Youth Work Ireland Meath: LGBTI+ Service Expansion & Updates
LGBTI+ service expands to Laytown/Bettystown
We have seen a dramatic increase in the numbers of young people looking to avail of our LGBTI+ service during 2021. As a result, we have added a new group for LGBTI+ teens in the Laytown Bettystown area. The group is a safe space for young LGBTI+ members to discuss relevant issues, have fun and completely be themselves.
Where: East Coast FRC
When: Every Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm
This project is part funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund Through Meath County Council and in partnership with East Coast Family Resource Centre.
Our Navan service has also seen growth and the establishment of our new LGBTI+ Friday After Dark Group. FAD is a group for over 18’s to address issues and topics of importance to them within a peer support framework. The group is supported through the DECDIY UBU – Your Place, Your Space scheme.
The growth of our LGBTI+ service highlights the need to secure core funding to support the development of a dedicated LGBTI+ Youth Service in Co. Meath. We will continue to advocate on behalf of our LGBTI+ young people to ensure their voices and needs are heard.
Sustainable Fashion Workshops
Our second Sustainable Fashion workshop took place in November. Young people learned about the impact of fashion and the importance of sustainability by upcycling and bringing new life to items they have already. It was a great session and lively conversation with talented and engaging young people.
These workshops are made possible through Youth Work Ireland and the DCEDIY Youth Climate Justice Fund.
New Youth Worker
In late October, Youth Work Ireland Meath welcomed youth worker, Conor Gartland. Conor has a wealth of knowledge from working with young people over the past ten years. Conor studied Community and Youth Work in NUI Maynooth and is looking forward to working with the team on the huge projects at the moment and starting in the new year.
Meath Comhairle na nÓg says Thank You
Another term has passed as Meath Comhairle na nÓg celebrated their 2021 AGM, but with every new beginning we need to say goodbye to members who have served so well. At the first meeting of the new members, we celebrated the achievements of those who had completed their two year term, once all the inside jokes and stories had been delivered, the graduating group passed on some very wise words to their successors and wished them the best of luck carrying on the legacy.
Meath Comhairle na nÓg is funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and supported by Meath County Council.
The Lightbulb Club Update
The Lightbulb Club have been busy getting acquainted with our new Creative Digital Media kit. Focusing on creating their own digital content from putting ideas to paper and creating storyboards, along with characters and dialogue, this group are near completion of their project and upon final editing by the group the short video will debut on Youth Work Ireland Meath Facebook page. So keep an eye out for that. We are in awe of the skills the club members possess, in particular Jessica and Katie. Creative Power!
he Lightbulb Club were busy in September, responding to the Gaisce challenge. The President of Ireland wanted everyone in Ireland to plant pollinator-friendly bulbs for the bees to have food in the new year. Lightbulb Club members stepped up and got busy planting and even brought potted bulbs home to care for where they can see the fruits of their labour. In addition the club also received a prize which included a signed copy of Eanna Ni Lamhna’s new book, Our Wild World.
Stand Up Week In Beaufort College
Stand Up week was celebrated by secondary school students across the country to show support for the LGBTI+ communities in our schools. As part of Stand Up week, the Youth Work Ireland Meath team delivered 7 workshops to 130 students in Beaufort College Navan. Over 2 days students explored the power their words have to hurt, support or heal and how important it is to be a supportive person as well as identifying adults who are supportive of them. Thank you to Mary Duff and Marie Russell for inviting our team to your wonderful school.
The Team
Our Youth Workers are available during these testing times. Drop them a message and they will get back to you as soon as they are available.
Geraldine 087 2306821
Peter 087 0683119
Lisa 087 0906062
Conor 087 7012007
