Across Divides

Across Divides
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Across Divides

Across Divides explores the key issues impacting communities on the island of Ireland, focusing on cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding. In Season 3 we speak with young people about what peace means to them over a quarter of a century since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The issues faced by young people today are complex and interconnected. They include challenges with climate change and mental health, employment and inclusion. Youth work provides platforms and forums for these issues to be discussed, and we talk through some of the barriers and opportunities for all-island collaborations. In many case,s we find a need for listening and compassion, and direct actions to secure the future of the island’s youth. Young people are well informed on the issues that affect the,m and the series explores some of the innovative ways they are raising their voices to levels where they can have a meaningful impact. Season 2 takes a deep dive into the Shifting Tides Project, connecting coastal communities and marine environments on the twin shores of Carlingford Lough, working across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Over six brand new episodes, we discuss global challenges facing our seas, from climate change and pollution, to overfishing and habitat loss; we also reflect on how scientists, artists, and communities are making sense of local issues and finding creative ways to respond, including citizen science, storytelling, music making, and nature restoration. Producer and Host: Alexander McMaster Sound Editor: Luke Lacey Project Director: Suzie Cahn Season One was a series of conversations and creative reflections about civil society and community work: their contribution to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland’s shared challenges and current and future collaboration on solutions. 

  1. Understanding and Humanity

    JUN 10

    Understanding and Humanity

    Understanding one another is the basis of peacebuilding. In this episode we discuss hidden violence on the island or Ireland and the ways that services can fail to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing young people, including support for people with disabilities and survivors of abuse. The discussion takes us towards an innovative idea for addressing the misalignment of support for young people today on the island of Ireland. VOICES: Auxilia Obiafune Noah Shively-Blinn WARNING  This episode includes accounts of physical and sexual violence, specifically Ritual Abuse, Mind Control and Organised Abuse (RAMCOA). If you feel you need support with any of the issues raised in this episode, you can reach out to the following organisations: Northern Ireland Samaritans: free to call 116 123l or email jo@samaritans.org Lifeline (Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline): 0808 808 8000 Aware (mental health support for young people) https://aware-ni.org/help-for-young-people ChildLine (help to young people in trouble or danger): 0800 1111 MindWise (mental health support for people of all ages): 028 9040 2323 info@mindwisenv.org Republic of Ireland NYCI youth mental health signposting tool aims to provide young people, parents, caregivers, and those working with young people, with reliable up to date information on where to access supports and services at both a local and national level for a variety of mental health issues:  https://www.youth.ie/programmes/youth-health/youth-mental-health-signposting-tool/?paged_nw=3&paged_r=1#nationwide-services  Ruhama is an Irish NGO and registered charity that offers nationwide support to women impacted by prostitution, sex trafficking and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation: https://www.ruhama.ie/about-ruhama/

    40 min
  2. Identity and Culture

    JUN 10

    Identity and Culture

    Identity is complex and evolving for young people on the island of Ireland. While there are still deeply rooted histories that influence identity, it is increasingly shaped by openness and diversity as youth seek to define and express themselves on their own terms. In this episode, we look at some of the creative ways that young people are meeting the challenges of complex and multilayered identities so that increasingly diverse collectives of people are able to flourish on this island. VOICES: Leou Jiun Chiau Duillean O'Sullivan Deirbhile Larkin LINKS: British Council Peace and Beyond Rainbow Factory Irish Council for International Students

    37 min
  3. Climate Climate Change and Peace Building

    JUN 10

    Climate Climate Change and Peace Building

    Climate change is an issue that is largely being placed on the shoulders of young people who are not necessarily empowered or equipped to tackle it. This can lead to frustration around the ability of youth to engage with governance processes that directly affect them. Climate change is an all-island issue that demands an aligned response which is representative of its intersectionality. In this episode, we look at the pressures placed on young people to respond to the climate crisis, exploring ideas of climate justice and sustainability, and looking at ways that young people are engaging with one of the greatest challenges of their generation. VOICES: Noah Shively-Blinn Franek Dobronski Jane Kyle Eolain Downey LINKS:  Lough Neagh Partnership The Boyne Ripple Project Sustainable Mobility NI

    46 min
  4. Youth Voices in Decision Making

    JUN 10

    Youth Voices in Decision Making

    What does peace mean for young people today, over a quarter of a century since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement? This episode asks how youth voices can be raised to the level of decision makers so that actions can be taken to address issues in education, climate change, health and employment. It explores how youth work provides a platform for discussion on important issues without alignment with party politics, and how a youth vote might support a stronger and more inclusive democratic process that represents the voices of young people who are well informed on the issues that affect them. VOICES: Nadia Mackiewicz Eolain Downey Jessica Taggart LINKS: I Will Movement Northern Ireland Youth Assembly  NYCI Vote at 16

    35 min
  5. Youth Organisations Across the Island of Ireland

    JUN 10

    Youth Organisations Across the Island of Ireland

    The series opens with a discussion about the importance of youth work in making connections between young people and empowering them to take action on the issues they face. It looks at the challenges that youth workers face with access to funding and the difficulties with conducting cross-border work. There are lessons to be learned between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and we hear from youth workers about the opportunities they see for collaboration between their organisations. Finally, we talk about projects such as the Shared Island Youth Forum that are facilitating cross-border youth work, and the steps that are needed to carry learnings forward into action. VOICES: Megan Atkinson Jessica Taggart Rachel Hasson Jane Kyle LINKS: National Youth Council of Ireland I haven't been affected by the conflict but  Youth Peace Summit at Ulster University Youth Action Northern Ireland Development Trusts Northern Ireland Shared Island Youth Forum

    42 min
  6. Save Our Seas

    MAR 26

    Save Our Seas

    The shores of our island are thriving with life, from seagrass meadows and kelp forests to rock pools and salt marshes. In the face of global challenges for our oceans, how can a balance be found between conservation strategies and community needs in highly dynamic marine environments? In this episode we discuss some of the issues facing our coastal areas with experts in the field of marine conservation. Supporting the recovery of marine life will take a concerted effort all around our coasts and we look at innovative approaches through marine protected areas and nature restoration that can have benefits for climate change, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Richard Nairn is a writer and ecologist who holds a Master’s Degree in Zoology. He has published seven previous books including a recent trilogy on nature in Ireland. In Wild Shores, he explores the coasts of our island under sail, and in Future Wild, he looks at possibilities for nature restoration. Robert Walsh is the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force officer, representing a coalition of environmental NGOs working on ensuring healthy, resilient, and productive seas for Northern Ireland. They have an MSc in Climate Change: Managing the Marine Environment from Heriot-Watt University and a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from the University of Stirling. With over 10 year’s worth of experience in marine environmental management, Robert is passionate about ensuring marine environmental management that works holistically across regions. Anna Murtagh is the Marine Protected Area Officer for Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council. Growing up sailing, she was captivated by the fascinating marine life that Ireland has to offer, which naturally inspired her to study marine biology. Through her studies, the importance of protecting our marine life became even clearer, and since then, she has been dedicated to conserving our marine ecosystems. Anna’s work focuses on ensuring the health and sustainability of coastal and marine environments, with a particular passion for safeguarding the unique waters surrounding the island of Ireland. Cara Bradley is the Marine Conservation Officer at Ulster Wildlife, working to bring nature back through the restoration of European Native Oyster populations in Belfast Lough. For more information on marine protected areas, take a look at Fair Seas, where you can also learn more about the 30 by 30 strategy, which aims to protect 30% of our oceans by 2030. In the episode we discuss the need for better understanding of our seas that can be developed through ocean literacy, and the Irish Ocean Literacy Network is doing great work in this sphere. For an example of community led nature restoration, take a look at Seawilding, a seagrass and native oyster initiative in Lough Craignish, Scotland.

    26 min
  7. Living on the Lough

    MAR 26

    Living on the Lough

    Balancing ocean conservation with sustainable livelihoods can be challenging. Healthy seas depend on meshworks of habitat. This episode looks at seagrass meadows and their part in maintaining ecological diversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. Seagrasses and oysters don’t often elicit the same intensity of interest as coral reefs; to most, they seem, by comparison, less vibrant, less full of colour and obvious life. But they have incredible ecological and cultural importance that we explore with our guests through their varied research and experiences, as we look across themes of ocean literacy and consider ways that art can facilitate difficult conversations about marine management. Heidi McIlvenny is a PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast, where her multidisciplinary research focuses on seagrass habitats and their ecosystem services. Her professional experience includes roles with environmental organisations, where she established a community-led shark tagging programme and pioneered habitat restoration projects. She has also worked in consultancy capacities and with the Office for Environmental Protection. Currently, Heidi serves as a Director for the Irish Ocean Literacy Network. Kian Louet-Feisser is the managing director of the Carlingford Oyster Company. His parents, Peter and Ann, started the company in the 1960s after sailing into Carlingford Lough in a wooden boat and becoming enchanted by the natural beauty of the place. The family business is now run by Kian, his wife Mary, and their children. Suzanne Carroll is a visual artist based in Dundalk, currently leading a research project for Shifting Tides titled “The Fishery Exchange.” This initiative unites local artists and scientists with oyster producers to promote the regeneration and conservation of Carlingford Lough. To learn more about ocean literacy and how it emphasises the reciprocity between humans and marine ecosystems, take a look at the Irish Ocean Literacy Network. You can find out more about seagrasses and ways to contribute to citizen science initiatives with Coastwatch. The Carlingford Oyster Company is located near Carlingford town.

    25 min
  8. Diving Deep

    MAR 26

    Diving Deep

    There are strange and otherworldly creatures at the bottom of the sea. In this episode we meet some of the intrepid divers exploring the depths of Carlingford Lough, hearing about both the wonders and horrors of what they have seen there. It turns out there is an abundance of life, from crabs and anemones to dolphins and seals, but also worrying issues that need to be tackled, including pollution, biodiversity loss, and warming seas. Divers are in a unique position to observe and study undersea environments, and we learn how some of our guests are leading citizen science programs beneath the waves, as well as hearing about their conservation ambitions for Carlingford Lough. It is also important to find ways of sharing their findings with those who don’t have such unique access to our waters, and this is something that can take a dash of creative inspiration. Dain McParland is a seasoned scuba diving professional with over 15 years of experience in scientific diving, dive safety, and instruction, and more than 3,000 dives. As the owner of Oceanauts Diving in County Down, Northern Ireland, Dain is committed to delivering exceptional diving experiences and fostering a love for the ocean. With a degree in marine science, he combines his academic expertise with his passion for underwater exploration to promote marine conservation and educate others about the wonders of the underwater world. Muirin Sneddon is an A-level student at Our Lady’s Grammar, studying environmental technology, geography, and art. Her artistic work is inspired by growing up on the shores of Carlingford Lough, and swimming and sailing in its waters. Her works include “The relationship between humanity and marine environments”, “The contrast in our Environment”, “The hidden roots of Ireland”, and “The reality of climate change”. Her creative works focus on the beauty of her local environment and how it is being affected by climate change and human activity. Her art consists of both textile and ceramic mediums, creating installations and wearable textile designs inspired by her home. Eloisa Wainwright is a well-adapted scuba diver with almost a year of experience, having completed certifications within Oceanauts Diving, including safety training for above and below the water, guiding ocean dives, and deep ocean dives, whilst working alongside Dain McParland. She is committed to becoming a Dive Master and professional scuba diving instructor. Eloisa thrives on adventures and experiences underwater, being guided by her love of marine life. Eloisa aims to use her educational qualifications of A-level biology as well as her love for ocean life to study marine sciences and conservation further and to train and guide upcoming divers, educating them on the ocean she fell in love with. Claire Casey is the Northern Ireland coordinator of SeaSearch, a citizen science project for divers and snorkelers, designed to gather data for marine research.

    29 min
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About

Across Divides explores the key issues impacting communities on the island of Ireland, focusing on cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding. In Season 3 we speak with young people about what peace means to them over a quarter of a century since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The issues faced by young people today are complex and interconnected. They include challenges with climate change and mental health, employment and inclusion. Youth work provides platforms and forums for these issues to be discussed, and we talk through some of the barriers and opportunities for all-island collaborations. In many case,s we find a need for listening and compassion, and direct actions to secure the future of the island’s youth. Young people are well informed on the issues that affect the,m and the series explores some of the innovative ways they are raising their voices to levels where they can have a meaningful impact. Season 2 takes a deep dive into the Shifting Tides Project, connecting coastal communities and marine environments on the twin shores of Carlingford Lough, working across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Over six brand new episodes, we discuss global challenges facing our seas, from climate change and pollution, to overfishing and habitat loss; we also reflect on how scientists, artists, and communities are making sense of local issues and finding creative ways to respond, including citizen science, storytelling, music making, and nature restoration. Producer and Host: Alexander McMaster Sound Editor: Luke Lacey Project Director: Suzie Cahn Season One was a series of conversations and creative reflections about civil society and community work: their contribution to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland’s shared challenges and current and future collaboration on solutions. 

Information

  • Creator
    Across Divides
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Wheel & NICVA
  • Show Website
    Across Divides

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