Humanitas Initiative

18/06/2026

Please donate if you feel inclined to this wonderful project:

Help Wave Project N.Ireland raise money to support The Wave Project

17/06/2026

A recent political cartoon about migration in Northern Ireland has generated discussion online.

The image appears to assume migrants receive “free housing”, “free money” and “free healthcare”.

The reality is far more complex. Different groups of migrants have different legal statuses, rights and entitlements, and asylum seekers account for only a small proportion of overall migration to Northern Ireland.

Sometimes discussions and debates are based on inaccurate information about who exactly is coming to the UK. There can also be misunderstandings about what rights and benefits various groups of people are entitled to.

In short, FactCheckNI has found that the vast majority of migrants to the UK are legal, and unauthorised migrants are barely entitled to anything at all.

We’ve examined the evidence in our explainer.

🔗 Link in comments 👇

16/06/2026

☕️ **Communities Connecting Coffee Morning – Ballycastle** ☕️

The Causeway Loneliness Network is delighted to invite you to our **Communities Connecting Coffee Morning**.

📅 **Thursday 18 June**
🕥 **10.30am – 12.00pm**
📍 **Marine Hotel, 1–3 North Street, Ballycastle, BT54 6BN**

Come along for an opportunity to connect with others in a warm and welcoming environment while enjoying light refreshments.

✅ **All are welcome**
✅ **Booking is essential for catering purposes**

To register, please email: **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])**
Please include any dietary requirements when booking.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💙

10/06/2026

Good. A step in the right direction!

Domestic abusers will be named and shamed online within weeks thanks to new legislation dubbed 'Jennie's Law'.

Jennifer Poole was a mother of two who was stabbed to death at her home in Finglas, north Dublin, in April 2021.

She had no idea that the man who killed her, Gavin Murphy, had a history of violence against women. He had previously been jailed for two years for attacking a former partner and her mother with a knife.

Since her murder, Jennifer's brother Jason has campaigned relentlessly to make sure others do not walk unknowingly into the same danger.

Now, legislation known as Jennie's Law is being pushed forward to identify abusers for the world to see.

It means anyone convicted of attacking a current or former spouse will go on a register hosted on the Courts Service website.

The new law will apply to convictions for serious domestic violence offences, including murder, manslaughter, r**e and aggravated sexual assault.

Yet victims and survivors will be required to provide their consent before the convicted person can be named on the register.

Jason says the progress is an important legacy, but it remains heavily bittersweet for his family. "It just feels that while it’s another step forward it’s another reminder of life without Jennifer," he said.

He hopes the move will provide a crucial level of protection for people getting into relationships with those who have a hidden past.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is seeking cabinet approval on Tuesday to start pushing the legislation through the Oireachtas.

If the cabinet agrees and it is passed by the Dail and Seanad, civil servants expect the register to be enacted by mid-July once signed by President Catherine Connolly.

09/06/2026

Yay!!

Did you know you can support BCRC every time you shop online, at no extra cost to you!

We've joined Easyfundraising, which means over 8,000 retailers will donate to BCRC whenever you shop through their website or app. Big brands including eBay, Sainsbury's, Argos, Just Eat and many more are ready to help raise funds for our work in the community.

Simply sign up, choose Building Communities Resource Centre as your cause, and start shopping as normal. Every donation makes a difference and helps us continue supporting local people in the community.

As an extra bonus, when you raise your first donation, Easyfundraising will give BCRC an additional £2!

Please support us today and help turn your everyday shopping into free donations for our charity.
https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/building-communities-resource-centre/ne6pyf/s2s/ZdU7Z020/SE878/textcopy/

09/06/2026

STATEMENT FROM HUMANITAS INITIATIVE

Humanitas Initiative is deeply saddened by the serious and violent incident that took place in Belfast last night.
We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and criminal behaviour. Our thoughts are with the victim, their family, and all those affected by this deeply distressing event. Anyone responsible must be held fully accountable through the proper legal process.

Let us be absolutely clear: the actions of one individual do not represent a community, a nationality, a religion, or a culture. No one person speaks for an entire people. Collective blame creates division, fear, and harm. It does not create safety.

We reject hatred, racism, intimidation, and any attempt to exploit tragedy to spread division in our society.

For years, people from different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures have worked together to build a Northern Ireland that is safer and more welcoming for everyone. That work matters more tonight, not less.

We urge everyone to exercise caution online. Misinformation and inflammatory content spread fear faster than facts.

Please rely on information from the PSNI and credible sources only.

Now is the time for calm, responsibility, and unity.

After all, we are all humans.
Zilka Gerritsen, Community Bridge Builder, Humanitas Initiative

05/06/2026

Something wonderful is happening in Portstewart this July and I am so happy to be part of it, thanks to Building Communities Resource Centre
Globetrotters Cultural Summer Scheme is back! Three days of music, craft, stories and cultural discovery for children aged 6 to 11 at Star of the Sea in Portstewart. Completely free.
On 7th July I will be bringing Venezuela to life for the children. We are going to explore Catatumbo lightning, learn some Spanish, make maracas, discover Angel Falls and so much more.
📅 6th July: India
📅 7th July: Venezuela
📅 8th July: Ukraine
📍 Star of the Sea, Portstewart
🕖 10am to 1pm
🎟️ Free! Places are limited.
📩 Register: [email protected]
Please share this with any families you know. Every child deserves to feel that the world is bigger and more beautiful than they imagined. 🌍🧡

05/06/2026

Something is beginning in Coleraine this June and you are invited.
After All We Are All Humans is a free six week community workshop series launching on Tuesday 23rd June at Infuse Tea Bar in Coleraine. Every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 8:30pm until 28th July.
No lectures. No experts. Just real people, real stories and genuine human connection over delicious food.
Whether you have lived here all your life or arrived recently, there is a place for you here.
📍 Infuse Tea Bar, 21 Bridge Street, Coleraine
📅 Every Tuesday, 23rd June to 28th July 2026
🕖 7pm to 8:30pm
🎟️ Free. Scan the QR code on the poster or register at the link below.
🔗 eventbrite.co.uk/e/after-all-we-are-all-humans-tickets-1990970082111
An ACCEPT programme with Beyond Skin supported by Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB)
Humanity before passports. 🧡

05/06/2026

My friend Ana is doing this workshop. :-)

Ever wanted to carry a piece of the forest with you?

Join us for Nature’s Totes, a creative, beginner friendly workshop that begins with a short walk in the forest to gather inspiration. We’ll then use leaves, flowers, and natural textures to design and hand paint your very own canvas tote bag.

No experience needed, artist Ana Chirinciuc Design will guide you step by step. You’ll head home with a practical tote bag that’s both eco-friendly and uniquely yours.

✨ Free session ✨

Spaces strictly limited.
To register, please contact Gosia on [email protected]