Social/Solidarity Economy for Communities Emerging from Conflict
We’re delivering an engaging programme of training and support to help communities emerging from conflict create inclusive, sustainable social enterprises.
Starting with Ulidia in Ballymoney, the programme will share experiences of successful social economy projects before expanding to other project partners.
The focus is on turning local ideas into action through reuse, repair, restoration and recycling, while creating opportunities that bring people together.
Together, we’re helping communities build local opportunities, strengthen connections and create a more sustainable future.
About Ulidia Community Empowerment
Ulidia is a community development organisation operating across a wide geographical area, from Ballymena through North Antrim and into Counties Londonderry and Tyrone. Established in 2014 by a group of former prisoners and combatants emerging from the Northern Ireland conflict, Ulidia was founded in response to growing concerns about young people being drawn into illegal activity and becoming entangled in the criminal justice system.
Drawing on their own lived experience and the credibility this brings, the founders committed to using their backgrounds to engage, mentor, and support those at risk, guiding them toward more positive and constructive life choices.
Ulidia’s core purpose is to support personal transformation, contribute to long-term peacebuilding, and empower marginalised communities. Its day-to-day work includes the delivery of personal development programmes, social enterprise and employability initiatives, restorative justice interventions, and training in traditional arts and crafts.
Ulidia views the Forward Project as a natural progression of its peacebuilding work. For many participants, this project will represent their first meaningful engagement with individuals from different community, religious, and/or ethnic backgrounds. The organisation is committed to ensuring that this engagement goes beyond tokenism—creating a space where challenging and, at times, uncomfortable conversations can take place in a constructive and respectful way.
