Extern Communities in Transition

Extern Communities in Transition Supporting residents of the Greater Shankill area

"We all have bad days, don't let one hard stressful day ruin a lifetime.""You don't have to be so strong. Sometimes bein...
16/06/2026

"We all have bad days, don't let one hard stressful day ruin a lifetime."

"You don't have to be so strong. Sometimes being present is all that's needed."

"Talk to me, I am here for you and we will get through it together whatever the outcome is!"

Just some of the powerful messages shared by the men who joined us today.

This afternoon we looked at stress and pressure, how they affect us, and some of the ways we can cope with them through a few fun and interactive activities. There were plenty of laughs, good conversations and honest reflections along the way.

The craic was great 😄 A big thank you to all the men who came along, got involved and shared their time and experiences. 👏 And congratulations to the team who managed to build a spaghetti tower strong enough to hold the marshmallow! 🏗️🍝

Days like today remind us of the importance of community 🤝 Looking out for each other, checking in, and knowing you're not alone can make all the difference.

What does it change?Last night many of us watched as protests descended into violence. Bins were burned, businesses were...
10/06/2026

What does it change?

Last night many of us watched as protests descended into violence. Bins were burned, businesses were damaged, public transport was attacked and roads were blocked.

By now, many people will have seen the video circulating online. It is distressing and horrific.

But the events of last night changed none of the facts.

The person charged still appeared before the court today. The victim remains in hospital. A family is still trying to come to terms with what has happened.

We recognise that many people feel angry, frustrated and want change. But violence, intimidation and destruction do not create solutions. They create more victims.

Today, children have been sent home from school frightened and upset. Families are worried about what tonight may bring. Healthcare workers, care staff and other shift workers face uncertainty about getting safely to and from work.

To the young people thinking of going out because it's "a bit of craic" – please stay away.

We've worked with adults who made that same decision as teenagers. Years later, some still live with the trauma, injuries and criminal records that followed.

To the adults, we ask the same. Think carefully before sharing graphic videos and images online. They do not help victims or families. They often retraumatise those affected and trigger painful memories for others.

As an organisation supporting people affected by mental health difficulties and addiction, we know scenes like these can have a real impact.

If you're struggling today, step away from social media, speak to someone you trust and focus on looking after yourself.

If you want change, organise peacefully. Speak to elected representatives. Support community action. Use your voice. Use your vote.

Belfast has seen enough hurt.

Let's not create more tonight. 💜

Last chance to get signed up for next Tuesday 👇A relaxed afternoon for men:☕ tea & biscuits🛠️ building challenge💬 practi...
09/06/2026

Last chance to get signed up for next Tuesday 👇

A relaxed afternoon for men:
☕ tea & biscuits
🛠️ building challenge
💬 practical conversation
😂 good craic

Worst case scenario: you get out of the house for a few hours and get a biscuit... Yes they've been locked away!

📍 Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road
📅 Tuesday 16th of June
🕐 1:30pm – 4pm

Register now: https://forms.office.com/e/npyxS5bB7P

Reminder:saying “I’m just tired” and “I’ve a lot on” for 6 months straight may actually mean something.Come join us for ...
02/06/2026

Reminder:
saying “I’m just tired” and “I’ve a lot on” for 6 months straight may actually mean something.

Come join us for a relaxed afternoon for men during Men’s Health Week.

Tea and biscuits included… Yes we had to get more!

📍 Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road
📅 Tuesday 16th of June
🕐 1:30pm – 4pm

Come on sure, fill in this form and get registered - it only takes 60 seconds! https://forms.office.com/e/npyxS5bB7P

Not every man talks about stress.Usually it looks more like:“Just tired.”“Just busy.”“Just had a lot on.”Then suddenly:➡...
26/05/2026

Not every man talks about stress.
Usually it looks more like:
“Just tired.”
“Just busy.”
“Just had a lot on.”
Then suddenly:
➡️ short temper
➡️ no motivation
➡️ shutting people out
➡️ running on autopilot

That’s the kind of real-life stuff we’ll be talking about at our Men’s Health Week event.

No pressure.
No awkwardness.

Just a relaxed afternoon with conversation, a building activity, tea/coffee and other men who probably get it more than you think.

📍 Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road
📅 Tuesday 16th of June
🕐 1:30pm – 4pm

Biscuits secured for the big day… May have to buy more!

Sign-up here: https://forms.office.com/e/npyxS5bB7P

Comment your favourite biscuit below!

“I didn’t even realise I was stressed…”Until I:🚩lost my temper,🚩switched off,🚩kept myself busy,🚩drank more coffee than w...
19/05/2026

“I didn’t even realise I was stressed…”

Until I:
🚩lost my temper,
🚩switched off,
🚩kept myself busy,
🚩drank more coffee than water,
🚩started avoiding people,
🚩or replied “all good 👍” while very much not all good.

A lot of men know that pattern.

We’re usually good at carrying on, keeping busy, and convincing ourselves we’re grand… right up until the smallest thing imaginable annoys us beyond reason.

So for Men’s Health Week, we’re running a relaxed afternoon session focused on pressure, stress, and the ways it shows up in real life.

Before anyone panics:
❌ this is not group therapy
❌ nobody’s getting forced to talk
❌ there will be no trust falls

What there WILL be:
🔹 a building challenge
🔹 practical discussion
🔹 space to hear from other men who “get it”
🔹 tea, coffee and biscuits (the essentials)

It’s really just a relaxed afternoon to meet other men, enjoy the craic, and maybe come away with something useful.

📍 Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road
📅 Tuesday 16th of June
🕐 1:30pm – 4pm

Interested? Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/npyxS5bB7P

Sure what else would you be at on a Tuesday afternoon

Last night at the men’s group, we swapped the usual chat for needles, thread, and a few questionable sewing techniques… ...
15/05/2026

Last night at the men’s group, we swapped the usual chat for needles, thread, and a few questionable sewing techniques… 🧵😂

The guys took on a new challenge - learning how to sew buttons back on, use iron-on patches, and turn up trousers like pros (or at least enthusiastic beginners!).

A massive thank you to Heather for bringing the creativity, patience, and encouragement. She guided us through every stitch and somehow managed to keep us all on the right thread! 🪡👏

By the end of the night, everyone walked away with some new life skills, a few laughs, and their very own starter sewing kit to keep practising at home.

Who knew a sewing night could stitch together so much confidence, connection, and craic? 😊

The mens group has been busy the last few weeks down at Shankill Community Garden and with the guidance of Stuart have b...
24/04/2026

The mens group has been busy the last few weeks down at Shankill Community Garden and with the guidance of Stuart have been planting potatoes, onions and strawberries. 👨‍🌾🍓🥔

We've been lending a hand also and clearing weeds and debris round the polytunnel to give better access for the school groups that visit the garden during the day.

Next week we'll be down again at the garden making the most of the weather and getting the planter boxes ready to move potatoes and onions into. 🪏🌱🧅

Last night the Larne and Shankill mens groups were go-karting at Eddie Irvine's. From the speed, petrol fumes, crashes a...
06/03/2026

Last night the Larne and Shankill mens groups were go-karting at Eddie Irvine's.

From the speed, petrol fumes, crashes and pizza it was all a blur... But what is clear is it was a great night's craic for the two groups! 🚥🏁🏎️

Last night the men's group did a walk and talk session around Titanic Quarter and heard stories from a former ship build...
27/02/2026

Last night the men's group did a walk and talk session around Titanic Quarter and heard stories from a former ship builder about what life was like working in the ship yard. 🚢⚒️⚓

The rain even stayed off for us last night!

Great to be out connecting with the group and hopefully as Spring comes this weekend the weather starts to improve and we can get outdoors more ⛅☀️☔

Address

3 McKinney Road
Newtownabbey
BT364PE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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