Building on sector-wide conversations in 2024 and supported by the Dormant Assets Fund via The National Lottery, a new programme of in‑person sector conversations is underway. The focus is on strengthening trust, deepening collaboration, and shaping a confident, sustainable future for voluntary youth work.
What’s happening now
On 2 April 2026, NICVA, on behalf of the Voluntary Youth Work Sector Coordinating Committee, hosted a facilitated roundtable with 20 sector leaders. Independently facilitated by Ulster University, the session provided honest space to reflect on current challenges and what must happen next.
Key themes included ongoing pressures on organisations and the lack of shared infrastructure. There was strong agreement that no single organisation can shape the sector’s future alone - it will take shared ownership, visible leadership, and collective commitment.
Built on solid foundations
This work builds on extensive engagement. Over 230 stakeholders contributed to consultations in 2024, leading to two key reports:
- Shaping the Future: Voluntary Youth Work Sector (NICVA, 2024)
- How to Grow the Voluntary Youth Work Sector in NI (McArdle, 2025)
Both call for co-designed systems, strategic investment in infrastructure and workforce, and rebuilding trust across the sector. In 2026, further Dormant Assets funding was secured to support coordination, communication, and convening - providing a clear mandate to continue this collective leadership journey.
This is not a one-off
The April roundtable marks the start of a wider series of sector conversations taking place across Northern Ireland throughout April–May 2026. These sessions will:
- Enable honest dialogue
- Support collaboration across diverse organisations
- Shape shared priorities and next steps
- Inform future investment and strategic planning
Who is in the room matters. The sector’s future must reflect its diversity - across geography, size, identity, and experience.
Get involved and sign up!
If your organisation is not involved, there is a real risk that the next phase of this work will be shaped without your voice.
These conversations are not about endorsing a finished plan. They are about testing ideas, strengthening relationships, and moving from conversation to collective action.
Register now to take part in the upcoming sector conversations:
- Belfast, 15 April 2026, 6.30pm-8.30pm
- Derry, 22 April 2026, 6.30pm-8.30pm
- Newry, 29 April 2026, 6.30pm-8.30pm
- Lurgan, 5 May 2026, 10am-12noon
- Ballymena, 7 May 2026, 6.30pm-8.30pm
