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Choice Housing and Rio Ferdinand Foundation launch youth empowerment programme in Ballymena

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • May 15
  • 3 min read
Darryl Forsythe and Sarah Millar from the Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF) pictured with participants Lilee-Grace Gourley (left) and Caoimhe Morrow (right).

Darryl Forsythe and Sarah Millar from the Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF) pictured with participants Lilee-Grace Gourley (left) and Caoimhe Morrow (right).

 

A dynamic new partnership between Choice Housing and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation has been launched in Ballymena, aimed at empowering local youth through education, leadership training, and cross-community engagement.


The initiative builds on the success of a previous pilot project, now expanding to Ballymena with a new cohort of 28 young participants aged 13 to 17.



The programme, delivered in partnership with Ballymena United Women’s Academy, promises a series of impactful workshops designed to foster vital life skills and promote social cohesion.


The project, which has already shown strong results in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, is underpinned by a commitment to measurable impact. A newly released Programme Impact Report highlights the outcomes of the initiative over the past twelve months:


  • 85% of young people reported increased confidence and self-esteem

  • 100% experienced improved emotional health and wellbeing

  • 80% developed greater resilience

  • 100% built positive relationships with peers from different backgrounds

  • 85% gained a stronger understanding of diversity and inclusion

  • 95% formed friendships across communities or borders

  • 100% felt they gained new skills

  • 100% felt connected to new, previously inaccessible opportunities

  • 100% reported feeling empowered to achieve their goals



The first workshop focused on tackling sensitive social issues, under the theme of “Challenging racism, division, and discrimination.” Participants engaged in open dialogue around the real-life effects of these issues in their communities and explored ways to promote inclusivity.


This week’s sessions shifted the focus to women’s empowerment, offering a platform for young women to share their experiences and reflect on their role within their communities. The workshops also addressed themes such as stress management and leadership development, essential tools for personal and social growth.



Speaking on the initiative, Michael McDonnell, CEO of Choice Group, said:


“Expanding to Ballymena is testament to the impact this partnership has had in other areas in the region. Tangible support for young people, who not only develop a range of social and personal skills but come out of the initiative with training and accreditations that will support them in the next phase of their journey.


“Choice Housing is committed to supporting local communities across Northern Ireland and a vital part of this is supporting the next generation in these communities – giving them the tools to create their own pathway.”



The summer months will see the programme continue with further workshops addressing mental health and wellbeing, the positive impact of sport, and the delivery of OCN Level 1 accreditations. These sessions aim to not only support personal development but to equip participants with recognised qualifications for future progression.


Established by former England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation has operated in Northern Ireland since 2016. The organisation focuses on providing mentoring, education, and employment pathways to support young people from economically disadvantaged areas.



Commenting on the Ballymena launch, Darryl Forsythe, Northern Ireland Programme Coordinator for the Foundation, said:


“Expanding into Ballymena has been a fantastic opportunity for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Working with young women at Ballymena United Academy, we’ve delivered workshops that not only educate but empower.


“Our mission is rooted in tackling social issues while opening doors for personal growth. It’s vital that young people are given a voice — but just as important, that we equip them with the tools to become the next generation of leaders, with social mobility at the heart of that journey.”



As the programme progresses, participants will also take the lead in organising a youth-led football event, aimed at uniting the community and showcasing the skills and confidence gained throughout the initiative.


The Ballymena expansion is part of a wider partnership that has already seen success in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast, with nearly 200 young people benefiting from accredited training and personal development workshops in the last year alone.


The project has also brought together more than 900 community members through youth-led events and social action initiatives.


This initiative marks a significant step forward for youth empowerment in Ballymena, providing young people not just with support, but with the chance to shape their own futures and positively impact their communities.



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