As a result of the legacy of the conflict our communities are faced with mental health issues that need to be addressed if everyone is to benefit from peace and move to a new and better place in their lives, in particular ex-prisoners, ex-combatants, their families, woman, youth and senior citizens.

The Community Development Unit met with a number of statutory, community and voluntary organisations working with ex-prisoners and their families to discuss issues relating to mental health.  Subsequently, The Pathways Project became operational in August 2008, with funding for a pilot project of eight months duration from Investing for Health.

They further funded a project for 2009/2010.  The project is to provide and signpost counselling services within a community setting where the client group feel at ease and confidentiality is secured.  The project also delivers wrap-around support for those seeking help through counselling.

The partners of the project are Charter for Northern Ireland which is the leading partner, East Belfast Alternatives, East Belfast Mission, E.P.I.C. and Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.