Boost for youth services in Carrigaline
Two new youth workers are on the way to Carrigaline.
The new employees will be a boost to youth services in the area and comes as work continues to restore funding to pre-2007 levels which is helping to target areas of need in both county and city.
Youth Officer Mick Finn said: “Youth services struggled with cuts to staffing, working hours and equipment funding for a number of years, but the signs are now much brighter as over €63m has been invested this year by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs which includes almost €3m directly for staff-led operations throughout Cork.
“In response to issues conveyed to youth workers on the ground, who can often be the one significant adult for young people, increased funding has gone into outreach services for children and teenagers living in emergency accommodation as well as to improve supports for LGBTI young people and other targeted areas.’’
Children's minster Katherine Zappone has given funding to Cork ETB so it can provide a targeted youth service in Carrigaline.
Youth clubs and services across the city and county have also benefitted from increased funding in the sector with almost €500,000 distributed in capital and refurbishment grants as part of a national €1.7m allocation. This is good news for clubs, cafes and services in the city and county, according to Cork ETB Youth Services.
Youth Development Officer Ruth Griffin added: “Cork ETB will continue to operate alongside youth service providers, including Foroige, Youth Work Ireland, Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, YMCA, and schools to try to ensure that changing needs are being met. Area profiling and service requirements are currently underway to keep on top of the changing face of our communities and to ensure that this increased funding is reaching the young people it is designed for.”
“With the changes to the city boundary, Cork city has gone from being an ageing city to a vibrant youthful city and it is imperative we plan our services accordingly to meet the city's new age cohort,” added Ruth.
“We all know that many young people struggle to achieve their potential, due to mental health, sexual identity or other factors, so the targeted delivery of services by experienced and dedicated youth workers is crucial in getting to them at the coal face. From Beara to Youghal, youth services are operating to support young people outside of school. Work is ongoing to introduce new schemes in areas that require support as well as in specialist niche services to directly impact on changing youth requirements.”