YI Volunteer Cross-City Challenge Day
- youthinitiativesni
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Volunteers from all six YI Northern Ireland hubs, alongside YI Scotland, came together for a Cross-City Challenge Day that was built around connection, teamwork, and good relations.
From the outset, teams were intentionally mixed across hubs, meaning most people started the day not knowing each other. It did not take long for that to change. As teams moved through the city, they worked through a series of challenges designed to get them talking, collaborating, and engaging with themes around identity, culture, and community.
Some of the challenges were light and creative, helping break the ice and build momentum. Others encouraged teams to slow down, think a bit deeper, and have conversations they might not normally have. Young people were given space to explore ideas for themselves through shared experience.
What stood out was how naturally connections formed. Different backgrounds and perspectives did not feel like barriers, but rather, they became part of the conversation. There was a real openness within teams, with people willing to listen, share, and support each other as the day went on.
There was also strong leadership throughout. Some volunteers took on clear roles within their teams, helping organise, make decisions, and keep things moving. Others led in quieter ways, making sure everyone was included and heard. Returning participants played an important role too, helping guide teams and model what positive leadership looks like in practice.
The day reflected what the IMPACT programme is aiming to build: young people from different communities coming together in a way that is real, relational, and grounded in shared experience. It was not about ticking boxes, but about creating an environment where understanding can grow and where young people feel confident stepping into leadership within their own contexts.
A huge thanks to the Community Relations Council for helping us to fund this day and for their ongoing support in our good relations projects!
