Local Projects

FFE & The Community

FFE is proud to serve as a cornerstone for the Annalong community. Each year, our Centre becomes the setting for seasonal fairs and festivals that bring neighbours together to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection. These events highlight local talent, encourage cross-generational interaction, and strengthen the bonds that hold our community together.

For young people, we run summer sports schemes designed to keep children active, engaged, and connected during the school holidays. From football matches to outdoor games, these programmes are free or low-cost and help ensure every child in Annalong has the chance to play, learn, and grow. In addition, our Community Days open the Centre to families and groups for fun, hands-on activities that spark teamwork, curiosity, and joy.

Partners

Collaboration is at the heart of Friends Forever Europe. We are proud to partner with organisations like Harry’s Mates, who share our belief in inclusion and the power of community. Together, we create opportunities that bridge gaps and expand access, particularly for adults with learning disabilities.

We are also open to new partnerships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups across Northern Ireland and beyond. By working side by side, we can amplify our impact, share resources, and create programming that benefits not only participants but entire communities. Partnerships are not just welcome — they are essential to how we operate.

Banter Brigade

The Banter Brigade is a cross-community program for adults in Annalong that creates an inclusive space for conversation, connection, and friendship. Through regular gatherings, participants from different backgrounds come together to share perspectives, strengthen relationships, and build a more welcoming and united community.

Seasonal Fairs

Seasonal Fairs at our Annalong Campus bring the wider community together to celebrate local culture, crafts, and traditions. These fairs support small businesses and artisans, encourage family participation, and create inclusive events where neighbors can connect. Proceeds are reinvested in local projects, ensuring lasting community benefit.

Good Policing

The Good Policing initiative creates opportunities for dialogue and trust-building between local police officers and community members. Through workshops, joint activities, and open forums, the program fosters mutual understanding and respect, helping to create safer neighborhoods and stronger relationships across generations and communities.

Refugees & New Arrivals

Friends Forever Europe is proud to welcome and support refugees, asylum seekers, and new arrivals to Northern Ireland. Our Annalong Centre offers a safe and inclusive space where individuals and families can connect, learn, and feel at home. Through community days, seasonal events, and tailored programmes, we create opportunities for newcomers to build friendships, share cultures, and access resources that ease the transition into a new community.

We believe that diversity strengthens us all. By bringing together local residents and new arrivals, we help foster understanding, reduce isolation, and celebrate the richness of our shared community. Every activity is rooted in empathy and respect, ensuring that those who arrive at our doors are met not only with support, but with a genuine sense of belonging.

Sports Camps

Our Summer Sports Camp offers children and young people in Annalong and surrounding villages an active, healthy, and fun way to spend the school holidays. With coaching in football, athletics, and other team sports, the camp encourages fitness, teamwork, and positive mental health while providing affordable activities for local families

Community Gardens

Our Community Gardening project transforms shared green spaces into places of connection, learning, and growth. By bringing together residents of all ages to plant, maintain, and enjoy local gardens, the program supports environmental awareness, healthy living, and pride of place while strengthening bonds among neighbors.

Harry's Mates

We are proud to partner with Harry’s Mates, a grassroots initiative supporting adults with learning disabilities. Together, we design inclusive programmes that create opportunities for skill-building, social connection, and leadership development.

From shared community days to collaborative projects, our work with Harry’s Mates ensures that people of all abilities are not only welcomed but play an active role in shaping our community. By removing barriers and celebrating strengths, we help participants grow in confidence, build friendships, and inspire others with their talents and resilience.

This commitment to inclusion runs through all our work — whether it’s youth leadership, community festivals, or environmental initiatives. Everyone has something valuable to bring, and at the Annalong Centre, we make sure every voice is heard and every effort matters.