S A T U R D A Y 1 5 T H J U N E

E N D O F T E R M

F R I E N D S H I P F E S T I V A L

# m a k i n g m e m o r i e s # y o u t h l o n e l i n e s s

Saturday 15th June was the chance to bringyoung people involved in our diverse youth

arts programmes together to celebratecreativity as well as the start of the

summer!

The theme of the day was authenticfriendship and positive peer support which

contributes to wellbeing. Young leaders metas a steering group leading up to the eventto plan interactive activities. The youth led

event linked with promoting volunteersweek and loneliness awareness week.

The steering group planned workshops that focused on 'flow activities' toencouragin mindfulness. In addition to facilitating workshops volunteers set up

each room, utilized social media channels and hosted live performances.

It was important to acknowledge achievements throughout the youth artsprogrammes but also make 'new memories' together. By bringing together young

people from across Northern Ireland there was the opportunity to connecct in a funenvironment and stimulate dialogue about inner power, kindness and aspirations.

During the festival young people represented 6 nationalities that live withinNorthern Ireland: Romanian, Slovakian, Polish, Irish and Northern Irish.

Young people had the opportunity to develop

photography skills and create a gallery of memories. The focus of the teamwork activity was trying something

' outside of your comfort zone'. The personal challengewas to engage with new friends, share stories and create

polaroid photographs together.

"I felt more relaxed than I thought I would be and I met people outside of myclass. It felt good to have fun posing and not think I would be judged."- Karen

" It was different having a photo that wasn't just in my phone. Being able to take one home a memento was a cool idea! -Matthew

Fun18%

Trust17.5%

Kindness15.7%

Loyalty10.1%

Honesty10.1%

Encouragement7.4%

Other qualities5.5%

Patience5.5%

Forgiveness5.1%

During the friendship workshop votes were cast on which were the top qualitiesthat young people valued the most. Group discussions explored how asking forhelp and supporting others contributed to meaningful relationships with peers.

friendships45.6%

develop skills30.4%

safe space13.9%

extra support10.1%

Young people recorded their feelings about what made their experience of youtharts programmes within YouthAction NI special; friendships voted the highest!

Young leaders facilita

ted a dance workshop

to the Theme tune 'I'll be there for You'

from the popular TV Show 'Friends'.

To share experiences and discuss ambitions young people participated in agroup interview workshop with young adults who had been part of similar

programmes when they were younger.

"It was an honour to be part of the inspiring Q & A workshop during the festival.

I have fond memories of my time as a participant with YouthAction NI and stillhave close friends from Rainbow Factory. I appreciate the confidence it gave me in

myself and also made building a career in the creative arts less scary." -Conor

'My favourite part of the day was the Q & A workshop. Even though it was a

full room it felt relaxed and friendly. It made me think about whatexperiences I could have in the future"   -Jude

The Rainbow Factory Studio Theatre hosted 10 performances with a mix of dance drama and musical theatre.

"Everyone on stage was brilliant! A lot of performers were younger thanme and I couldn't believe their talent.

I can't wait until the next event. " -Anna

The steering group created 'festival memory envelopes' for everyone atthe event to take home. It included a wristband with a positive

affiirmation and additional resources about friendship.

To highlight how spending time with friends improve a person’s mentaland physical health young leaders had chosen to incorporate relevant

quotations for self reflection.

“Friendship isn’t a big thing. It’s a million little things.” -Unknown

 “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:‘What? You, too? I thought I was the only one.'” -C.S. Lewis

“Be with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you.” -

Unknown

“It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people youlove.” -Stephen Hawking

The resource included that some people might have difficulty with

social interaction, due to shyness, social anxiety or another reasons.