The Bytes Project

Bytes solves social issues affecting young people by harnessing the power of technology through digital youth work. We have been leading the way since 1993 and have built up an enviable reputation for working with the most vulnerable young people in our society. Using technology, effective mentoring, intensive support and just simply listening we have created positive change for 1000's of young people developing their latent potential and supporting them to progress into education, training and employment. Our core aim at Bytes is to provide young people from all communities with intensive mentoring and personal development work that is challenging in nature, raises awareness of issues pertinent to healthy lifestyles, challenging behaviours, attitudes, democracy, diversity and labour mobility. By using technology and innovation our young people discover practical and constructive ways forward, increasing self-esteem, new skills and a positive outlook for the future Our WHY is "to inspire young change makers to hack their world for good." Our purpose is to support our young people to become the next change-makers, entrepreneurs, social innovators and creative geniuses. Bytes currently has eight Board Members, 36 employed staff, 20 sessional staff and several volunteers working across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland on several funded projects focusing on tackling a wide range of social issues that impact on young people. In the financial year 2018/19 Bytes engaged with 6206 young people. Bytes staff deliver accredited courses and qualifications and mentored young people to develop and implement personal pathway plans. In the financial year 2018/19 over 863 young people accessed training and gained qualifications through a range of innovative tech-based programmes supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Education Authority NI and our €3.8M funded signature project Peace Bytes. This new innovative Peace Bytes project will be delivered across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland having a direct positive impact on 960 young people over the term of the programme. The core aim of Peace Bytes is to support young people from disadvantaged and contentious areas to overcome barriers to cross-community citizenship and personal development participation.