Extern Communities in Transition

Extern Communities in Transition Supporting residents of the Greater Shankill area

We forgot to do a post from last week for the men’s group, so you’re getting a double post this time! 😊 Two weeks, twice...
14/08/2026

We forgot to do a post from last week for the men’s group, so you’re getting a double post this time! 😊 Two weeks, twice the fun… and twice the catching up!

Last week, we had author and former prison governor William McKee join us to share his experiences of being a prison governor during the Troubles, along with some of the experiences he had during that time. We were also joined by the Larne group for this session, and it’s safe to say everyone found it absolutely fascinating — plenty of interesting stories and conversations to keep everyone on their toes!

Today, the group was back at the Ulster Folk Museum for a mindful walk through the more rural part of the museum. We stopped to see some of the animals, hear about the history of the old buildings and, of course, make the essential trip to the café to finish up! ☕😂

A couple of great sessions, plenty of good conversations and, most importantly, nobody got lost on the walk… so we’ll call that a success! 😄

🎣 What a day! 🐟The fish may have won a few battles, but the real catch was the laughs, great conversations, and time spe...
31/07/2026

🎣 What a day! 🐟

The fish may have won a few battles, but the real catch was the laughs, great conversations, and time spent together.

From "the one that got away" stories to friendly competition and plenty of banter, it was a fantastic day out with an awesome group of men. Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a memorable trip.😊

Thursday evening seen our men's group enjoying a BBQ making the most of the weather before the rain came! 🍖☔As if our be...
25/07/2026

Thursday evening seen our men's group enjoying a BBQ making the most of the weather before the rain came! 🍖☔

As if our bellies weren't full enough we didn't leave empty handed as we were able to collect some onions, peppers and green beans we had planted that were growing! 🍽️🫑🧅

Thanks to those who showed, those who've put in the work at the gardens and most of all to Stuart who has kept us right, helped us learn and been patient with us - a medal was definitely needed 😅😂

Last week the guys headed out to see Disclosure Day at the cinema.Coming out afterwards felt like we were stepping off a...
20/07/2026

Last week the guys headed out to see Disclosure Day at the cinema.

Coming out afterwards felt like we were stepping off a plane ✈️😂 — which made us realise just how good that air-conditioning was!

Getting together doesn’t always have to mean deep conversations (although they definitely happen too). Sometimes it’s simply about getting out, having a laugh, enjoying a film, and reminding each other that nobody has to do life alone.

Same craic, same great bunch of guys💪

Men's Health Week comes to an end this Father's Day and we want to recognise the men across our community who carry more...
21/06/2026

Men's Health Week comes to an end this Father's Day and we want to recognise the men across our community who carry more than most people ever see.

Addiction.
Poor mental health.
Trauma.
Loss.
The impact of violence.
Regret from the past.
Worries about the future.

Many of these men are also fathers, grandfathers, sons, partners, and above all else — role models.

At times it can feel easier to stay silent, but real strength is found in asking for help, taking responsibility, making changes, and showing up for the people who matter. 💪

This Father's Day, we recognise the men who are working to rebuild relationships, break old cycles, and create a better future for themselves and their families.

Change isn't easy, but it is possible. 🌱

Happy Father's Day to all the men doing their best, one step at a time. 👣

"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!

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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