Youth Work Ireland Galway is one of the leading youth work providers in Galway working with young people, their families and communities for over five decades. In 2019 more than 6,000 young people, aged 10 to 25 years, in Galway city and county availed of our services.
From the moment the country went into lockdown in March 2020, Youth Work Ireland Galway adapted immediately to online working. All 20 Youth Workers wanted to ensure the needs of young people were met, to maintain a routine and structure to service provision as we all dealt with the unknowns of the Public Health Emergency. Youth Workers worked remotely using online technologies and phone support. It was a challenging time for young people and their families, and the support of the Youth Workers provided continuity during the uncertain times.
Youth Work is designed to support, inspire, challenge and empower young people to reach their full potential. It is underpinned by voluntary participation, so this means young people choose to take part and young people chose to engage virtually during the Pandemic.
The work of Youth Work Ireland Galway is inclusive, non-judgemental, welcoming and open to all and perhaps most importantly enjoyable! Youth Workers engage with young people as partners to provide a safe and supportive environment and a range of services and a voluntary Board of Directors lead the local charity.
The essential work of Youth Work Ireland Galway is made possible by grant aid from the State and the EU as well as fundraising and donations and some small grants from philanthropic organisations. Galway and Roscommon and Education Training Boards coordinate and administer funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for youth work in Galway city and county.
In July 2020, the youth work funding stream from GRETB has been redesigned as UBU, Your Place Your Space. In Galway City, UBU funding supports Youth Work Ireland Galway services in the Westside Youth Project, and from our centre in Prospect Hill we provide the CAPE Youth Project and the shOUT! LGBT+ Youth Project. The UBU funded youth projects in Galway County are Tuam Youth Services, Loughrea Youth Project and East Galway Youth Services based in Ballinasloe.
For more information about Youth Work Ireland Galway, please contact our Regional Office, 41-43 Prospect Hill, Galway, H91 E4W5 Tel: 087-1209425/087-3291931
