Alternatives Restorative Justice

Alternatives Restorative Justice We currently have branches in North Belfast, Greater Shankill, East Belfast, South Belfast, Ards and North Down, Portadown, and Magherafelt.

Alternatives Restorative Justice is a Government-accredited community-based Restorative Justice project tackling antisocial behaviour, community conflict and community safety issues in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Alternatives (NIA) is a government accredited restorative justice programme that aims to promote and develop non-violent community responses to the issues of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in areas across Northern Ireland. Give & Take: Start is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through Department of Employment and Learning (DEL). It is a partnership programme between Include Youth and Northern Ireland Alternatives.

North Belfast Alternatives Restorative Justice Strive young people explored the historical context of ‘The Troubles’, en...
06/10/2026

North Belfast Alternatives Restorative Justice Strive young people explored the historical context of ‘The Troubles’, enabling them to understanding the past, and build towards making positive choices for the future.

With this, staff introduced young people to Alternatives Restorative Justice and its role in supporting individuals, families, schools and communities to resolve conflict in a positive and restorative way. Participants explored restorative practices working with victims, offenders and communities.

Young people also completed a section of their personal records that looks at their hobbies, interests, skills, qualities and future goals.

Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB | Include Youth | Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre | Youth Initiatives | Newstart Education Centre

05/10/2026

Dr Stephen Best, chairperson of Glenavon Football club, recalls a powerful and deeply personal experience from coming home after an away match. A moment when tensions were high and the situation could easily have escalated.

His story gives a first hand perspective on what happened and, importantly, highlights the vital role played by the 12th Man programme in helping to calm the situation preventing further escalation.

Behind every match, every journey and every crowd are real people and sometimes, the right intervention at the right moment can make all the difference.

Please come along to the launch of our 12th Man documentary to find out more.

🏘️ September has been a productive month for BUILD!From developing young leaders and strengthening grassroots capacity t...
01/10/2026

🏘️ September has been a productive month for BUILD!

From developing young leaders and strengthening grassroots capacity to progressing research and delivering tangible regeneration, there’s been plenty happening across our work.

🌱 Capacity Building & Development

We believe physical regeneration and community renewal need strong local leaders and a strong community voice.

This month, we’ve continued investing in the personal and professional development of our young staff. This has included a residential at Oxford University through the Fellowship Programme, alongside participation in the NI Legacy Programme, building meaningful relationships, knowledge and experience.

Staff are also working towards qualifications in housing advice, helping us better understand the housing system and strengthen capacity at a grassroots level.

We also attended the launch of the Ballymena South Community Regeneration and Action Planning Report, learning from regeneration work elsewhere and continuing to expand our knowledge.

🔎 Research & Evidence Building

Supported by Queen’s University, BUILD is continuing its housing research to develop a stronger evidence base that can inform discussion and support meaningful change.

This month included focus groups with people working across housing locally, including councillors, estate agents and activists.

Our BUILD Working Group continues to meet monthly to review progress and agree next steps, helping ensure regeneration remains community-led.

Alongside this, our Local Action Group brings together statutory partners and community representatives to strategise and oversee the implementation of the Plan to Grow.

🏗️ Development & Regeneration

We’re continuing to push ahead with our social enterprise on Aberdeen Street, focused on creating community ownership and building long-term community assets.

Progress is also being made at Lanark Way, with development underway and our plans beginning to translate into tangible regeneration on the ground.

September has been about building people, building evidence and building places — all with the aim of creating lasting, community-led change.

If you want to get involved or learn more get in touch@

[email protected]

Or visit our website https://build-shankill.co.uk/about-build

⭐️ Faith from our Shankill office and Shane from our East Belfast office recently took part in the Northern Ireland Lega...
30/09/2026

⭐️ Faith from our Shankill office and Shane from our East Belfast office recently took part in the Northern Ireland Legacy Programme with Common Purpose ⭐️

As part of the programme, Faith and Shane presented to a panel of key stakeholders on the question:
💭 “How can we encourage more young people to live and work in Northern Ireland?”

A great opportunity to share ideas, hear different perspectives and ensure young people have a voice in conversations about the future of Northern Ireland. 👏

30/09/2026

📣Calling all residents of Highfield!! 📣

What does the future look like for Highfield, and where are the opportunities to make the area even better?

As part of the BUILD Project, Ryan takes us through some of the key findings from the Plan to Grow, looking at what the research tells us about Highfield and the priorities identified for the area 🌍

🎥 Have a watch to find out more…

North Belfast Alternatives Restorative Justice Strive participants had a fantastic time at Fundamania, taking part in fu...
30/09/2026

North Belfast Alternatives Restorative Justice Strive participants had a fantastic time at Fundamania, taking part in fun, team-building activities as part of their journey on this programme.

Through experiences like these, young people continue to build confidence, develop new skills, strengthen relationships, and progress towards positive futures.

Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB | Include Youth | Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre | Youth Initiatives | Newstart Education Centre

The STARS Project in Ards and North Down delivered a full day of Restorative Practices training to 60 members of staff i...
29/09/2026

The STARS Project in Ards and North Down delivered a full day of Restorative Practices training to 60 members of staff in Bloomfield Primary School.

Throughout the day, staff explored the principles and values underpinning restorative practice, developed their understanding of restorative language and learned practical strategies to build positive relationships, improve communication and respond to conflict restoratively.

The enthusiasm, participation and willingness to reflect demonstrated by staff throughout the day was inspiring. We look forward to working with Bloomfield Primary School as they continue on their restorative journey.

2 of our staff members Adam and Carly had the privilege of spending the week in Oxford with the Fellowship Program. 📈The...
29/09/2026

2 of our staff members Adam and Carly had the privilege of spending the week in Oxford with the Fellowship Program.

📈The program brings together people from various sectors of society to explore themes of personal development, leadership and shared dialogue.

♟️The week provided an amazing opportunity to gain insight from accomplished leaders in their respective fields including, government, neuroscience, ai and systems thinking.

🤝As well opportunities for relationship building and workshops exploring themes around democracy, peace and the future of Northern Ireland.

🗣️We continue to encourage and support our staff with opportunities and their personal development.

28/09/2026

Sarah-Anne explains how having a 12th Man can make a real difference by helping to prevent anti-social behaviour, set clear expectations and build positive relationships with supporters.

Want to find out more about the role and how it can help create a positive matchday experience?

Come along to our 12th Man event and find out more!

Thursday 15th October
Queens film Theatre
8pm
RSVP- [email protected]

Everyone is welcome we would love to see you there!

Our STARS project had a fantastic day delivering whole-school restorative practice training to Nettlefield P.S. on Frida...
27/09/2026

Our STARS project had a fantastic day delivering whole-school restorative practice training to Nettlefield P.S. on Friday ⭐ The staff explored ways to continue embedding relational and restorative approaches in the school to build relationships, strengthen community and repair harm💡
The Executive Office

Address

137 Agnes Street
Belfast
BT131GG

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