Youth Services & Adolescent Support Programme

Aim of the Forum Youth Services & Adolescent Support Project

The FORUM Youth Services & Adolescent Support Project aims to develop locally based youth initiatives and programmes that improve the lives of young people in North West Connemara, particularly those who are most disadvantaged. The project believes that all young people should be valued members of society and our community. We promote a partnership approach between adults and young people and endeavor to support young people to make informed decisions on issues that impact their lives.

The Youth Services & Adolescent Support Project is a FORUM initiative in partnership with TUSLA and the Galway and Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB), under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Particular attention to the Department’s UBU Scheme of targeted youth service delivery. The aim of the project is to put in place a youth provision for young people between the ages of seven and twenty-four years of age year in North West Connemara. The Advisory Committee of the ASP is comprised of representatives of TUSLA, GRETB, FORUM, School Completion Programme and teachers.

The programme will promote a partnership approach between adults and young people and support them in making informed decisions on issues that impact their lives.

This work is carried out on an individual basis and through group work programmes. Staff aim to develop supportive and trusting relationships with participants and use a multi-disciplinary approach.

Programmes are provided on an outreach basis due to the geographical area and it’s dispersed population of young people. We will offer a platform providing advocacy and support from which the youth can access opportunities leading to improved communication skills and confidence while also building a level of resilience. Activities will be needs and interest led.

Staff will aim to develop supportive and trusting relationships with project users and in doing so will use a multi-disciplinary approach where practical and possible. All service delivery is provided on an outreach basis due to the geographical area and its dispersed population of the young people.

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes Young people engaged in the youth service will be provided with opportunities to develop in the 7 personal and social development outcomes:

• Communication skills

• Confidence and agency

• Planning and problem-solving

• Relationships

• Creativity and imagination

• Resilience and determination

• Emotional intelligence

Methodologies of working with young people  

• Programmes are delivered to the primary and post-primary schools to meet the needs of those specific children in the schools (e.g. After Schools Activity Programme, summer camps, and intergenerational programmes).

• Work is done within group settings with not only young people but also parents and other professionals.

• Initiatives are also developed regarding the needs expressed by the young people, for example through the Youth Representative Group.

• If parents or professionals have concerns regarding young people's behaviours or emotions the project can refer on to the appropriate services/programmes i.e. Clinical Physiologists, Connemara Family Support Services drugs/alcohol services, Jigsaw Galway or other services as deemed necessary.

• Tusla Meitheals for young people

• Workshops and events are held during the year to cater for the needs of young people, parents and professionals

• Gardening projects and outdoor pursuits activities for young people

• Youth Community Development Projects

• Intergenerational programmes

• Integrated programmes for young people with intellectual difficulties, disabilities or impairments

• Youth Volunteering Training for young people between the ages of 14-18 years of age

• Students work placements for secondary schools and third level colleges

• Drop in Clifden Youth Café every Friday in the town hall, Clifden

• After Schools Activity Clubs for 10-12 years old (Personal Development Programmes using the media of arts, sports and team/personal development challenges and discussions)

• Junior Activity Programmes for the 6-10 years based in schools time

• Clifden Community Schools and Carna First Year Personal development programmes

• Youth Representative Group

• Comhairle na nOg Group for North West Connemara

• 13+ Summer Camp Programme

• 7 +Summer Camps

• STEAM programmes Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths

• Technology programming Clubs and initiatives during the year

• 7+ Summer Camps

• 13+ Summer Camps

• Mental Health supports and signposting

• Youth Community Project initiatives are delivered during the year as needs arise.

Location and Target Group

Due to the dispersed nature of the population of North and West Connemara, the project will work with the young people in primary schools, post-primary schools, Youth Reach, and community centres on an individual basis. FORUM is based in North West Connemara, a region of mountain and blanket bog located on the western seaboard 60 miles North West of Galway city. It covers an area of approximately 800 square kilometres, reaching from Cleggan in the west to Recess in the east, from Maam in the north to Roundstone in the south.

For more information contact

Youth Services & Forum Adolescent Support Project
info@forumconnemara.ie
095 22175 / 095 41116