20/03/2026
We’re excited to launch Positive Identities, Inclusive Futures, a new peacebuilding partnership with Mencap affiliated Network Partners across Northern Ireland funded by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade- Reconciliation Fund.
This partnership explores identity, belonging and lived experience among people with a learning disability, creating shared stories that support reconciliation and understanding in our communities.
For over 50 years, many of our Network Partners, including the original Gateway groups, have been building bridges across traditional divides.
Long before “peacebuilding” had a name, families had to collaborate across difference to secure services, friendships and safe spaces for their children.
Today, this community continues to model what inclusion, empathy and everyday cooperation really look like.
Positive Identities, Inclusive Futures is about celebrating that legacy, raising those voices, and ensuring they take their rightful place at the heart of reconciliation conversations.
Hear from some of our Network Partners joining us in this partnership:
“We are delighted to be part of this project. Fermanagh BrightStarz are a shining example of what positive identity, inclusion and community truly look like.
I am incredibly excited to see their ideas come to life through this project, as they not only help shape the conversation but lead it.”
- Patricia Goan. Chairperson, Fermanagh BrightStarz
“It’s going to be great to be able to show you all what we can do and how we come together to learn and help each other. We’re like a family, a strong family, we don’t always agree but we always help each other. We are the BrightStarz Family, we are brilliant, can you see us now? You will when you see this project, I can’t wait.”
- Barry Goan, Founder member of Fermanagh BrightStarz
Irish Foreign Ministry
Belfast Electronic Arts
SkyzdalimitOmagh
The Saturday Club
Ballymena and District Gateway Club
Carrickfergus Senior Gateway Club
