Queen’s University Belfast welcomed young people from the R-CITY programme to campus on Wednesday 21 January for Next Steps, an information and advice session supporting participants completing the Level 4 Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action (30 CATS).

Delivered as part of the Service Level Agreement between Queen’s University Belfast, R-CITY and Foróige, the session supported young people aged 16 to 18 to reflect on their achievements, build confidence and explore positive next steps in education, training and employment.

A central part of the day was a LEGO reflection activity, which encouraged creative thinking and meaningful conversation. Young people explored the skills they have developed, the challenges they have overcome and identified one positive action they could take within the next three months. 

Participants shared how this approach helped them engage, express their thoughts and better understand their own learning journey:

“I enjoyed being creative instead of just talking, it helped me engage more.”
“The LEGO session helped me explain how hard decision making can be for me with ADHD, especially around exams and feeling overwhelmed.”
“I figured out more about what I want to do with my future and enjoyed expressing myself in a creative way.”
“I was able to get my thoughts out without having to write them down and explain what I pictured in my mind.”

The session also included a Meet the Experts discussion, bringing together representatives from Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, Belfast Met, The King’s Trust, Enterprise SU, local businesses and R-CITY graduates.

Through informal conversations, young people were able to ask questions about university pathways, further education, apprenticeships, employment and entrepreneurship, while hearing directly from people with lived experience of similar routes.

Feedback highlighted the value of clear and honest advice delivered in a supportive setting:

“The whole event was very inspirational and interesting.”
“I’m now considering options I didn’t even know were available.”
“It helped me understand what I need to do to get into the course I want in the future.”

Overall, 92 percent of participants said the session was relevant to their future education and career goals, while 64 percent felt inspired to explore new opportunities they had not previously considered.

This initiative reflects Queen’s University Belfast’s Civic Mission and Civic University Agreement commitment to widening participation, strengthening community partnerships and supporting young people to access opportunities, build confidence and shape positive futures.