Positive Peacebuilding

Disability Clubs

Peace is more than an end to violence. It grows when people feel welcome, relationships deepen and everyone has the chance to belong and contribute.

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A long history of showing up

In the 1980s, at a time of growing division, the early volunteers at 174 Trust simply showed up. Through the Saltshaker Café, youth clubs and practical support, they made places where people could meet and feel safe.

That approach carried on as the work grew. Families played together, the Disability Clubs gave people a place to belong, and when The Duncairn opened in 2014, arts and culture gave people new ways to meet.

Today, 174 Trust calls this positive peace: the steady creation of trust, including everyone, with fairness and hope.

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Years building relationships in North Belfast

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Years building relationships in North Belfast

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People from different communities in each Circle of Change

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People from different communities in each Circle of Change

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Monthly dinners that turn new relationships into action

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Monthly dinners that turn new relationships into action

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Monthly gatherings for church and faith leaders

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Monthly gatherings for church and faith leaders

The PEACE approach

Over more than 40 years, 174 Trust has learned that lasting change grows from relationships. The PEACE approach brings that experience together.

It's a patient way of working, building trust through shared activity and giving relationships time to grow.

Presence

Showing up, staying involved and being part of everyday community life.

Circles of Change

Circles of Change

Each Circle of Change brings together 15 people from different communities who might not otherwise meet. They share dinner once a month for eight months.

At the first four dinners, Circle members listen to one another's stories, talk about their experiences of Belfast and find the concerns they share. Over the next four, they raise money together and decide how to invest it in grassroots projects that respond to those concerns.

People don't have to agree about everything. The starting point is listening, recognising one another's humanity and finding out what they can build together. Each Circle turns new relationships into practical action, and members carry what they've learned back into their own communities.

To find out how you could join a Circle, email Tim at tim@174trust.org

Each Circle of Change brings together 15 people from different communities who might not otherwise meet. They share dinner once a month for eight months.

At the first four dinners, Circle members listen to one another's stories, talk about their experiences of Belfast and find the concerns they share. Over the next four, they raise money together and decide how to invest it in grassroots projects that respond to those concerns.

People don't have to agree about everything. The starting point is listening, recognising one another's humanity and finding out what they can build together. Each Circle turns new relationships into practical action, and members carry what they've learned back into their own communities.

To find out how you could join a Circle, email Tim at tim@174trust.org

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Video: Circles of Change

"It's amazing how much you can learn, simply by sitting in a circle and listening to the stories of people who live in the same place, but who are different from you. Identifying areas of common concern and then working together to raise money for projects to address these issues was a very fulfilling experience."

Tony Macaulay

Author and Circle member

"It's amazing how much you can learn, simply by sitting in a circle and listening to the stories of people who live in the same place, but who are different from you. Identifying areas of common concern and then working together to raise money for projects to address these issues was a very fulfilling experience."

Tony Macaulay

Author and Circle member

"The Circles have taught me that when people from diverse communities share their stories it unlocks a deep well of empathy and goodness. In the midst of increasing polarisation in our world today, the Circles give me hope that we can build relationships across divides and contribute to a better future together."

Tim Magowan

Co-developed the Circles in Belfast

"The Circles have taught me that when people from diverse communities share their stories it unlocks a deep well of empathy and goodness. In the midst of increasing polarisation in our world today, the Circles give me hope that we can build relationships across divides and contribute to a better future together."

Tim Magowan

Co-developed the Circles in Belfast

AS FEATURED IN THE GUARDIAN

'It restored my hope': how community action is confronting racism in Belfast

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June 2026 to June 2028

Neighbours and Newcomers

Neighbours and Newcomers

Neighbours and Newcomers is a two-year partnership between 174 Trust and Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland. It brings people who are new to Belfast together with people from longer-established communities.

Through community dinners, intercultural gatherings and facilitated conversations, people meet, learn about one another and build relationships. Community members help shape the programme as it goes. The aim is simple: to help neighbours move from living beside one another to knowing, understanding and supporting one another.

Neighbours and Newcomers is a two-year partnership between 174 Trust and Horn of Africa People's Aid Northern Ireland. It brings people who are new to Belfast together with people from longer-established communities.

Through community dinners, intercultural gatherings and facilitated conversations, people meet, learn about one another and build relationships. Community members help shape the programme as it goes. The aim is simple: to help neighbours move from living beside one another to knowing, understanding and supporting one another.

Neighbours and Newcomers is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Get in touch with our team today

Whether you'd like to join a Circle, bring your church or faith community along, or just find out more, we'd be glad to hear from you.

woman smiling wearing denim jacket

Tim Magowan

Executive Director

emmie@174trust.org

a person sitting on a couch with a laptop and a person holding a cup

Get in touch with our team today

Whether you'd like to join a Circle, bring your church or faith community along, or just find out more, we'd be glad to hear from you.

woman smiling wearing denim jacket

Tim Magowan

Executive Director

emmie@174trust.org

a person sitting on a couch with a laptop and a person holding a cup

Get in touch with our team today

Whether you'd like to join a Circle, bring your church or faith community along, or just find out more, we'd be glad to hear from you.

woman smiling wearing denim jacket

Tim Magowan

Executive Director

emmie@174trust.org

a person sitting on a couch with a laptop and a person holding a cup

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Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to hear the latest community news and events from 174 Trust. We’ll never spam you nor share your email address.

By clicking the sign up button above, I agree to receive marketing emails from 174 Trust. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

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Where people belong and grow together

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Where people belong and grow together

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Where people belong and grow together