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.’