The EVS ‘International Volunteer Programme’ programme at Carrickfergus YMCA involves participation in our family programmes (Parents & Kids Together - PAKT), Youth Centre and Health Hub Information Point. The PAKT programmes provide creche, afterschool activities, teenager clubs and adult education opportunities for disadvantaged young people and their families. These programmes operate in local centres and community houses within the local area. The Youth Centre and Health Hub operate from our new purpose built youth provision in the town centre and offer traditional drop-in informal youth work as well as targeted thematic activities to develop skills, knowledge and abilities across a range of areas including performing arts, sport, health and welfare, etc. Programmes are offered in schools and youth centres across Carrickfergus and the neighbouring Council areas of Larne, Newtownabbey and Antrim. Throughout all the programme areas we develop themes of reconciliation, cultural awareness and community development addressing the issues arising from Northern Ireland’s long period of conflict. Projects are predominantly located in the East Antrim area in which Carrickfergus is centrally located. This is an area affected by the ghettoisation of Northern Irish Society, young people are brought up in sectarian communities where there is very little diversity. In Carrickfergus, 92% of the population are white & protestant with a predominantly British cultural heritage. In the recent past there has also been intra-community strife between the various factions of protestantism which negatively affects the self confidence and attitudes of people living in these communities. Carrickfergus YMCA works with a range of partner organisations outside its’ home-base area to ensure that young people and their families are introduced to different expressions of cultural and religious experience. European volunteers will work in these local community projects in areas of deprivation. They will be involved in activities that encourage acceptance of diversity, religious backgrounds and education. They will be positive role models of cultural diversity in practice. The projects are typically of 10-12 months duration and volunteers are accepted from all programme and partner countries involved in the EVS programme. Carrickfergus YMCA is currently approved to host three EVS volunteers.