Saintfield-road-based Dreamscheme NI, a local organisation which focuses on transforming the lives of young people by bringing them hope and inspiration for the future, is one of a number of youth-focused organisations in Northern Ireland which has benefited from a grant scheme offered by Hope For Youth Northern Ireland.
Like the majority of charities supported by Hope for Youth, Dreamscheme NI focuses on transforming the lives of young people by bringing them hope and inspiration for the future. The organization helps at-risk young people between 13 and 18 to grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society by providing a varied programme of positive work projects, educational sessions and personal support and mentoring. The charity connects young people with their local communities, challenging racist and sectarian behaviour and developing their skills and abilities to become future leaders in their communities.
As part of the funding received by Dreamscheme NI in 2016 from Hope For Youth, which raises money to fund cross-community, youth-oriented programmes through special events including its biennial charity House of Lords v House of Commons Swim and other special events, The ‘Heart of Belfast’ project involved young people from Dreamscheme NI who wrote, performed and filmed a spoken word video about their love of and connection to Belfast.
Speaking of how the scheme impacted him personally participant David Magill said, “Through my participation in the Heart of Belfast project, I was able to learn more about my city and what it has to offer and I am proud to have contributed to the making of such an inspiring and poetic video about Belfast, an opportunity that I would not have otherwise had without Dreamscheme and Hope For Youth.”
“The Heart of Belfast project has allowed me to enhance my filmmaking skills and has given me a fantastic insight into the media industry. I also developed my communication skills, making connections with significant people in the film industry. Through the project I was able to release my inner creativity that I find difficult to express in other aspects of my life. It has taught me how to express my feelings about a place, event or story, through the medium of film.”
Operations Manager of Dreamscheme NI, Stephen Mullan, added, “Hope For Youth has played a crucial part in helping us at Dreamscheme NI to help young people in Northern Ireland, both personally and in their communities. With the help of Hope For Youth there has been a large reduction in anti-social activity from young people in the past year, with the scheme providing a positive influence on the confidence and behaviour of young people.”
Hope For Youth NI has been making a difference to young peoples’ lives for over 40 years. The non-profit organisation raises money to support cross-community projects just like Heart of Belfast that enable young people to work together, gain new skills, and build friendships. The highlight of the organisation’s fundraising calendar is the biennial House of Lords v House of Commons Charity Swim and Gala Dinner, taking place on 23rd November 2017 in London’s Porchester Hall. The event will pit swimmers from teams representing the House of Commons and House of Lords against each other, continuing a friendly rivalry to raise awareness and funds for the great work Hope For Youth does across Northern Ireland.
Dreamscheme NI’s ‘Heart of Belfast’ video can be viewed online here: https://www.dreamschemeni.org/projects/2017/3/22/heart-of-belfast-spoken-word-project.
