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Freedom Project

The Freedom Project is a new 3-year project focused on trauma, substance recovery, and mental health, supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)

Email: [email protected]

The Freedom Project: Journey of Hope supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) supports individuals and communities affected by trauma, conflict, or adversity across Derry City, Strabane, and cross-border areas. Using trauma-informed approaches, creative wellbeing methods, and peer-led support, the project fosters healing, connection, and resilience.

About the Project
Journey of Hope provides six-week programmes combining creative arts, reflective practice, and holistic therapies such as breathwork, reflexology, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Sessions are co-designed with participants and local community champions to ensure accessibility, engagement, and meaningful outcomes.
The project also strengthens cross-community and cross-border collaboration, helping participants build supportive networks while promoting positive relations. Strategic oversight is maintained through bi-monthly steering group meetings, ensuring programmes are effective, inclusive, and aligned with PEACEPLUS outcomes.
Our Impact

Since November 2024, the project has:

  • Engaged 222 participants, representing 43% of the total three-year target of 521.
  • Maintained balanced cross-community representation (59% Catholic / 41% Protestant).
  • Recruited five community champion volunteers to enhance peer-led support and engagement.
  • Added a Community Wellbeing Project Worker in February 2025 to support programme delivery and participant care.

Programmes have been delivered across a range of settings, including local community groups, care homes, and professional networks. Highlights include:

  • A six-week cross-border programme with Alcohol Forum Ireland in Letterkenny, strengthening shared learning.
  • A Violence Against Women and Girls event with Derry Well Women and the PSNI IMPACT Team.
  • The Freedom Fair in Strabane, bringing together 26 organisations for networking and collaboration.
  • World Mental Health Day activities with the local Breastfeeding Group.

New strands launched in October 2025 include Ignyte and Seymour Gardens Care Home Creative Wellness. Upcoming programmes include a GP Federation initiative, a young men’s mental health programme in Strabane, and a men’s group launching 7th November 2025 at Spencer House (The Mental Health Path offices) at 7pm.

Since November 2024, the project has recruited five community champion volunteers to enhance peer-led support and engagement.
Learning and Innovation
The project continuously adapts delivery to meet participant needs while maintaining trauma-informed practice. Insights include:
  • Co-designing sessions with participants and community champions increases engagement and ownership.
  • Cross-sector collaborations, including events and cross-border work, foster shared learning and innovation.
  • Creative wellness approaches are effective in connecting participants across age, background, and experience.
The project’s staff, champions, and steering group work together to ensure programmes are responsive, sustainable, and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Sustainability and Legacy
The Freedom Project focuses on creating long-term impact by:
  • Developing the skills of facilitators, volunteers, and partner staff in trauma-informed practice.
  • Strengthening cross-sector and cross-border partnerships to ensure ongoing collaboration.
  • Providing resources such as creative practice guides and reflection journals to share learning beyond the project.
  • Embedding peer-led approaches to empower participants and local communities.
Next Steps
The project will continue delivering its six-week programmes and new initiatives, including:
  • GP Federation staff wellbeing programme (Nov 2025)
  • Young men’s mental health programme in Strabane (Jan 2026)
  • Men’s group in Spencer House, The Mental Health Path offices – 7th November 2025, 7pm
  • Continued creative wellness sessions with community and care groups
  • Celebration of Recovery and Creativity to showcase participant achievements
Through these programmes, the Freedom Project continues to build resilience, foster connections, and leave a lasting positive legacy across communities.
Get Involved
If you are interested in participating, volunteering, or partnering with the Freedom Project, please contact:
Tessa King – Project Coordinator
[email protected]

 

A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

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