Christmas break

Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre projects will be closed to the public from Wednesday 22nd December. Administration and Youth work offices will be closed from 3pm on Thursday 23rd December.

Administration and Youth work offices will reopen from 9am Tuesday 4th January 2011, Community Training Centre projects will re-open to the public on Monday 10th January.

We would like to thank all our patrons for their valued custom & support of Limerick Youth Service and wish them all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Limerick City Youth Forum - Bullying

Morning Ireland: 'Doughnuts' teaches teens about behaviour behind the wheel - Audio - RTÉ News Player

Morning Ireland: 'Doughnuts' teaches teens about behaviour behind the wheel - Audio - RTÉ News Player

LYS Pro-play awards night - Tonight

Limerick Youth Service’s Youth Pro-play , in conjunction with Munster rugby awards night in recognition of the young people’s commitment and positive attitude. This Thursday, 16th December, 2010 at Limerick Youth Service, Board room, from 7pm. Food, refreshments & Congrats to all involved!

Santa to visit Northside café

Santa Claus will make a suprise visit to the Northside Café this Saturday!

He'll be there from 4pm 'till 7pm

Get your picture taken, enjoy the fun with music, food & presents!

Tickets €4 Book at: 085-764 2190

Funded by Northside Youth Cafe, Limerick Youth Service & Northside We're OK Youth Initiative

Christmas come early for LYS

Limerick Youth Service was last week delighted to receive a cheque for €3000 from Jamie Daly & the Limerick Toy Show. The Limerick Toy Show was held in the Greenhills Hotel on the 15th to the 17th November. It was a showcase of local talent and entrepreneurship.

Never before in the long and venerable history of our wonderful city had there been anything like the Toy Show extravaganza!

With toys of every kind, for young & old, local talent & variety acts, choirs from all throughout Limerick City and County, there was fun and entertainment for everyone.

It’s been tough year for everyone, in Limerick and further afield, but this year Limerick ignored the doom and gloom and brought back the joy and fun of Christmas for every child from age 9 to 90! And also along the way they raised some much needed funds for some very worthwhile charities including Limerick Youth Service.
Limerick Youth Service will use the money to support it’s many programmes throughout Limerick city & county and once again is very grateful to Jamie Daly & all those who supported the Toy Show in what it is hoped to be an annual event.

Annual Christmas Fair - Photgraphs

From 9-12-2010- Christmas Fair

View them all here

http://www.limerickyouthservice.com/index.php?id=36,488,0,0,1,0

Variety & Fashion Show 2010

Variety & Fashion Show 2010
The annual Limerick Youth Service Variety & Fashion Show was held in the LIT Millenium Hall on Friday 26th November. Many thanks to all those who took part in what was a great night of fashion & music.
Thanks especially to our guest judges on the night and all the young people from Clubs throughout Limerick who gave their time & effort.

From LIT FashionVariety Show

More photos on view here.

http://www.limerickyouthservice.com/index.php?id=40,440,0,0,1,0

Volunteer evening - CANCELLED

Due to the continuing inclement weather and associated driving conditions, it has been decided to postpone Thursdays gathering of staff and volunteers.

We will be in touch in the New Year to reschedule the event when the weather conditions are more favourable. Sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Annual Christmas Fair - 9th December

Meet Us Half Way

Operation Weston

A group of Young People are involved in a very exciting project in Our Lady of Lourdes which they have called ‘Operation Weston’. The group have been initiating a ‘matching grant’ for young people from the community of Our Lady of Lourdes.
This Tuesday the 9th of November @ 7.30pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Youth Building, they will host an ‘ideasfest’. Here they will welcome young people from the community to develop ideas that will benefit the community.
The group have designed a number of posters / leaflets inviting young people from the community to get involved. If you have contact with young people in the 12-21 age bracket in OLL, could you please make them aware of the ‘ideasfest’ and extend an invite on behalf of the ‘operation weston’ team to join us in this exciting programme. Grants will be available to young people meeting the criteria that the initiating group have designed. All applicants will be supported on the night to develop youth led projects and meet the criteria of the ‘matching grant’

Funky Friday in LavaJavas Youth Café

Limerick Toy Show

The Limerick Toy Show is an event showcasing toys and providing great entertainment for all the family.

The Limerick Toy Show’ is the brainchild of Jamie Daly. It will be held in the magical Christmas set up at the Green Hills Hotel Ennis Road Limerick which will have a huge stage and auditorium with seating for upwards of 400 people. This promises to be a magical experience for both adults and children with local schools involved, lots of toys on display in the festively decorated venue, children demonstrating how the toys work, lots of well known acts performing and a monster raffle with some great prizes.

All money raised will be donated to the charities Limerick Youth Service, St. Munchins Community Center and other local charities.

Mardi Gras @ LavaJavas Youth Café

Paint party @ LavaJavas Youth Café

Lava Java's Youth Fashion Show

The Lava Java's Youth Fashion Show is just around the corner, taking place this Friday the 8th of October in the Absolute Hotel, Limerick.
Doors open at 7.30pm and the show kicks off at 8pm.

Tickets are 10euro or 8euro for students and are available on the door.

On the night we have clothes from Imasa, Debenhams, Pamela Scott, Jack&Jones, Seduzka, X-Pose, AX Paris, Trend, Hanora K Designs, and Caroline Mitchell. On the night we have a Jazz/Blues band to entertain in the reception area and a raffle at the half time break.

The show is being organised by the Lava Java's youth committee mainly Gerr Meaney, cafe goers, and the Lava Java's volunteers.

All the money raised is going towards the youth cafe itself and its revamp. It is covered in this weeks Limerick Post and Limerick People and Flip-It T.V will be covering it on the night.

Hope you can come and show your support

Metalfest @LavaJavas

9th October 2010

the Limerick young metal scene needs you
Two youngin-metal bands T4D and Moro Beats Mars play alongside Limerick finest Three Hour Ceasefire and Nenagh metallers Borderline Prime.
3-7pm
3 euro adm.
Non alco. Cocktail Bar
Rockband competition
and much more

Lava Javas Fashion Show

Think Big Launch edit 5.mov

punk-fest @lavaJavas

October 1 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Lava Java's Youth Café, LYS, Lwr. Glentworth St., Limerick.

All ages Punk fest @ Lava Javas

We Come In Pieces + Excel 21 + The Screaming Semen

Limerick Youth Service BBQ team wins award!

Limerick Youth Service's Community Training Centre team in the BBQ competitionat the annual Limerick City Community & Voluntary Fair won the 'Most Impressive Teamwork' award.
Congratulations to all concerned.

Limerick Community & Voluntary Fair - BBQ - Sunday 12th - City Hall

This Sunday, our CTC projects will be defending their titles in the Community & Voluntary Fair BBQ competition at City Hall, running from 1pm until 4 the fair is a showcase for all Community & Voluntary groups in Limerick City.

LYS is supporting the fair by providing the use of our Home economics room on Friday to voluntary groups in food preparation for the BBQ

Youth Information and the City & County Comhairle na nÓg groups will be manning stands at the fair showcasing the work we do.

Come along on this Sunday to experience the changing face of Limerick and celebrate Limerick as one community with many voices through, music, dance fun and great food.

Westfest - Sunday 5th September

Limerick Youth Service Calendar now available

The Calendar will be updated with important dates over the next year,

Check it out further on:

http://www.limerickyouthservice.com/index.php

How to use the Calendar:

* Click on a event to see more
* Click on the blue arrows to move between months
* Click on the Agenda button to see a listing of events

The Factory wins Bord Gáis Energy Community Energy Fund award

To mark reaching one million customers Bord Gáis Energy Community Energy Fund donated €100,000 worth of energy to support 16 worthy projects across the country.

Aidan Bannigan, acting Manager of The Factory, applied for this award in June of this year. The Factory was one of the five projects who won in the €10,000 category.

Catherine Kelly, Brendan Haden and Siovan Hogan collected the award on behalf of The Factory on Friday 27th August at Wood Quay Venue, Dublin

LavaJavas Back to school gig

Limerick Youth Service projects reopen!

Limerick Youth Service Projects reopen to the public today after the summer break.
All our catering & food projects as well as Funky Flowers reopen to the public today after the summer break, Call in 9.30 - 3pm daily to se what daily specials are on offer!

Students from LYS receive their LCA results

Congratulations to those students from the Leaving Certificate Applied class of 2010 who received their results yesterday.
Well done also to all staff & teachers who facilitated them and looking forward to similar excellent results next year.

Glee Club @ LavaJavas

Every Thursday 5.30 - 7.30pm

Lava Javas Youth Café
The Basement
Limerick Youth Service

Learn all about being on the stage, costumes, performance and much more!

Moyross Girls on LYS Yutube Channel

Youth Bank 2010

Moyross Girls sing Don't Stop Believing

Camp Diversion2010

FAST track to Community Projects in Limerick’s Northside!

FAST track to Community Projects in Limerick’s Northside!

Limerick’s Northside YouthBank is another exciting programme out of the Northside Youth Café at Watch House Cross. YouthBank, funded by Ulster Bank, supported by We’re OK Youth Initiative and both facilitated and funded by Limerick Youth Service, which runs the Northside Youth Café, is a unique way of involving young people in grant-making within their local community.

YouthBank is an all-island of Ireland initiative for over 20 grant-making committees run by young people of which the Limerick Northside YouthBank is one. The funding distributed by these committees supports projects designed and run by young people that address issues and concerns relevant to them and their communities.

http://www.limerickyouthservice.com/index.php?id=36,460,0,0,1,0

DoITforYouth Launch

An Taoiseach The Factory visit

Do IT 4 you Limerick Launch

Recent News events at Limerick Youth Service

Read all about it!
Get up to date on recent news events by downloading our latest e-newsletter.

http://www.limerickyouthservice.com/index.php?id=36,447,0,0,1,0

Northside Youth Intervention Project wins Youth Diversion Camp competition!

Northside Youth Intervention Project wins Youth Diversion Camp competition!
Well done to Callum Grant, Craig McNamara and Dara Quillinan.

More to follow

Your Community, Your Call Learning to make a difference

One day conference on Youth Participation, Volunteer Support & development and Leadership: Postively Impacting on others.

Guest Speakers:
Cormac Russell, Nurture Development
John Carey, MMII. Dip.Lbc CECI NLPP, European Coaching Institute

Workshop Leaders:
Damian Landy, Eibhlis Bray, Siobhan O'Brien; Limerick Youth Service

Venue:
Bunratty Castle Hotel

Date & Time: Saturday 19th June; 10am - 4pm

Bus Pick ups: 9.15am Maldron Hotel; 9.30 Limerick Youth Service

Exam wishes

Best of Luck to all Limerick Youth Service students who started their Junior and Applied Leaving Certificate examinations today!

Limerick County Youth Council

The Limerick Youth County Council had their monthly meeting on Wednesday 19th last in County Hall, as part of the meeting they met with a number of Limerick County Councillors to brief them on their work and put forward matters that affect young poeple in Limerick County.

Andy Lee visits Limerick Youth Service

Boxer Andy Lee took time off after his recent bout to visit Limerick Youth Service and the young people here. Naturally he was a great hit!

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/Andy-Lee-is-star-attraction.6312138.jp

RTE looks for Young presenters

RTÉ Young Peoples Programming is undergoing many changes and, with a whole new slate of programmes in development, we are searching for fresh onscreen faces. If you feel you might fit the bill we want to hear from you. Send a 200 word pitch, CV(Word doc preferable) and photograph to talent@rte.ie
APPLICATION DEADLINE:

MONDAY 24TH MAY 2010 AT 11AM

**APPLICATION ONLY OPEN TO
PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 16**

http://www.rte.ie/tv/theden/talent/

Limerick County Youth Council

Pictures from the Limerick County Youth Council delegates during their recent attendance at Dail na nÓg in Dublin.

Street league award

Well done to Pa McCarthy, Overall Best Player in the Limerick street league.
Pa was presented his award by Irish goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner

Joey Hannon Try a Tri

Congrats to the 5 young people and Drugs worker Eoin McInerney who completed the Joey Hannan Try a Tri last weekend!

Limerick Youth Got Talent - The Final

Don't forget the Final of Limerick Youth Got Talent is on this Saturday @ 7pm in the Millenium Theatre, LIT.

Entry is only €10 Adult; €7 U.16's

Limerick County Youth Council

Check out their Facebook page!

Limerick Leprechauns vs Gardai fundraiser!

Limerick Leprechauns are playing the Gardai in Young Munster RFC on Thursday 29th April at 6.00pm

The match is the first on the Riverfest Calendar of events so we are looking forward to a terrific evening – admission charge is a donation!

Referee on the night will be Magners League referee John Lacey

Looking forward to seeing you all there on the night!

Many thanks to the Limerick Leprechauns and the Gardai for supporting Limerick Youth service.

Irish Aid Staff donation

Many Thanks to the staff of the Irish Aid Office on Henry street who raised €142.60 in a coffee morning for Limerick Youth Service. Pictured is Catherine Kelly, Director receiving the cheque from Minister of State at the Dept. of Foreign Affairs, Peter Power.

Fit for Summer….and BEYOND!!!

Wednesday 23rd 7-9pm

Your experts for the evening are…

Sinead Bradbury
Nutritionist

Caoimhe Hanrahan
Fitness Instructor, Woodlands Hotel, Leisure Centre and Spa

Nuala Kavanagh
Chef, JK’s Cookery Classes

Niall Colgan
Hair Stylist, Niall Colgan Hairdressing

Claire Curtin
Make Up Artist

7.00pm – 9.00pm

Entry fee - €5.00

It’s going to be a great night because Nuala will have some food for you to taste, and there will be special offers and a prize or two on offer!

It's back - Limerick Youth Got Talent

Limerick Youth Service Limerick Youth Got Talent
Proudly sponsored by Live 95FM and the Limerick Leader and Limerick Chronicle

County Auditions – Adare Village Hall
Saturday 17 April
From 10.00am

City Auditions – Limerick Youth Service
Saturday 24 April
From 10.00am

Final – LIT Millenium Theatre
Saturday 8th May
7.00pm

Substantial prizes on the night!

Mayor's Ball - Limerick Youth Service a nominated Charity

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray has been announced as the guest speaker at the 2010 Mayor’s Ball which will take place in the Limerick Strand Hotel on Friday April 30th.

Mayor Kevin Kiely has nominated two local charities, Limerick Youth Service and Milford Care Centre to benefit from the Ball which is traditionally a highlight of the Limerick social calendar.

The Mayor’s Ball has not taken place in Limerick since 2008 and Mayor Kiely is appealing for Limerick businesses to support the event.

“It’s important in these tough times to take time out and enjoy ourselves and as Mayor of Limerick, I’m delighted to be able to give a boost to two very worthwhile local charities who now more than ever need our support,” said Cllr Kiely.
“Both Milford Care Centre and Limerick Youth Service do tremendous work within our community and I am appealing to people to support this year’s Ball which also promises to be a very entertaining night. I’m particularly pleased that Senator Tim Murray will be making a special trip to Limerick to be our guest speaker,” he added.

The Mayor’s Ball will begin with a champagne reception followed by a five course gourmet dinner and dancing. Tickets are priced at €140 each or €1400 for a table of ten.

Want to be Fit for the Summer & beyond?

Then check this out; http://www.limerickyouthservice.com/index.php?id=36,448,0,0,1,0

Dail na nÓg 5th March Croke Park

This Friday, seven young people from Limerick City Youth Forum and five young people from the Limerick County Youth Forum will be travelling to Dublin to represent Limerick at the National Dail na nOg. This is the first year that the County has a Youth Forum so it will be very exciting for these young people. Both Forums are supported by Limerick Youth Service.

And in case any of you are at home this evening before 6.00pm, one of the City Youth Forum members, Kalia Dunne from Corbally, is being interviewed on The Den on RTE2. Kalia will be taking about her role and involvement in the Forum.

Good luck to Robert Graham who is taking the County group and to Damian Landy who is taking the City group to Dublin tomorrow. We hope it will be a terrific success for everyone involved

Youth clubs Variety show - pictures

Youth Work Ireland: Marketing, Communications and Advocacy Intern

As one of Ireland’s leading youth organisations Youth Work Ireland has an ambitious 5 year Strategic Plan which aims to make Ireland a society where young people are valued and involved. in order to further these actions YWI are now seeking to recruit an Intern (unpaid) in the area of Marketing, Communications and Advocacy.
See more here: http://www.activelink.ie/node/1293

Presentation Video by Do IT 4 You

3,500 Volunteers needed for the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games!

The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will take place in Limerick form the 9th – 13th June. In what will be one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events to take place in Ireland this year, 1,900 Special Olympics athletes from throughout the island of Ireland will spend 4 days in Limerick, participating in competition in 13 sports.

Special Olympics Ireland needs to recruit 3,500 volunteers to help run these Games and hopes to have all 3,500 volunteers recruited by the 1st of March. Volunteering at the Games promises to very rewarding and lots of fun! Volunteers will be involved in running every aspect of the Games and will play an important role in welcoming and assisting the 1,900 athletes, their 650 coaches and official delegates as well as over 4,000 family members and friends to Limerick.

To hear how you can play a part in this exciting event, please come along to one of our forthcoming volunteer information sessions which will take place on the following dates:


Wednesday, February 17th – 7pm, Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick

Saturday, February 20th – 10.30am & 1pm, Jean Monnet theatre, University of Limerick

Wednesday, February 24th – 19.00pm, West County Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare

Tuesday, February 23rd - 7pm, Abbeycourt Hotel, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary


All are more than welcome to attend! Further details are also available on: www.specialolympics.ie

DoIT4you Youth exchange to Italy

Twelve young people from Limerick City are off to Tortona in North Italy Friday Morning representing the Limerick Youth Service in an international programme on Youth Democracy.
Their blog www.doit4youlimerick.blogspot.com outlines all the work they have undertaken over the past few months (please have a look). They are one of 4 groups that are involved – along with a group from Ballyfermot and 2 groups from Italy (Tortona, North and Tropea, South). They have a packed week ahead of workshops and activities on themes such as ‘alternative participation’, ‘how to participate in Democracy’ and ‘Democracy / participation through IT and mobile technology’. Other activities will include an intercultural night where they will show off Limerick and Ireland, sports activities and even a Clowning workshop where they will perform their clown skills at a local carnival!

Call for young delegates

Art-Youth-Culture: FYI
A meeting of young people and policy makers
27 -29 March 2010

Are you between the ages of 15 and 23?

The Arts Council is interested in hearing your views about young people’s participation in cultural life and the arts.

Art-Youth-Culture: FYI will be held over three days in Dublin. It will involve a series of arts-based workshops and discussions, concluding with a meeting between young people, arts policy makers, and government representatives.

What can you expect from participating in this event?

Art-Youth-Culture: FYI is an opportunity to share and brainstorm ideas with other young people who have an interest in the arts. You will have a chance to explore young people’s participation in cultural life and the arts, through arts-based workshops and discussions. You are invited to share your ideas, opinions and suggestions with key policy-makers who make decisions in this area.

We hope this event will generate some fresh insights for all those taking part. The Arts Council will take account of the issues raised in developing its new strategy regarding arts provision for children and young people. Similarly, we hope that young delegates will gain information, contacts and ideas that will assist them in accessing, or initiating, arts and cultural activities for young people in their local communities.

Accommodation and transport costs for delegates coming from outside of Dublin will be covered by the event.

How can I get involved?

The Arts Council is seeking 60 young delegates (aged 15-23) to participate in Art-Youth-Culture: FYI.
If you wish to participate, please complete a Statement of Interest form, available to download from the Arts Council website: http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/areas-of-work/actions/FYI.aspx

Please note that Statement of Interest forms are available for groups and individuals. Information on which form you should complete is available on the website. Completed forms must be returned to the Arts Council by Wednesday, 24th February 2010.

You can read more about the event on the Arts Council website: http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/areas-of-work/actions/FYI.aspx.

If you are a policy-maker with a remit in the area of young people, cultural life and/or the arts, and are interested in participating in this event, please contact Mathilde Veldt at mathilde.veldt@artscouncil.ie.

Upcoming events Southside Youth space

Late Night Futsal League
In partnership with the FAI, Southside Youth Space are hosting a late night Futsal (in-door soccer) league for young people aged between 16 and 21 years. There are 8 people per team with a total of 8 teams participating. Groups are more than welcome to submit a team or put forward individuals who would be placed in teams on the night. The cost is €2 per person per night and young people from all over the city and county are welcome. If an organisation is submitting a team or encouraging a young person to participate we would ask that the organisation support that team/young person on the night. The poster and booking form is attached.

Introduction to Computers (Fetac Level 3)
In partnership with the HSI, Limerick Business School, Southside Youth Space are hosting a basic introduction to computers programme. A total of 12 young people can participate on any one course and if interest is high Southside Youth Space would be happy to facilitate further courses. The aim of this course is to expose young people to basic computer usage from typing to using the internet with a view to providing further training in areas of interest to them, for example, web design. The cost is €60 per person for twice a week over 10 weeks. If you are interested in enquiring further please do not hesitate to get in contact or to complete the Expression of Interest form attached.

Limerick’s Southside Youth Space is now open for business!

This space is for all young people, paying particular attention to young people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, social exclusion.

The aim of Southside Youth Space is to provide a location where young people can engage in a process of growth and development that will facilitate them in achieving their full potential. It aim's to support the quality and level of youth provision already in existence in Limerick’s Southside and across the City, creating a hub of youth activity for young people, volunteers and service providers.

The Partners
Southside Youth Space was made possible by a partnership between the three lead agencies, Limerick Youth Service, Limerick Regeneration Agencies and Young Persons Probation (YPP) and YPP funded agencies. It is through the funding, management and determination provided by these agencies that the Space has come into existence and is able to operate.

The Organisations
There are a number of youth focused organisations operating from the building who include:
Limerick Youth Service
Southill Outreach
Le Chéile
Limerick South Youth Justice Project (Garda Diversion)
Youth Advocacy Programme (due to move in the coming weeks)

Collaborations and partnerships are also being established with other agencies, organisations and the Southside Youth Space would welcome anyone getting in touch with a view to creating links.

The Facilities
The space is located on the Galvone Road and boasts almost 27,000 square feet, specifically aimed at young people aged between 10 and 21 years. The facilities available immediately include:

2 Indoor soccer pitches with male and female locker rooms
Dance Studio
P.C suite
Meeting room
Art room/Homework space
Relaxation Room

In the coming months the following spaces will become available:
Music Rehearsal Space
Recording Studio
3 championship sized Pool Table Space

The Youth Café is also in its final stages and as soon as it, and the other spaces, become available a notification will be sent out!

For queries on prices, availability of space and bookings see links below or Contact the reception on the details below and staff will be happy to help.

Southside Youth Space,
Unit 1, Fulflex,
Galvone Industrial Estate,
Limerick
Tel: 061 422385
Email: siovanh@limerickyouthservice.com

Car time for Limerick’s Garda Youth Diversion Projects

On Saturday 19th December 2009 at the Irishtown Youth Diversion Project in John Street 12 young men from the three Garda Youth Diversion Projects that are run by Limerick Youth Service (Ballynanty, Irishtown and St Mary’s Park) took part in wheel changing time trial competitions on Garda cars as well as racing model cars they made themselves.

The story is that there was a programme running for the previous ten weeks which have involved 12 young lads from the three Garda Youth Diversion Projects – which is unusual in itself because the young people from the three different areas wouldn’t get the opportunity to meet in a friendly and safe environment under usual circumstances. Working with tutor Peter O’Brien from Clonmel (and the Community Gardai who are involved in the three programmes and the Limerick Youth Service youth workers). Peter has put this programme together whereby he uses his time with the participants to show them how to build model race cars. While he’s doing this he spends a lot of the time going through road safety, safe driving, rules of the road etc. with the aim of improving the young lads’ attitude toward road safety and also HOPEFULLY reducing car vandalism in these areas.

Unique programmes and Projects in the North and South of Limerick

Limerick Youth Service runs three Garda Youth Diversion Projects in Limerick; Ballynanty (including the areas of Killeely and Thomondgate); Irishtown (including Garryowen and Watergate) and King’s Island (St Mary’s Park). The aim of these Projects is to deter young people from becoming involved in criminality and anti-social behaviour while engaging them in fun, educational and vocational programmes.
This year the Projects received funding from the European Social Fund to run courses for the young people in the areas in which the Project operate to design programmes to help fight unemployment and to prevent these young people losing touch with the labour market. From this grew two programmes – an Accredited IT E-Citizen Programme especially tailored for young men by Mobile IT and a Personal Development Programme for the young women.
The IT Programme began in October 2009 and the participants, aged between 14 to 18 years, took their examinations during December 2009. This January there will be an awards ceremony for those who have gained their accreditation. Their families and friends will be invited to attend. It’s going to be a big celebration because many of the young men taking part have not achieved any formal educational qualifications previously.
The Personal Development Programme also began in October 2009 and focused on the young women’s experiences and feelings around being a young person in Limerick today, what they do and how they live. With the help of psychotherapist Martin O’Sullivan, the participants channelled all their learning into a short film that was screened on Friday 18th December 2009.
A particularly unique factor of these two programmes is that the participants of both were drawn from the three different areas in which the Projects operate. This is significant because in so many cases young people from Limerick city and its immediate environs can be experience segregation among themselves – those from the north of the city not knowing or mixing with those from the Southside and so on. The programmes offered these young people from three different areas - Ballynanty, Garryowen and St Mary’s – the opportunity to work together and to get to know one another as friends and peers.
Youth Justice Worker, Tanya O’Sullivan, who worked of the Ballynanty Project says that these Programmes were beneficial on so many levels in particular the personal development of the young people involved and in challenging the stereotypes that young people had of others from different areas. It also provided the opportunity for inter-project work from the three areas which ensured that the use of the funds was maximised.
Limerick Youth Service is very grateful to the support of the Community Gardai, the Irish Youth Justice Service and the European Social Fund for all their support.

Limerick Youth Fashion Show Extravaganza at South Court Hotel!

On Saturday 28th November 2009 the youth clubs of Limerick city and county came together and put on a fashion extravaganza at the South Court Hotel in Raheen. Featuring the young people’s interpretation of styles from the ‘60’s, ‘70’s, ‘80‘s, ‘90 and the ‘noughties’ it was a virtual feast of haute couture and cutting edge design! The show provided everyone with the opportunity to showcase their unique fashion flair!
The event was supported by a capacity crowd of young people, their families and friends. The winners were for Best Dressed ‘60’s – Lydia Kenneally Rathkeale Youth Project, for Best Dressed ‘70’s – Shannon Naughton Rathkeale Youth Project, for Best Dressed in the ‘80’s Castleconnell Youth Club, for Best Dressed ‘90’s – Eimear O’Connor Rathkeale Youth Project and for Best Dressed ‘noughties’ Holly of Askeaton Youth Club. The prize for the Most Original Design with to Askeaton Youth Club for their use of recycled materials to make their costumes. The runners up for the Most Original Design were Roslyn Ryan and Robyn Merrick from Caherconlish – both of whom were dressed as Michael Jackson.
We would like to thank everyone for their participation and in particular those who supplied prizes and support including Photo Magic Castletroy, Bloomers Restaurant in Rathkeale, Giltenane’s Pharmacy Rathkeale, Castleconnell Youth Club, Bradshaw’s Pub Castleconnell, Head to Toe Hair and Beauty Salon Castleconnell, Spin City Castleconnell, Bia Bombay Castleconnell, Karma Beauty Salon Caherconlish, Gannons Pharmacy Hospital, Kathleen’s Hair Salon in Knocklong, BB’s Coffee and Muffins, girl band Sparkle who provided entertainment for the event along with the Rathkeale Hip Hop group and Paul O’Connor who performed some of his own music. DJ Declan Hughes very kindly provided the backing music for each of the eras and was MC for the event.
Limerick Youth Service supports over 40 youth clubs throughout Limerick city and county and run lots of fun, recreational and educational events throughout the year. If you would like to find out more about youth clubs in your area or if you think that your suburb or village would benefit from setting up a youth club why not contact Limerick Youth Service on 061 412444 and ask to speak to Damian Landy who will be more than happy to help you will your queries.

Ignite Change Now Conference

In the Department of Health and Children’s National Recreation Policy (2007) Youth Cafes were recognised as a key need by and for young people. The State is committed to their provision on a phased basis across the country. Limerick Youth Service runs three youth-operated, adult-mentored Youth Cafes in Limerick; Northside Youth Café at Watch House Cross, Southside Youth Café in Galvone and Lava Java’s Youth Café in Glentworth Street. While enjoying the ‘standard’ café experience - tea, coffee, company and fun in a drug and alcohol-free space, the young people who frequent these cafes also take part in numerous personal development and educational programmes.
While Youth Cafes are a relatively new concept, both nationally and internationally, Catherine Kelly, Director of Limerick Youth Service says that a Youth Café is an essential part of the youth provision network providing a relaxed meeting space for young people that is safe, friendly, inclusive, tolerant and free of set rules. Providing a place for young people of both sexes, from different cultural and social backgrounds can only serve to bring communities closer together and help young people to gain a clearer understanding of each other.
The Conference, entitled Ignite Change Now! Young people building and uniting communities, provided young people with an ideal opportunity to showcase their skills while offering interested groups the opportunity to engage in a meaningful and practical way with them. There were number of interactive workshops and discussions throughout the day with special guest Special Guest Bobby Kerr, business leader, entrepreneur and ‘Dragon’ in RTE’s Dragons Den who lead his own workshop on ‘Starting your own Business.’