Extern Charity

11/06/2026

Are you passionate about making a real difference for young people leaving care?

We have an exciting opportunity to join Extern as a Project Co-ordinator on a pioneering new pilot project - and we'd love to hear from you!

Working as part of our Employers as Mentors project, funded by Homewards, you'll play a key role in breaking down barriers for care-experienced young people entering the workplace - helping them access real job opportunities with the support of trained employee mentors behind them.

This is a genuinely exciting role where no two days will look the same. You'll be delivering in-person training, building relationships with up to 10 businesses, and providing ongoing support to mentors over a 20-week programme - all while contributing to a project that has the potential to change how employers support young people from care backgrounds.

If you're a strong communicator, enjoy working with a range of people and organisations, and want to be part of something that truly matters - this could be the role for you.

Full details and how to apply are available on our website. Don't miss out - we'd love to hear from you!

https://bit.ly/peoplehr-apply-now

Extern provides services to a range of vulnerable and marginalised people including children, young people, adults and families.

Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC105869

ROI Registered Charity Number: 20055318

09/06/2026

We are shocked and saddened by the serious incident in North Belfast on 8th June 2026. Our thoughts are with the victim, their family and all those affected.

We recognise the distress this has caused across communities. It is important that the PSNI is given the space to carry out its investigation and that justice is allowed to take its course.

We are concerned by the disorder that has followed. Actions that create fear, division or hostility have no place in our communities.

Actions that create fear, division or hostility have no place in our communities. We remain committed to supporting people from all backgrounds, including those seeking safety.

09/06/2026

We wrapped up Volunteer Week by bringing our amazing volunteers together for a very special Volunteer Appreciation Day — and what a day it was.

To every single one of you who gives your time, energy and heart to Extern - thank you. The difference you make to the lives of the people and communities we work with every day simply cannot be overstated.

We loved taking the time to celebrate YOU and everything you bring to our team. You are truly the backbone of so much of what we do, and we are so grateful to have you by our side. 💙

Here's to our incredible volunteers - we couldn't do it without you!

05/06/2026

We are absolutely thrilled to share this message from the legendary Carl Frampton who wanted to take a moment to thank all of our incredible volunteers during Volunteers' Week!

As Carl says, our volunteers truly are the lifeblood of our society. They show up every day with passion, dedication, and empathy, making an immeasurable difference in the lives of the people we support at Extern.

We couldn’t agree more with Carl - our volunteers deserve all the credit in the world.

👇 Join us and Carl in saying a massive THANK YOU to our team in the comments below!

04/06/2026

We love seeing the incredible impact our volunteers have, not just on the people we support, but on their own lives too!

Meet Matthew. He volunteers with Extern as part of the Full Circle Group. Together, they do a lot of giving back, from running projects that support people experiencing homelessness to hosting fun, hands-on activities like clay-modelling workshops.

In this Matthew talks about how volunteering helped him step out of his comfort zone, build up his confidence, and make amazing new friends.

"Every day is a new experience. You never know what you're going to do or what new skill you're going to learn... Being able to help other people gives me a bit more purpose as well."

Thank you, Matthew, for your kindness, dedication, and hard work! We are so lucky to have you on the team. 💜

👇 Leave a comment to thank Matthew and all our amazing volunteers below.

03/06/2026

🌟 Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers! 🌟

It’s Volunteers’ Week, and everyone at Extern wants to take a moment to say a massive THANK YOU to the wonderful volunteers who make our work possible! 🙌

From leading creative workshops to providing vital support, our volunteers are at the very heart of everything we do. We run a number of groups and programs, and quite simply, we couldn’t do the work we do without them.

Here are just a few of the amazing ways our volunteers make a difference:

Tammy, who co-facilitates our Wednesday crochet group, helping women learn everything from basic stitches and granny squares to complex designs. 🧶

Marty, who lends his skills to provide calming acupuncture sessions within our Calm Connections program,e. 🧘‍♂️

Jared, who ensures everyone feels welcome, greeting new members and getting the conversations flowing. 👋

Kevin & Matthew, who help support and facilitate our post-rehab support hub and group workshops. 🤝
..and our brilliant Full Circle group volunteers, who use their creativity to craft items to give back to the community! 🎨

Our volunteers don’t just bring an invaluable, wide-ranging set of skills - they also bring their lived experiences, compassion, and a deep desire to help others.

To every single person who gives up their time to support our community: you play a vital role, and we are incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for everything you do.

01/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a massive, heartfelt THANK YOU to every single person who generously donates their time, energy, and skills to Extern.

Our volunteers are the backbone of what we do. Whether you are supporting our frontline teams, helping out behind the scenes, or lending a listening ear to those who need it most, your dedication changes lives every day.

Because of your kindness, passion, and commitment, we are able to reach further, support more people, and create real, lasting change in our communities. You don't just give your time - you give hope.

To all of our past, present, and future volunteers: we appreciate you more than words can say. You are the heart of Extern.

Please join us in the comments below by giving a shout-out to an amazing volunteer you know, or sharing your own volunteering memories!

31/05/2026

The weekend at AVA Festival might be over, but looking after yourself doesn’t stop.

Rehydrate
Fuel up
Rest up
Avoid fixes

Check in on your mates If you feel physically or mentally unwell, reach out to a GP or A&E. You are not alone.

https://www.extern.org/our-services/addiction-support/concert-support-wellbeing

30/05/2026

Heading back into the crowd for Day 2 of AVA Festival?

If you or a friend are feeling unwell or overwhelmed, please don’t stay isolated.

Come see us at the Extern Wellbeing Support Tent.

Tip: Save an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact on your phone lock screen before tonight.

https://www.extern.org/our-services/addiction-support/concert-support-wellbeing

29/05/2026

AVA DAY 1 IS HERE! The music is loud, the energy is high, but remember to pace yourself.

If things get too intense, the Extern Wellbeing Support Tent is open and ready for you.

Need a quiet space? Feeling overwhelmed? Need someone to talk to? Come say hi.

https://www.extern.org/our-services/addiction-support/concert-support-wellbeing