Abstract

Since the early 1970’s, the Youth Service in Northern Ireland has attempted to respond to the needs of young people within a context of extremely difficult and contested socio-economic and political circumstances. As our society emerges from a period of prolonged violence, old fears and traditions are still prevalent. Violence and paramilitarism has left its legacy and there remain real threats and dangers. The delivery of youth work in Northern Ireland faces both new challenges and new opportunities. This paper provides a context for the conflict in Northern Ireland and demonstrates the potential and value of youth work in contested spaces.