Charity Partnership
The Grand Opera House is proud to partner with a new charity every two years to help spread awareness of important causes and raise vital funds.
MACS: End Youth Homelessness in NI
In March 2026, the Grand Opera House announced its new partnership with MACS, Northern Ireland's only youth-specific homelessness charity.
Through this partnership, we aim to shine a spotlight on this amazing charity and raise funds to support their work within the community.
Who are MACS?
Formed in 1990 as a service for young people leaving care, the organisation has evolved over the last three decades to support young people from all walks of life to move beyond homelessness and build positive, independent futures.
Vision
An end to youth homelessness in Northern Ireland.
Mission
Empower young people on their journey to find a safe place to call home and build brighter futures.
Services
Supported housing, floating support, shared tenancy project, wellbeing support, prison resettlement, and more.
In 2025 alone, MACS supported more than 750 young people across Northern Ireland to avoid or move on from homelessness.
According to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, 15,864 homelessness presentations were recorded in the latest reporting year¹, with the number of children in temporary accommodation increasing by 79% since 2020².
How will the Grand Opera House work with MACS?
Over the next two years, the Grand Opera House team will work with MACS to deliver an ambitious programme of fundraising and awareness activity.
Beyond fundraising, the partnership will focus on education, opportunity and empowerment.
Bucket Collections
MACS bucket collections will take place at selected performances within the Theatre. Thank you to our audiences for their support.
Staff-led fundraising events
Colleagues will take part in activities including the Belfast City Marathon Relay and the MACS’ annual Sleep Out.
Awareness
The Theatre will use its platform to champion the work of MACS within the Theatre and in our online community.
Mentoring
Theatre staff will provide mentoring, coaching and practical life-skills support for young people, including interview preparation and CV writing workshops.
Creativity & Culture
The collaboration will also create opportunities for young people supported by MACS to experience the arts and theatre, many for the first time, helping to build confidence, creativity and new aspirations.
Supporting MACS at the Belfast City Marathon 2026
“We are delighted to be working with the MACS team as our new charity partner. While fundraising will play an important role, this partnership is also about education, understanding and highlighting the complex challenges that many young people in Northern Ireland face.
“Through mentoring, skills development and opening access to the arts, we hope to create meaningful opportunities that build confidence and support brighter futures, while also shining a light on the vital work that MACS delivers every day.”
Ian Wilson, Grand Opera House Chief Executive