Who We Are

We are a vibrant, welcoming and  sustainable Centre at the heart of the Lower North Belfast community, promoting family values, building bridges and delivering a range of community services.

Opened in 1994 by a group of concerned local residents from Jennymount Methoidst Church the endring simple aim of the First Step is supporting the community of of which it sita at the heart of in Lower North Belfast. 

Over the years the centre has changed, grown and adapted to the needs of the community. In 1996 we doubled in when expanding from just number 116 York Road to include number 114. Our main focus has always been helping and supporting local young people with this work supported by our social enterprise cafe. Over the years we have grown and adapted to needs and now also run a substantial Older Peoples project targeting a reduction in lonliness, a Parent & Toddler Group and Craft Circle. We also work in partnership with S.M.I.L.E SureStart working with pre-school children, a local carers group and St. Johns Ambulance. In the background of what we do are people learning and training in the various areas of work we are involved in. At any one time up to ten people are receiving training in childcare, youth work, catering and administration. 

The main reason we opened was to help local young people and in the evening our cafe is transformed into a youth centre opening three evenings and five afternoons per week. This service has grown from being run by volunteers to being run by two full time youth workers and a team of seven volunteers. Over 70 young people usually coming from socially deprived backgrounds use the facilities and attend our targeted programmes focusing on specific issues. Our youth facilities include a pool table, computer games, computer room , chill out space and group work space. 

The First Step Centre is run by a voluntary Board of Directors made up of seven local residents and professionals and managed by Jonny Lamberton.

Who the First Step really is though are the people that use the services, the toddlers running about on a Tuesday, the workmen tucking into a fry on a frosty winters morning, the over 60's having a laugh at the Friendship Group, the young people giving the youth workers grief over who won at pool and that's just a handful!