It could be said that actor James Martin is ‘living the dream’ off the back of his Oscar and Bafta success last year as a cast member for ‘An Irish Goodbye’, but he wants others to live their dream.

In an interview with Aideen McGinley as part of the Hope, Healing and Growth conference pre-recorded before the event, M.r Martin encouraged people to “find your voice and be proud of who you are”

Last year, he made history as the first person with Down Syndrome to star in an Oscar-winning film and Mr. Martin emphasised how important it is for people to have a voice, he said: “It’s nice to see other people getting a voice so that hope will give them to a voice and be able to have that ability to explore a bigger voice.

“That hope and that difference can mean a lot to them because when you have hope you go for it, it's your gig and it's nice to have.”

With bemusement he remembered finding out about An Irish Goodbye being nominated for awards, he said: “We did the filming [for an Irish Goodbye], muck up to our knees and the next minute we heard about the nomination for the BAFTAS and I’m thinking to myself muck up to your knees and you get an award.

He talked about several 'pinch-me' moments including “5,000 actors singing Happy Birthday” at the Oscars and walking the red carpet.

Mr. Martin has shared his message of hope around the country and recalled with fondness a story about a young girl from Carlow who made him a picture and presented it to him on a school visit and her dreams of being an artist.

Recalling the event, he said: “My dad and I can give out not just opinions to people but also advice, so getting out advice to that particular person who did this lovely picture that she can follow her dream of being a real artist.

He acknowledged that he faced some challenges and said: “You just need to let it go over your head, I am humble, but I don’t have a big head on me because when you get people and they say to you, ‘have you got a big head’?

“the answer would be no, it’s my job, I am an actor for a reason, I’m from here as long as you give out the right message to people I am very hopeful it can make a difference that people can have a voice”

“That’s really close to my heart and I am an ambassador for Mencap and for Belfast [as a city].”

He spoke about his connections to the area including his mum serving as a one-time board member for the Share Centre and recalled fond memories of a visit to Willowbridge School.

“Willowbridge has been fantastic, if it wasn’t for Harry McConkey through the football, I wouldn’t know what the school was and it was really lovely.”

Outside of acting, James has worked as a barista and enjoys DJing as well as taking part in sports commentary.

He added: “It is really lovely to have that balance in life, if you don’t have that balance in life, you’re going to end up watching TV for the rest of your life.

Advising people who want to follow their dreams, Mr. Martin said: “I always say to people, you never judge a book by its cover. Words may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!

“When you have hope, you have a voice, you don’t feel any different

“The only thing is, I would say to people, follow your dreams, and do follow your dreams, don’t be afraid about speaking to your parents about drama or about respite, or anything, just talk to them and be open.

“Your parents will be your parents, everyone has rights and we can gather in the right society, and that hope can be even bigger for anyone and grow.”