Creggan Enterprises’ Lifehack Project – helping young people start a new Journey

The official launch of Creggan Enterprises’ Lifehack Journeys Project at Ráth Mór has taken place.

This innovative partnership with Springboard Opportunities, Roe Valley Residents Association, and Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board – saw Lifehack successful in securing PEACEPLUS funding under the Youth Programme (3.2) Investment Area for the ‘Journeys Project’.

This €8m four-year funded-project aims to provide support to young people on a regional basis – with Lifehack delivering the programme in the Derry/Strabane district area.

Lifehack delivers on a targeted capacity building programme for young people aged 14 to 24 years, who are disadvantaged, excluded or marginalised.

The Programme is outcomes-focused across a number of key areas including good relations, personal development, citizenship and employability, and will bring about a positive change in the form of clear, meaningful and sustainable ‘distance travelled’ for participants.

A primary aim will be to increase the capacity, confidence and achievement level of every young person participating.

With some 35+ participants currently engaging from across the city – Lifehack tailors its interventions to meet the hopes and needs of each of its participants.

Through the project young people have the opportunity to participate in a range of fun group activities, residentials and day trips; accredited training; and personal development workshops.

Participants will have bespoke opportunities to meet and build relationships with other young people from across the region.

Lifehack Journey’s Co-ordinator Richard McRory commented on the project’s ongoing progress: “The project has hit the ground running on a cross-community basis with participation by young people from all over the city. Lifehack provide a really engaging programme of personal development and social activities for young people, with wide-ranging supports.

“Its really rewarding to see the young people take up the opportunities offered to them and begin a new positive journey”.

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Lifehack participant Yousef commented: “Lifehack has been a very helpful experience. I’ve made friends which is the most important thing to me.

“I am getting the support I need and I am happy because I am making time for myself”.

CE’s Development Executive Conal McFeely believes that the new Lifehack Journeys project, supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) will be a fantastic addition to the range of existing projects and support available at Ráth Mór, adding: “If anyone is interested in finding out more about the opportunities available via Lifehack they can call the team on 02871277488 or check out the Facebook page @Lifehackprojectderry. We welcome all enquiries from across the city/district.”