Champions Group
The young women’s Champions Group is made up of young women aged 16-24 from:
- NI Youth Forum
- Lighthouse
- Falls Women’s Centre
- The Parent Rooms
From October 2025, the group met weekly getting to know each other, discuss important topics and participate in various training opportunities. From their residential in March, the young women have been working incredibly hard planning for their event:
The Importance of Gender Specific Work through the Lens of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
This event took place at W5 at The O2 Belfast on Thursday 11th June. The focus was on gender-specific work through the lens of mental health and wellbeing.
The afternoon brought together organisations from across NI to highlight, discuss, and learn about gender-specific work.
On the day we had:
- Information stalls over lunch to network and connect
- Guest speakers such as Órlaithí Flynn MLA (Chair of APG on Suicide Prevention), Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Anne Flanaghan (Inspirational Woman), and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly.
- Q&A Panel, panellists were Anne Flanagan (Inspirational Woman), Méabh McAleavy (Champions Group Member), Laura O’Neill (Women’s Aid), and Dr Gail Neill (Ulster University).
Champion’s Group Members Ellie-May, Christina, and Corrina delivered a powerful and educational presentation on the following topics:
- Domestic Abuse (VAWG)
- The effects of the ‘Pink Tax’
- The Gender Pay Gap
Overall, the event celebrated the achievements of the Champions Group and the dedication they have shown throughout the programme. From building relationships and developing new skills to confidently presenting on important social issues, the young women demonstrated passion, resilience, and leadership. The event was a testament to the power of gender-specific youth work in empowering young women to use their voices to educate, influence, and inspire others.
Click on the links below to hear from the Junior Minister and Lord Mayor about the event:
Why is gender specific work important?
We understand the increasing pressures and challenges young women face today. From mental health struggles to healthcare barriers, violence, and underrepresentation in leadership, women aged 16–24 are navigating a complex world. Research shows that young women are almost three times more likely than young men to experience common mental health problems, with 1 in 4 reporting symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Factors such as low income, caring responsibilities, and the trauma of domestic or sexual abuse further contribute to these challenges. These experiences are often compounded by inequalities related to race, ethnicity, sexuality, immigration status, disability, and more, often leading to reduced access to services and support.
Our programme is designed to address these realities head-on. Through structured group work, one-to-one support, and peer-based approaches, we provide a safe and secure space for young women to reflect, connect, and build their capacity to take the next steps in life.
Whether you’re looking to improve your well-being, build confidence, or simply be heard—we’re here for you. Together, we aim not only to support young women individually but to contribute to a wider movement for change, shaping national and regional conversations around women’s rights, mental health, and empowerment.
This is more than a programme. It’s a space to grow, to learn, and to be heard.
Let’s take the next step—together.
Meet the Staff
Marty Kelly
Project News
13Jun
Young Women’s Champions Group
So proud of our Young Women’s Champions Group! From planning... read more
