Inspire had the privilege of attending a Peer Facilitation celebration event at the Guildhall in Derry/Londonderry, held as part of the PEACE of Mind programme.
The event was to celebrate participants who had worked with our project partner Cedar on the PEACE of Mind Peer Facilitation programme and from the moment we stepped inside, it was clear this was much more than an awards ceremony. It felt like a genuine gathering of people who had supported and encouraged one another with some completely new to them.
The PEACE of Mind programme focuses on helping young people better understand themselves, navigate challenges and build meaningful connections. What stood out most throughout the celebration was how visibly those aims had come to life. You could see it in the way participants supported one another, and in the confidence with which they spoke about their experiences.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was hearing directly from the peer mentors. Their openness, their stories and their willingness to speak in front of a crowd showed real courage. They talked about the importance of understanding their emotions, how to help peers with their emotions and what new skills they had learned to navigate life.
The event also highlighted the strength of collaborative working. The partnership between Inspire, Cedar, The Open University and Verbal continues to create powerful opportunities for young people across the region.
Together, we’re building environments where young people feel supported, heard and able to take on roles that make a real difference to those around them.
As we left the Guildhall, there was a strong sense of possibility, these young people aren’t just participants, they’re advocates who are already shaping their communities in meaningful ways.
At Inspire, we’re honoured to be part of the PEACE of Mind programme. We’re excited to see how these peer mentors continue to grow, encourage others and carry this experience forward.
PEACE of Mind is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
