Donaghadee Teenagers Asked: What Would Make This a Better Town for You?
Young people in Donaghadee are being invited to help shape the future of their town through a new survey and youth consultation event designed to find out what is working well, what is missing and what changes they would like to see.
The initiative, led by Youth Action Northern Ireland in partnership with Donaghadee Resource Centre and Donaghadee Community Development Association, is asking 12–18 year olds to “Use Your Voice for Change” by completing a short online survey and taking part in a special ‘Let’s Talk’ event on 21st July 2026.
The survey asks young people about the activities they currently take part in, how safe they feel in the town, what opportunities are available and, most importantly, what they would like to see happen in the future.
The findings will help build a picture of youth provision in Donaghadee and identify opportunities to improve services, activities and facilities for young people.
Denis Waterworth, Chair of Donaghadee Community Development Association, said:
“All too often decisions are made about young people without asking them what they actually think. We want to hear directly from teenagers about their experiences of growing up in Donaghadee, what they enjoy about the town and what could make it even better. This is their opportunity to influence future plans and priorities.”
As well as the survey, young people are invited to attend a free ‘Let’s Talk’ event on 21st July at 5.00pm, where they can share their views in an informal setting, meet other young people and discuss ideas for the future of Donaghadee.
Helen Coburn from Youth Action Northern Ireland said:
“The consultation process will create a safe space for young people to share their views and values. Empowering young people to shape local services and encouraging active citizenship will help identify challenges and highlight opportunities for positive change. Every response will contribute to the final report and recommendations.”
Alongside the survey and consultation event, researchers are mapping existing youth activities across the town, including sports clubs, uniformed organisations, church groups and other community-based activities.
Young people aged 12–18 can take part by scanning the QR code on posters displayed throughout the town. Sharon Benson from the local Resource Centre is keen that as many young people as possible take part. Addressing young people direct she said “We want to hear Your Voice and Your Ideas for the Future. Why? Because nobody knows what it’s like to be a young person in Donaghadee better than the young people themselves.”
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