Our Social Space

About Us

Our Social Space is a registered charity (NIC108664) helping adults in Belfast build meaningful social connections and reduce loneliness through inclusive social dance, community activities, and volunteering.

 

Founded in 2018, we exist to promote social health — the relationships, belonging and shared experiences that support long-term wellbeing. We believe everyone deserves to feel connected, valued and part of something larger than themselves.

 

Through welcoming, accessible programmes and shared spaces, we create regular opportunities for people to move, meet, learn and contribute. Whether someone joins a weekly dance class, attends a community event, or volunteers behind the scenes, each interaction strengthens confidence, connection and community.

 

We are committed to building environments where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, form lasting relationships, and support one another, one interaction at a time.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to improving social health - the relationships, connection, and sense of belonging that underpin long-term wellbeing.

 

Physical and mental health are widely discussed, but social health - our ability to feel included, valued, and part of a community - is just as vital. When social connection breaks down, the impact extends far beyond loneliness.

 

Research shows that prolonged social isolation is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, dementia, and premature mortality. Social connection is not a luxury, it is a protective factor for health.

 

We believe good health requires attention to the whole person: body, mind, and social connection. That’s why we intentionally create spaces and experiences that prioritise connection, movement, and shared joy.

 

Why Social Dance?

Social dance offers a uniquely powerful combination of movement and human connection.

While it improves balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness, its greatest strength lies in bringing people together. The social comes first - shared rhythm, shared learning, shared laughter.

 

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35%. Dancing has been associated with up to a 46% lower risk, making it one of the most beneficial and sustainable forms of movement for long-term health.

 

Beyond physical benefits, dance supports confidence, cognitive engagement, emotional wellbeing, and social bonding - all essential protective factors against isolation.

 

Through inclusive, beginner-friendly programmes and community cultural events, we create welcoming environments where people of all backgrounds can connect, move, and belong.

 

As recognised Take 5 Champions, our approach aligns with the Public Health Agency’s Five Steps to Wellbeing - encouraging people to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning, and give.

 

In short: we dance for health, connection, and hope.

Our Strategic Framework 2025-2028

 

Our 2025–2028 Strategic Framework outlines how we are building social health through inclusive social dance and community connection.

 

It sets out our vision, values, and four strategic themes: Connection Through Movement, Everyday Belonging, Growing a Movement, and Social Health Leadership.

 

We are committed to reducing loneliness, strengthening inclusive leadership pathways, and advocating for social dance as a powerful public health tool.

 

Download our Strategic Framework (PDF)

 

Our Impact

 

Our work supports adults across Belfast and neighbouring boroughs, with participants travelling regularly to take part in our programmes and community events.

 

In the past year:

  • 150 adults engaged directly in our weekly programmes
  • 50+ additional community members reached indirectly through local groups using our community venue

  • 7 ongoing programmes delivered, ranging from inclusive social dance to community gardening

 

Our recent project evaluation demonstrated strong engagement and retention, with 81% of participants attending regularly.

 

When asked about the impact on their health:

  • 84% reported improvements in their mental health
  • 77% reported improvements in their social health, including meeting new people and feeling a stronger sense of belonging
  • 74% reported improvements in their physical health

 

Behind these figures are real experiences of renewed confidence, connection and community. The voices below reflect the lasting difference that consistent social connection and movement can make.

"This new life of social dancing with this group of wonderful people has been totally life changing for me.  My physical and mental health has improved ten-fold.  My confidence has grown and I have a whole new circle of supportive friends.  I now have a whole new outlook on life."

 

"The instructors and organisers have been fantastic in their efforts to reduce barriers for all of us.  They take into account people's personal circumstances and identify how they can help.  Particularly reducing barriers relating to confidence, health and caring responsibilities."

 

"As a single person, social isolation has been an issue for me in the past.  One of the greatest benefits of attending dance classes and social events is feeling part of a very supportive and caring community.  I have been able to talk to people in the dance community who have been or are going through similar personal challenges.  I'm very grateful to be part of this dance and social community and I feel very fortunate on so many levels".

At Our Social Space, we believe that creating spaces of belonging and connection requires ongoing reflection.

 

This section shares reflective writing and learning that inform how we approach social dance, community practice, and cultural responsibility. We aim to engage openly with the histories and communities that shape the work we do, and to evaluate our practice as it evolves.

 

These documents are shared as working papers — part of an ongoing conversation about connection, culture, and community.

 

From Crisis Response to Preventative Social Health
Carrie Montgomery | 2026

A reflection on social health, connection, and the shift from crisis intervention to deliberate community-building.
Download PDF

 

Understanding the Blues: Notes from Learning, Dancing, and Teaching with Care
Carrie Montgomery | 2026

A reflective exploration of history, culture, and responsibility in teaching Blues social dance.
Download PDF

Our Social Space is led by a dedicated Board of Trustees and delivery team who are committed to creating welcoming, inclusive environments where people can connect, participate, and thrive.

 

Board of Trustees

Our Board brings together a distinctive balance of expertise in the arts, mental health, and business - offering strong governance and strategic insight to deliver high-quality, inclusive programming.

  • Seamus Young – ChairRetired mental health nurse with extensive frontline experience and trade union leadership, grounding our work in social justice and ethical health practice.

  • Helen McKenna – Deputy Chair
    Senior Lecturer in Business with deep expertise in governance, strategic planning, and organisational resilience. Helen supports effective delivery, impact tracking, and long-term sustainability.

  • Dr Richard Turner – Treasurer
    Principal Software Engineer and founder of Salsa Belfast and Swing Belfast. With over 20 years of experience nurturing the local social dance scene, Richard continues to invest in the arts by developing high-quality, affordable studio spaces as a community asset.

  • Patricia Young – Trustee
    A retired community & voluntary sector manager with specialist knowledge in child protection and safeguarding, Patricia also brings a strong background in advocacy and lobbying. She has represented older people at the Pensioners’ Parliament and presented directly to Stormont. Her insight helps ensure our work stays accountable to vulnerable and underrepresented communities.

  • Alexander O'Neill – Trustee
    Sandy brings decades of experience in community engagement, inclusion, and youth development. A long-time advocate for wellbeing through movement, he coached a successful local boxing club, using sport to foster confidence, discipline, and belonging. He also brings extensive expertise in project and facilities management, community development, and health & safety. Sandy plays a key role in ensuring the safe and effective operation of our community space and strengthens delivery through his practical, inclusive approach.

 

Together, our Board is artistically ambitious, clinically safe, and community-rooted, with both lived and professional experience across our core sectors.

 

Delivery Team
Our delivery team combines deep expertise in inclusive arts practice, mental health, and community-led change. Together, they ensure that every programme is creatively engaging, clinically informed, and socially impactful.

  • Carrie Montgomery – CEO / Project Coordinator / Dance Instructor
    Carrie is an advanced social dance instructor and a qualified professional counsellor with over 20 years of experience. She previously led Lifeline, Northern Ireland’s 24/7 suicide prevention service, overseeing a £6 million annual programme. Her trauma-informed, person-centred approach ensures a compassionate, safe environment for all. As co-founder of Our Social Space, she is passionate about the role of rhythm and connection in recovery and inclusion.

  • Declan Allison – Training & Education Manager / Dance Instructor
    Declan is an advanced community dance instructor with over 10 years’ experience and specialist training in inclusive movement practice. He brings creativity, warmth, and strong pedagogical insight to every session. Beyond dance, Declan is a long-standing advocate for social and environmental justice, having played leading roles in grassroots climate campaigns and legal actions. His experience in activism and community organising enriches the programme’s values of equity, empowerment, and inclusion.

 

The team is supported by a growing network of trained volunteers who contribute to programme delivery, venue development, and community engagement.

Our work is sustained through a combination of charitable grants, public health partnerships, and community support. We are grateful to the organisations whose investment enables us to build inclusive spaces for connection, creativity, and wellbeing.

We are especially thankful to:

 

  • Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland - Community Flex for their vital support to pilot our Community Dance project.

  • Community Foundation Northern Ireland - Micro Community Fund for backing Saturday Nights In - Our Speakeasy.

  • The Public Health Agency via the Clear Project for their support with our Together We Dance project.

  • The Arts Council National Lottery and The Baring Foundation for their support with our Step into Social project.

  • Film Hub NI for their past support in launching The Flicks Hut.

  • Cinema For All via BFI The National Lottery for their support developing The Flicts Hut.

  • Phoenix Energy for their support with The Juke Yard urban biodiversity community garden.

  • Belfast City Airport for their support with The Juke Yard urban biodiversity community garden.

 

Beyond financial support, we deeply appreciate all the donation of time, skills, ideas and passion from individuals and partners that have made our work possible.  Together, we continue to create spaces where connection and wellbeing thrive.

 

We actively seek to align our programmes with regional health, arts, and community development strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and public value.

We collaborate with a wide range of organisations across health, arts, education, environment, and community development. These partnerships strengthen programme quality, extend our reach, and ensure our work responds to local need.

 

We are recognised as a valued community asset by Ulster University’s CHOICE project, reflecting our commitment to accessibility, social inclusion, and wellbeing-informed practice.

 

Our partnerships also include Visit Belfast, supporting cultural participation and local engagement, and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), who work alongside us to develop The Juke Yard as an accessible urban biodiversity space.

 

In addition, we work closely with local community groups and grassroots organisations across Belfast and neighbouring boroughs, enabling shared use of space, cross-referral of participants, and collaborative delivery.

 

Through partnership, we strengthen not only our own programmes but the wider community ecosystem.

We are active members of several sector networks and professional bodies, strengthening our governance, safeguarding, and artistic practice.

 

These include:

  • NICVA
  • SENI (Social Enterprise Northern Ireland)
  • Cinema For All
  • Film Hub NI
  • The Blues Room
  • Community Arts Partnership
  • Theatre & Dance NI
  • Volunteer Now
  • Zero Suicide Alliance

 

Through these memberships, we remain connected to best practice in governance, safeguarding, arts delivery, volunteer management, and suicide prevention.