust, understanding, and lasting friendships. A video presentation captured the spirit of the project, followed by moving testimonies from volunteers who spoke about their personal journeys in co-designing and leading the programme alongside Youth Initiatives staff.
In her opening remarks, the Principal Deputy Speaker reflected on the importance of recognising shared connections:
“We are all connected and linked in many ways, and it is in recognising those connections, as well as respecting and understanding our differences, that we create and sustain an inclusive and peaceful society here.”
Lynda Whinnery, Senior Manager and Good Relations Manager at Youth Initiatives, spoke of the long-term partnership with the Executive Office and CRC, highlighting how Crosslinks has created spaces for young people to “build friendships, celebrate diversity, and learn from each other’s stories.”
The team shared how the project began in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement, growing into a movement that now includes young people from Protestant, Catholic and ethnic minority backgrounds. Through shared experiences in art, drama and music, participants have tackled difficult issues (such as sectarianism, racism, and cultural identity) with courage and honesty. These efforts have helped to break down barriers, reduce segregation, and nurture a new generation of good relations champions across Belfast and beyond.
It was inspiring to see our young leaders stand in such a historic building, representing hope, courage, and connection for Northern Ireland’s future. As Carál Ní Chuilín said in closing, “Those were such powerful and uplifting stories, a real reminder of the difference projects like Crosslinks can make.”
Further Info
Find out more about Youth Initiatives by connecting with them on Instagram with @youthinitaitives and @crosslinksni. Connect with Diverse Youth NI on Instagram with @diverseyouthni.