On World Mental Health Day, Ulster University's Professor Siobhan O'Neill unveiled the most robust evidence to date that trauma-informed, resilience-focused peacebuilding can deliver measurable benefits for children, young people and families.

A major evaluation has concluded that peacebuilding programmes can tangibly improve people's lives by strengthening coping skills, building trust and deepening relationships across divided communities.

In a first-of-its-kind study for Northern Ireland, researchers assessed whether a peacebuilding programme achieved the outcomes it set out to deliver, rather than assuming positive change had occurred.

The team evaluated OUR Generation, a cross-border initiative that engaged more than 60,000 young people across Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland.

Drawing on data from over 7,600 participants — including children, young people and key adults — the research tracked changes in wellbeing, attitudes and cross-community connections.

Across all age groups, participation was linked to stronger coping and problem-solving skills.

Young people became better at understanding other people's experiences and perspectives, while adults reported higher levels of empathy and increased trust towards those from different backgrounds.

Children built stronger links across community lines and reported higher general trust in others, laying foundations for more positive relationships from an early age.

The programme used trauma-informed methods, recognising the long-term impacts of conflict and adversity. Activities were designed to boost emotional resilience while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement between people from different communities. The researchers say the findings show that supporting mental wellbeing and building good relations can progress side by side.

Professor Siobhan O'Neill, Professor of Mental Health Sciences at Ulster University, and Northern Ireland's Mental Health Champion, said: "Peacebuilding is often discussed in terms of bringing communities together. This programme was distinctive because its interventions strengthened emotional resilience and embedded trauma-informed approaches to address the cognitive, and emotional factors associated with conflict and division. "What makes this study so important is that we were able to measure changes in skills and attitudes linked to both wellbeing and peacebuilding. We found that participants became better at coping with challenges, showed greater empathy towards others and developed more positive relationships across community divides.

"These are qualities that help people not only in their own lives, but also in building stronger, more connected communities."

Researchers emphasised that many communities continue to live with the legacy of conflict. By equipping people with tools for resilience and creating safe spaces to connect, programmes can reduce barriers and strengthen social fabric.

David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health added: "One of the clearest messages from this research is that emotional resilience matters. When young people and families are given the tools to manage stress, understand others and build positive relationships, the benefits can be felt across generations.

"The findings show that peacebuilding is not just about reducing division. It's also about helping people feel more confident, connected and able to contribute positively to their communities."

The evidence has already shaped a new phase of the OUR Generation Project, now working with tens of thousands more participants across Northern Ireland and the border regions. This phase is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.

Building on the successful resilience-focused model, the next phase introduces new activities developed by Ulster University researchers to further strengthen understanding, inclusion and positive cross-community relationships.

Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at Ulster University, said: "For funders, policymakers and community organisations, having solid evidence that these programmes work is incredibly valuable. It means future investment can be guided by what we know makes a difference."

The research was funded through the EU PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), led by Action Mental Health, and aimed to support young people growing up in communities still affected by the legacy of conflict.