A film project by young people from Carrickfergus YMCA and PAKT looking back at the loyalist and para-military history of their estate through teenagers’ eyes, and forward to building an inclusive, shared future for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Who we are
Young people from the Glenfield Estate, based at Carrickfergus YMCA and PAKT (Parents and Kids Together)
Where we're based
Carrickfergus, NI
When we started
Early 2009
How we started
Carrickfergus has few facilities for young people who are at risk, sadly many of whom are caught up in paramilitary-led organised crime - the horrendous legacy of the Northern Ireland conflict. Breaking the destructive cycle of hate and restoring confidence to individuals and the community are fundamental aims of the YMCA. The young people in the Parents and Kids Together Club based at the YMCA wanted to get involved in Peace and Reconcilation Work. After working through a few ideas they decided to make a documentary and won funding from the EU Peace III fund.
Our work
The Carrick teenagers, starting in 2009, made the entire documentary themselves with the help from Studio-On (creative learning centre). The group scripted, storyboarded, shot, and directed this short film. The idea was to create a 'Peace and Reconciliation' piece of work, covering the riots, Peace Process and the 1980's migration of people from Belfast to the suburbs such as Carrickfergus to inspire the local community. The piece demonstrates how far the Estate has come since the dark days of the troubles and what local people have done and can continue to do to improve the lives of the local community.
Future plans
The 20 young people involved in the film project are now Mini Leaders at the YMCA, and are playing a big part in drawing the community closer together and making it feel a safer place to grow up. They are positive role models to their younger peers, full of ideas and leading the way to a better future for their estate. They continue to run many programmes and activities for families and young people, and are currently planning a mulitmedia film project.
Project website
Back during the troubles, you couldn't go anywhere. But we got through that, and we set up this club, and there's hardly any trouble in Glenfield now.
Mark Holmes, Mini Leader
