GNIMAG AWARD WINNERS

APPRECIATION DAY

Last month we held an appreciation day in conjunction with 2Taps, the day was all about celebrating and acknowledging the 2024 winners. We hope everyone enjoyed the day, from start to finish everything flowed thanks to Jarron and his incredible team. Thanks also to those you contributed to the raffle .

We raised £1000 for Mermaids, here are some snaps from the day a letter we received from Mermaids.

Sincere

thanks to GNI and 2 Taps from Mermaids NI

Mermaids NI would like to extend our sincere thanks to GNI Magazine and 2 Taps Wine Bar for hosting an outstanding fundraiser in Belfast in support of our work with young people and their families.

The event was a true celebration of community, and the generosity shown was nothing short of remarkable. We are incredibly grateful to 2 Taps and GNI for their generous support, which made this fabulous day possible. 2 Taps not only hosted the fundraiser but also matched the ticket sales pound for pound, doubling the impact from the outset. Then, in an incredible show of support, GNI stepped in and matched the total amount raised including 2 Taps’ match, with an additional direct donation of £500. Their combined generosity created something truly special, and deeply moving, transforming community fundraising into a joyful, real-life experience for our young people and their families.

At a time when visibility and solidarity matter more than ever, this level of generosity goes far beyond financial value. It sends a powerful message of recognition and allyship to the young people and families we support.

We felt privileged to be part of such a fabulous and uplifting event, and we are truly grateful for the platform, the warmth, and the support shown to Mermaids NI.

Thank you, GNI and 2 Taps – your support means the world to us. Mermaids NI

Making Memories: Mermaids House Youth Network Visits Prison Island

Thanks to the generous support from the GNI and the fantastic fundraising efforts by 2 Taps and GNI, young people from our Mermaids House youth groups recently enjoyed an unforgettable day out at Prison Island. It was an action-packed, joy-filled experience that brought smiles, laughter, and a brilliant sense of connection.

From the moment the young people arrived, the excitement was contagious. Prison Island, with its maze of themed challenge rooms and clever team puzzles, provided the perfect setting for fun, adventure, and team bonding. Divided into small groups, the young people set off on their mission, unlocking clues, solving puzzles, and tackling each room with enthusiasm and determination.

One of the highlights of the day was watching the way the teams naturally worked together. There was a real buzz as they figured things out, encouraged one another, and celebrated each win, big or small. The space gave everyone a chance to shine in different ways, whether it was problem-solving, quick thinking, or simply cheering each other on. It was a brilliant reminder of how much fun collaboration can be.

Prison Island was the perfect choice. The facility is dynamic, welcoming, and ideal for groups who want to challenge themselves and have fun while doing it. The experience brought the young people closer, with plenty of laughs and lighthearted competition along the way.

While the young people explored the challenges, their parents and family had a lovely time too. The café area offered a warm, relaxed space for cups of tea, and great conversation. It was great to see people chatting, sharing stories, and simply enjoying the company. The whole day had a brilliant, feel-good atmosphere from start to finish.

The joy, confidence, and camaraderie that came out of this trip were clear to see. Days like this help create strong friendships, boost wellbeing, and build those allimportant connections that make our community so special. It was also a fantastic opportunity for everyone to make new memories and have a genuinely great time together.

We’re incredibly grateful to GNI and the supporters of the 2 Taps fundraiser. Your generosity made this day possible, and the impact was immediate and uplifting. The support you’ve given has translated into something real, fun, and memorable, a shared experience full of energy, laughter, and connection.

The young people were amazing, the teams were full of spirit, and the memories will last a long time. It’s days like this that remind us of the power of coming together, and how much joy can be found in simply having fun as a team.

Thank you for making it happen!