'We need to make a change' : Young people have their say on the big issues in Northern Ireland

Paramilitary attacks, Brexit, a political vacuum and little rights for same sex marriage.

Those are some of the issues our young generation face day in. day out.

Twenty years on from the Good Friday Agreement - more is being done to try and bring both sides of our communities together..

But as Downtown & Cool FM reporter SASHA WYLIE found out - the separation in certain areas is still deep.

We spoke to young people at start 360 about their views as part of the Bauer Academy’s One Voice project, funded by the CRC - who say it's time for change.

The Community Relations Council works to identify and develop effective approaches to peace-building and reconciliation in partnership with local people and organisations, and with central and local government.

Stormont Stalemate

Northern Ireland has not had a working Assembly since January 2017, when the power-sharing deal collapsed.

Concerns are now growing around how much longer we can go without political support are growing every minute.

Our education and health services have been described as being beyond the tipping point - and our young generation is being hit hard.

"We are the first generation to have such low voting statics because so many of us don't know who to vote for" Thomas said.

There was a clear want among the young people in the group for change.

Katie added "It's maybe not even who to vote for, its more what am I voting for, how can I escape this orange and green and whats best for me.

"If I were to vote, I'd do everything in my power to vote for something that's not orange and green, because I want the next generation, not to forget, but just moving on".

But some fear things will never change.

Bennie says "From what I see there's also a problem with Protestants and Catholics, I don't think things will ever change, especially in politics."

Brexit

Recent calls for an Irish unity vote have received mix reaction across the political divide.

Our young generation will have to live with the consequences of the outcomes - so we found out what their thoughts were on the recent calls for a united Ireland vote.

James says "If it does become a united Ireland, there's a very high possibility that it will start the troubles again."

Katie added "I think it will defiantly cause a stir up but i don't think it will go that far. But I've fallen out of politics this past while as I'm just fed up with the whole situation. We as a generation aren't listened to, we get constantly ignored."

The calls were made after the outcome of a no - deal Brexit tumble closer.

And the group say that's another area they've been completely ignored.

Katie continued "It bothered me whenever I was seeing all the TV coverage about Brexit and the debates for and against, because there was no mention of Northern Ireland as a whole. They're talking about England Scotland and Wales but not for here, because they're not taking us into account."

The clear message from the group is that our colour divide still runs throughout the streets here - but the desire for that to change within young people is clearly strong.