THE NEED
Young people living in housing estates often face an uphill struggle as they grow up
DESTRUCTIVE INFLUENCES
Paramilitary/organised crime groups continue to have an active and dangerous influence in many of Northern Ireland’s housing estates, recruiting boys for drug-dealing and girls for sexual exploitation
ANXIETY and DEPRESSION
1 in 5 young people in Northern Ireland have mental health issues, with anxiety and depression being a particular problem among adolescents.
FAMILY BREAKDOWN
Of the young people that we are currently working with, 30% live in a lone-parent household (UK average = 22% of families with dependent children have lone-parent)
EDUCATIONAL UNDERACHIVEMENT
For the past 15 years, a comparison of pupils eligible for free school meals vs those not eligible has shown a 29+ percentage point difference in GCSE attainment
OUR RESPONSE
Dreamscheme is creating spaces and opportunities at the heart of communities, where young people can:
1. learn with friends about mental health, choices and relationships
2. do meaningful work projects to build skills or serve others
3. step out of their comfort zone to take part in new life experiences
Around these activities, we have a great team of intentional youth workers who are providing 1:1 mentoring to young people who are most in need, both in the community and in secondary schools.
Our Christian ethos shapes our approach to working with young people. We believe in the dignity and potential of every young person, no matter their background or current situation – and are committed to supporting them on a long-term journey of growth.
We need supporters to join us in our mission, and financial contributions will help us reach more young people in more communities across Northern Ireland this year.
Your gift will help us cover:
New hub costs - help us establish Dreamscheme hubs in more communities across Northern Ireland. This year, our focus is on our new Ballycraigy and Shore Road hubs.
Trips & experiences costs - we give young people memorable and transformational experiences, including residential trips and overseas travel. Help us cover transport, food, entrance fees and accommodation costs.
Youth worker costs - we recruit and train talented, passionate youth workers who lead and mentor young people every week throughout their teenage life
Material costs - we need lots of practical materials so that we can facilitate learning workshops, creative projects, sports schemes and more.
Thank you for your generosity on behalf of the young people we serve.
The Dreamscheme Team :)