The Flax Trust is one of the largest and longest established development trusts in Ireland. It is a registered charity formed in Belfast in 1977. For over 25 years it has been committed to the “reconciliation of a divided community through economic and social development, bringing peace to both communities, one person and one job at a time”.

From its inception, the Flax Trust has promoted and practised with an absolute focus reconciliation through economic development. Over the last three years in identifying a strategy for the 21st century it has broadened its focus to expand and energize the work of reconciliation through the arts, especially the performing arts, education, business incubation, entertainment, social action, sport and technology. Through all of these media the Flax Trust is practising and assembling its strategy:

Broadband and Technology:
With the expansion of digital communications with Queens University Belfast;

Health:
Community healthcare with doctor, dentist, nurse, care of the elderly, lunch club and outreach meals on wheels supported by North and West Health and Social Services Trust; Health Living Programmes involving Ardoyne and Shankill, supported by The Big Lottery Fund;

Housing:
Social housing, discrete groups – foyer for young people, sheltered accommodation for the elderly both able-bodied and frail;

Entrepreneurship:
The School of Social Entrepreneurs with the University of Ulster developing the new leaders for the social economy; Capital Development: with the International Fund for Ireland, Invest NI and Ulster Community

Creating New Choices in North Belfast through Education
An Education Taskforce has been put in place to help North Belfast to realise a shared vision for the future provision of Catholic education in the area.

Community Development
Offering support through local community organisations to encourage an active participation in the local community.