“Young people leading change for a fairer and inclusive world.” 

YouthAction Northern Ireland is a leading youth work charity. 

YouthAction NI has successfully strived for 80 years to make a significant difference to the lives of young people and their communities by providing unique, life changing opportunities.

We inspire young people to find their true potential and excel in areas such as political activism, performing arts, youth work, education, business, technology and international affairs.

YouthAction NI is highly respected and endorsed by government departments, political and civic leaders, education establishments, corporate businesses, local communities, the arts industry and mental health organisations.

Improving the life chances for young people and their communities is our core aim. Everything we do is underpinned by exceptional youth work / youth arts principles and practices.

Our Ethos

A word from the Chief Executive

YouthAction NI actively encourage the involvement of young people to join in and shape the world they wish to create. We believe that young people light the way for a brighter future in leading change for a more fair and inclusive world.

 

Young people are positive and able sources of inspiration and influence with much to contribute. We value them as assets and nurture their compassionate and altruistic behaviours to impact on the lives of others.

 

Alongside young people we work with our volunteers, members, other voluntary youth work charities and a range of business, statutory and academic partners to be courageous change makers that challenges inequalities and improves the life chances for young people and their communities. 

 

Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to shining a light on young people to showcase their abilities, capabilities and passion for making our world fairer and more inclusive for all through youth work and youth arts approaches. Collectively we can light the way for a brighter future.

 

Dr Martin Mc Mullan

Chief Executive Officer, YouthAction NI


Learn more about us

Strategic Plan 2023-2027

Our Vision

Young people leading change for a fairer and more inclusive world.


Our Mission

YouthAction Northern Ireland challenges inequalities to improve life chances for young people and their communities.


Through such intention and purpose we:

1) improve their life chances
2) inspire them as activists
3) grow inclusive and outward looking communities
4) build a peaceful and shared society.


Outcomes for Young People


  1. Build and improve their health and wellbeing.
  2. Increase their creative expression.
  3. Improve their life and work skills.
  4. Demonstrate leadership, activism and peace building.


Download our Strategic Plan

Our Governance


“Having such a committed, motivated workforce has ensured team members are prepared and equipped for challenges ahead, willing to embrace change and focussed on achieving long tern sustainability” 
(Investors in People Review 2017)
YouthAction NI is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated and registered in Northern Ireland under company number NI035317.

Founded in 1944 as the Federation of Girls’ Clubs in Northern Ireland, the charity changed names to the Federation of Girls’ Clubs and Mixed Clubs in 1953, and to the Northern Ireland Association of Youth Clubs In 1961. 1990 the charity was renamed YouthAction Northern Ireland.  

Throughout 2024, the charity has been celebrating 80 years of successfully tackling issues most critical to young people throughout Northern Ireland.

YouthAction NI is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Our registered office address is 14-16 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AS

We’re registered with the Northern Ireland Charity Commission under number 106365.
Governance goals 2023-2027

1. Strive for a sustainable and robust financial base for our work, raising 2 million pounds each year to achieve high quality youth work and value for money outcomes.

2. Invest in 250 communities each year to embed quality youth work to support young people’s development.

3. Improve the health, well-being, aspirations and opportunities of 10,000 young people aged 10-25years each year.

4. Increase the skills, qualifications and employability of 1,000 young leaders each year. 

5. Demonstrate the highest levels of governance and operational excellence within a clear constitutional and legal framework.

6. Inspire, build and nurture an effective, supportive and healthy leadership team at YouthAction NI and through our membership network.

7. Build local and strategic partnerships with charities, business sector, academia, government and civic society across the UK, Ireland and Internationally.

8. Work with sectoral representatives as courageous change makers to transform how charities are recognised, valued and supported.

9. Raise quality standards in youth work through partnerships, research, training, resource development and impact demonstration.

Safe Guarding


YouthAction NI is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people and adults who participate in our programmes. We strive to keep them safe from harm and exploitation throughout all our programmes and activities.


We deliver Keeping Safe recognised safeguarding training to our members and provide Access NI vetting for staff and volunteers. 


Our Designated Officer/Adult Safeguarding Champion is Michael McKenna; Deputy Designated Officer/Appointed Person (for Adults) is Sean Madden and our Safeguarding Board member is Liam Hannaway. Our Keeping Safe trainers are Dominic Bonner, Louise Malone, Maria Perkins, Naomi English, Sheila Morris and Sean Madden. For further guidance please contact us.


Click on the icon to the right to download our full Safeguarding Policy.


For more information
Child Protection Policy