Amanda Kearns

Amanda (Mandy) Kearns is a restorative practitioner, mediator and Manager for a NI Alternatives office in East Belfast – Alternatives is a government accredited community based restorative justice organisation that promotes and develops a non-violent approach to issues of community conflict and anti-social behaviour within the Loyalist community of East Belfast.

Mandy was born and lives in the East Belfast community, whilst owning a local business Mandy volunteered in a local community centre which encouraged her to develop and train as a youth and community worker. Mandy has been employed with East Belfast Alternatives since 2008 when she started as the co-ordinator for a detached programme, then the Intensive youth support worker then progressed to the Senior Practitioner and her current role as the Manger for the last 7 years.

Mandy has been involved in inter community work, cross community work and cross border work within Northern Ireland and Ireland. Mandy has also been involved in study and shar practice trips to New York, Washington DC and Colombia. Mandy has many years’ experience of mediating and dealing with community conflict and navigating the tensions regarding the legacy of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

Mandy’s present role involves working collaboratively with all statutory partners including PSNI, Social Services and all social housing providers. Mandy’s qualifications include level 3 in youth and community work, Diploma in Restorative Practices, Mediation and Conflict resolution level 4 and Community development level 4.