‘We need to keep young people engaged’
Youth services in Wexford are adapting how they work in an effort to continue providing support to young people and vulnerable commitities, during the health crisis, according to the chief executive of the FDYS (Ferns Diocesan Youth Service). ‘Marginalised communities, and rurally isolated young people are being provided with an uninterrupted service where possible. We need to keep young people engaged’, said Kieran Donohoe.
‘At these challenging times, society is clubbing together to respond to calls for action in relation to the evolving Covid-19 crisis and youth teams across County Wexford have been coming up with creative and innovative ways of adapting FDYS youth work.’
‘While respecting all government public health guidelines, our services are changing to meet the new situation we find ourselves in . The FDYS commitment to service does not change, but the way we do this work is changing’, he said.
The organisation is asking young people to stay in touch, with details of youth group services throughout the county available on fdys.ie.
‘In these are uncertain times care must be taken of the health of our mind, body and spirit. Youth workers are available by phone and on various social network platforms so that their valuable relationships with young people can be maintained.’, said the youth service chief.
The CEO said its funders - the Department of Community and Youth Affairs and Wexford Waterford Education and Training Board - have confirmed that funding will continue to be provided to ensure that critical supports are available.
Youth groups are continuing to operate but they are switching to online platforms for the immediate future.
Youth workers are also going out into the community, using safe practices, to deliver important Covid-19 messages and to assure young people that things will eventually return to normal, he said.
Front line work supporting vulnerable people in the Roma community, the Travelling community and those with substance misuse issues is continuing uninterrupted. ‘Together with our partners in the HSE, these services continue to be available free of charge.’
From this week, the Youth Information service of the FDYS is launching a number of information platforms to deliver clear and concise information that can be relied upon.
An online chat service is also being planned so that young people can address fears and concerns.
Volunteers in youth clubs in rural areas of the county, in particular, are being asked to encourage young people to stay connected and to participate in a range of competitions, games and puzzles also being launched.
Tusla and Youth Work Ireland have also confirmed that funding for vital supports will continue, so that young people feel supported and respected.