CDYS offering a wide range of online supports

THE Cloyne Diocesan Youth and Community Service (CDYS) has said it has put in place comprehensive online communication protocols to ensure its services remain operational throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

CDYS regional director Brian Williams said the service would continue its long tradition of working with vulnerable families, communities and young people across the diocese for the duration of the pandemic.

“During this difficult time we realised early on that a lot of the families and young people we work with across the region in our many centres and projects would need our help and support more so than ever,” said Mr Williams.

He said that in order to remain in contact with those in need of its services during the ongoing Cornonavirus situation CDYS has set up systems that will allow for social distancing by working remotely either on a one to one basis or in a group setting using apps such a Zoom.

“Zoom is an online video chat/communication app that offers our young people the chance to express how they are feeling and discuss how they are coping. With the help and support of our highly qualified and dedicated youth, family and community workers we are able to remotely support them,” said Mr Williams.

This week for example CDYS was able to remotely provide cookery and guitar classes, facilitate music groups and virtual youth cafés.

Through Zoom and other digital platforms CDYS has also been able to continue other initiatives including a resilience program for young people, therapy and counselling, addiction support, tutorials, on line classes a recovery program and one-to-one support interactions.

“Our mission is to offer young people, their families and communities across the diocese help and support to empower and nurture them through range of supports and services, full details of which can be found on our website at www.cdys.ie,” said Mr Williams.

“We are here to support vulnerable communities and individuals, and young people and their families during this difficult time,” he pledged.