Training for Life began in 1996, borne out of the Young Peoples Health Project.  It was one of the programmes designed by the Upper Springfield Development Trust, after consultation with local young people, to deliver the Urban Initiative in the Upper Springfield, focusing on the 11-25 year old age group.

Employing 13 staff, and managed by local community activist Geraldine O Regan, TFL had 3 main projects, young men, young women & young parents.  The project was based in Turf Lodge and remained there for 3 years.  After the successful completion of the USDCL’s new premises, ‘The Top of the Rock’, TFL found a new home where we have been ever since.

The project has managed to sustain its work through a variety of funding over the years.  This has come from the Community Fund, PEACE 11, N&WBHSST, the Youth Council for NI, and currently, the Belfast Regeneration Office & the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.

Over the years the project has worked with hundreds of young people, trained many young volunteers, and watched dedicated staff go on to pursue careers in professional youth work and social work.

The project has had 2 external evaluations, completed by Eamonn Keenan and Evelyn Gilliland from Community Evaluation NI.  Both demonstrated the positive impact of the work of the project for local young people.

In 1999 the project received 3 National Training Awards, including a special regional award, presented by David Blunkett in the BAFTA building in London.  This was awarded for the quality of training provided to the young team of peer educators and volunteers within the project.