Across the world, young people are forced to leave their home countries because of war, persecution, conflict or threats to their lives. Increasing numbers of under-18s are arriving in Northern Ireland seeking safety, often alone, and often carrying the weight of traumatic experiences. The Transition Project exists to provide these young people with a safe, stable, and culturally sensitive place to begin again.

Delivered in partnership with the Belfast Trust, the project supports separated children as they settle into the community, offering emotional care, practical guidance and help navigating education and essential services. We also assist young people as they apply for legal refugee status and ensure they can access wider support, including mental health, counselling and wellbeing services. Through the Transition Project, Simon Community can make a life-changing difference for some of the most vulnerable young people in our society.

This service is delivered in partnership with the Belfast Trust. To learn more about the project and how it works, please email: info@simoncommunity.org

Our youth accommodation is located in areas with easy access to schools, healthcare, transport and local services. Each young person lives independently in their own flat, offering privacy, safety and dignity from the outset.

The team provides culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support, building strong, trusting relationships and helping young people develop the stability and confidence needed for their new lives. Watching them settle, grow and thrive is at the heart of this work, and we hope to expand the project to reach even more young people in the future.

• Ensuring safety through close partnership working
• Emotional and counselling support
• Help with education, training and school enrolment
• Cultural support and understanding
• Mentoring and coaching
• Practical guidance towards independent living