Intergenerational Celebration at Bangor City Hall

Ards and North Down Borough Council recently hosted an intergeneration event at Bangor City Hall that brought together young people and older residents from across Ards and North Down to celebrate connection, inclusion and empowering communities.

The event marked the finale of a year-long collaboration between Youth Voice Ards and North Down, the Over 50s Council and U3A groups, with support from Linking Generations Northern Ireland. What started as a series of exploratory meetings in April 2024 blossomed into a powerful partnership, bridging generational divides and sparking meaningful dialogue.

One of the standout achievements of the collaboration was the creation of an eight-episode podcast series that was launched during Global Intergenerational Week in April on Spotify. It explores themes of age, identity and community, and aims to inspire both younger and older generations to build stronger, more connected lives.

The Intergeneration Event featured interactive workshops, storytelling sessions and a showcase of the podcast and campaign materials. Attendees left the event inspired by the creativity, compassion and commitment on display.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"This event was an excellent example of what can happen when generations come together with open hearts and shared goals. By working together, the future of our Borough is brighter and everyone in Ards and North Down can feel a sense of belonging."

The event also highlighted two major youth-led campaigns:

SEND Campaign: Promoting Inclusion and Understanding

Recognising a gap in awareness around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Youth Voice members developed a comprehensive campaign to promote inclusion and acceptance. The initiative aims to foster a borough where all young people, regardless of ability, feel that they are seen, supported, and empowered.

Mental Health Campaign: Empowering Young Ambassadors

Another group of passionate young advocates focused on mental health, initially addressing challenges faced by young men before expanding their efforts to support all youth. In partnership with Action Mental Health, they completed a six-week Mental Health Ambassador programme, equipping them with tools to support peers and signpost vital services.

For more information, including links to the podcast series, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/YouthVoiceAND.

Photo caption: The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, with members of Youth Voice AND, the Over 50s Council and U3A Groups. Image: Ian Pedlow