SLAP Launch

Major new youth leadership and peace building programme launching across Ards and North Down

A major new programme designed to support young people across Ards and North Down through sport, creativity, leadership and wellbeing has been launched.

Delivered by Healthy Lifestylez/Kidz in partnership with PeacePlayers Northern Ireland and BNL Productions, the Sports Leadership and Arts Programme (SLAP) will provide meaningful opportunities for young people aged 16–24 to build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen connections across communities.

The two-year initiative forms part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s wider PEACEPLUS Action Plan and is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The programme has been specifically designed to create positive opportunities for young people who may be facing pressures linked to community division, stress, difficult home environments or limited access to development opportunities.

Through a structured programme of sports activity, creative workshops, mentoring, leadership development and peace building sessions, participants will gain practical life skills, broaden their horizons and develop pathways into volunteering, qualifications and future employment.

The programme will place a strong focus on inclusion, with targeted engagement to ensure participation from young women, young people with disabilities and newcomers to the community.

Activities delivered through the programme will include:

  • · Sports leadership and physical activity sessions
  • · Creative workshops in photography, animation and digital storytelling
  • · Personal development and mentoring
  • · Wellbeing and resilience training
  • · Good relations and peace-building workshops
  • · Team building experiences and volunteering opportunities
  • · Pathways into coaching, leadership and paid youth engagement roles

The programme will be delivered across Ards and North Down, creating sustained and meaningful opportunities for young people to connect with peers from different backgrounds while developing confidence, leadership skills and community awareness.

"This programme is about giving young people the space, support and opportunities to grow into confident leaders within their communities. Too many young people are navigating pressure from difficult home circumstances and limited opportunities to connect beyond their usual circles. Through sport, creativity and leadership development, this programme creates a positive environment where young people can build resilience, develop practical life and employability skills, and form meaningful relationships across communities. We want participants to leave this programme not just with great experiences, but with greater confidence, stronger networks and clear pathways into volunteering, qualifications and future employment."
Jude Millar
SLAP and Healthy Lifestylez Programme Coordinator
“The launch of the Leadership through Sports and Arts Programme marks a significant milestone in our commitment to cultivating shared, inclusive, and vibrant local spaces. By empowering our young people with foundational life skills and peace-building tools, this initiative directly advances our local Action Plan's core mission to build highly resilient, interconnected communities that respect and celebrate diverse cultural identities.”
Councillor Joe Boyle
Chair of the Ards and North Down Local PEACEPLUS Partnership
“A core theme of my time in office is fostering a true sense of belonging across our Borough, and this wonderful initiative puts that value into direct action. Navigating mental health pressures and limited community connections can be incredibly tough for young people. This programme provides an exceptional, supportive outlet through sports and creative digital arts to help our youth build resilience, form lasting cross-community friendships, and unlock bright new career and volunteer pathways.”
Councillor Gillian McCollum
Mayor of Ards and North Down,

This Healthy Kidz-led initiative is one of 23 projects being delivered across the Ards and North Down Borough Council area through the PEACEPLUS programme, contributing to the themes of thriving and peaceful communities, respect for cultural identities, and community regeneration and transformation.

 Notes to Editors

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14 billion.

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. Further information on Healthy Kidz is available online at http://www.healthy-kidz.com. For any information contact Richie Smith on richie@healthy-kidz.com . Information on the work of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) can be found at http://www.seupb.eu. Ards and North Down’s website can be found at http://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk 

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