Extern Charity

02/11/2026

Important Update from Extern Stories

Today (Monday, 2nd November) marks the final day of operation for the Enhanced Needle Exchange from our premises on Royal Avenue.

While our building-based service at this location is closing, the service is not stopping. We are transitioning to a dedicated outreach service to continue supporting our community as we head into the winter months.

Outreach Service Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

While operating via outreach means we won't be able to provide bloodborne virus checks or wound care directly from a static building right now, our team will still be out there providing the best service possible.

We are actively looking for an appropriate new building to operate our enhanced service from in the future.

If you can help or assist us in finding a new space, please contact Extern.

30/10/2026

🎃 Spooky season has been well and truly embraced across our projects this month!

From pumpkin carving and Halloween crafts to days out and plenty of fun along the way, our young people, families and staff have been getting into the spirit of things in the run up to Halloween.

These moments might look small, but they’re a big part of what we do – making time for fun, connection and trying something new together. 🧡

Swipe through to see what’s been happening 👉

Happy Halloween from all of us at Extern!

29/10/2026

One week to go! 💜

Looking for a new opportunity or a way to make a difference? Come and meet Extern at the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair in Belfast next Thursday.

Chat to our team about working and volunteering with us, and discover how you could get involved.

📅 Thursday 5 November 2026
🕙 10am–2pm
📍 Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, 2–10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast

Know someone who might be interested? Share this with them!

23/10/2026

On World Mental Health Day, participants, volunteers, community champions, and funders gathered in Derry's historic Guildhall to mark the powerful close of Extern’s Freedom Project.

Over the past two years, this PEACEPLUS-supported initiative has walked alongside almost 600 people across the region, creating safe spaces for recovery, cross-community connection, and healing through creative and holistic approaches - from breathwork and immersive sound baths to NADA ear acupuncture and peer support.

A huge thank you to everyone who trusted us on their journey, our wonderful delivery partners, and our funders at PEACEPLUS, the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB, and Derry City & Strabane District Council for making this life-changing impact possible.

Though this chapter is closing, the resilience, connections, and hope built here will continue to thrive in our community.

21/10/2026

As part of Everyday Extern, Aoife from our Homeless Support Team shares how the face of housing stress is changing.

In recent years, our team has seen a rise in people accessing our services who never thought they would experience housing stress - many now facing the very real risk of losing their home.

Working alongside the Housing Executive, our team is there to support mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children, helping them keep a roof over their heads and preventing homelessness before it begins.

Watch the video to hear more from Aoife about the crucial work our team does every day.

19/10/2026

Every day, Extern’s Homeless Support Team works across Belfast to support individuals and families facing or experiencing homelessness.

Based in our Belfast office, our social workers and support staff handle NIHE referrals, offer advice, and manage cases - but the core of our work happens through outreach.

We meet people where they are, providing practical support directly in homes, hostels, temporary housing, and local communities to help prevent and relieve homelessness.

Watch as Senior Practitioner Aoife shares how our team makes a difference every day.

15/10/2026

Extern Stories: Series Two, Episode 3

A massive thank you to Iain 'Buff' Cameron for chatting with us in our final episode about the vital role our Harm Reduction services play right in the centre of Belfast.

As Iain highlights, having an accessible, safe, warm, and welcoming environment in the city centre is essential for some of the most marginalised people in our community. It’s about building trust, reducing risks, and ensuring that the people we work with know we are always here for them.

13/10/2026

Huge thank you to Davy McDaid (Player/Assistant Manager at Portstewart FC) for speaking with us at our Man On Football Tournament held at Inver Park for World Mental Health Day ⚽️

Davy spoke about how important initiatives like MANON are in bringing men together, noting that football is just the vehicle - it’s really about building camaraderie, team spirit, and creating a safe environment where it’s okay to speak up, ask for help, or simply have a chat.

Whether you're playing, refereeing, managing, or just cheering from the sidelines, Man On is for everyone. It was incredible to see local clubs coming together from Larne Football Club, Coleraine FC, Carrick Rangers FC, and Glenavon FC to support men’s mental health and break the stigma.

This project is part-funded through Extern Carrick/Larne Communities in Transition programme, helping us create vital spaces for conversation and support in local communities.

Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. Reach out, check in on your mates, and let’s keep the conversation going.

12/10/2026

Lived experience is one of the most powerful tools we have.

At Extern, we recognise the incredible value of people who use their own experiences to support, inspire and empower others.

Following World Mental Health Day, we’re proud to share the first episode of our new podcast, featuring Allen’s personal journey with addiction and recovery.

Real people. Real stories. Real hope.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5gFglLPfP4emVqYU77jBNH

The Reach Out Sessions · Episode

12/10/2026

On World Mental Health Day, we marked the close of The Freedom Project – Journey of Hope at the Guildhall in Derry/Londonderry

Over two years, the project supported almost 600 people affected by trauma, including the intergenerational trauma left by the Troubles. We had set out to reach 520.

Through trauma-informed support, creative wellness, mindfulness and cross-community connection, we helped people build resilience, confidence and wellbeing in a way that felt different from traditional services.

Sharon Smith, Project Manager at Extern, said: “The fact that almost 600 people chose to be part of the project reflects the need for this kind of support and the trust people placed in us.”

Thank you to PEACEPLUS, the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and Derry City and Strabane District Council for funding the project through the PEACEPLUS Theme 1.1 Local Action Plan, and to our delivery partners, Community Champions and volunteers.