Our story
Founded in September 1995, REACH Across is a cross-community youth organisation for 14-17 year olds in the North West region of Northern Ireland.
Following the closure of Holiday Projects West, REACH Across was founded by Barney McGuigan in September 1995, to continue providing local young people with opportunities for cross-community contact and provide a safe environment for local young people to suspend their experiences of the ongoing Troubles in Northern Ireland and, as shown in Derry Girls, to make “Friends across the barricade”.
Almost 30 years later, Barney still heads up the organisation as Project Co-ordinator. In addition, the work REACH Across has carried out would not be possible without the passionate staff members, dedicated volunteers and incredible young people over the past three decades.
Our vision
Our vision is to create a world where young people thrive, communities unite, and opportunities are created.
Our mission
Our mission is to foster holistic growth and positive impact among young people through cross-community engagement.
How we achieve this
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Developing and delivering well-organised programmes that foster cross-community engagement.
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Offering personal growth opportunities through social and educational training.
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Facilitating international youth exchange and providing opportunities abroad.
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Organising outdoor educational camps that enhance confidence and skills.
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Creating a lively, alcohol and drug-free environment during our programmes.
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Conducting educational workshops in schools to foster personal development, such as drug awareness.
Looking to the future
Approaching our 30th year, we hope to not only celebrate the contributions and achievements of our young people and volunteers over the past 30 years, but to also have past generations and current members of REACH Across continue their efforts in allowing a divided past to have a shared future.
