Youth Work Ireland Laois Launches Major New Youth Service in Rural Laois with UBU Funding

Youth Work Ireland Laois (YWI Laois) today announced the launch of a significant expansion of its services, following the submission of its application for the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme from the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). This new initiative will bring essential, targeted youth work to the communities of Mountmellick, Mountrath, and Rathdowney.

The new service is designed to address the challenges faced by young people in these areas, including educational disadvantage, limited emotional resilience, anti-social behaviour, and mental health concerns.

A Multi-Faceted, Youth-Centred Approach YWI Laois will deliver a comprehensive, multi-level service model over 12 months.

● Targeted Engagement: The service aims to engage a total of 91 young people, aged 10-17, across the three locations, with a priority focus on the 10-14 age group.

● Locations and Delivery:

○ Mountmellick, Mountrath, Rathdowney:

● Service Model: Delivery will be achieved through a layered approach:

○ Outreach/Detached Youth Work: This approach will "meet young people where they are" to build trust with harder-to-reach groups.

○ Centre-Based Programmes: Offering youth-centred groups, activities, and one-to-one support in safe, inclusive, developmental spaces.

○ Integrated Service Model: Connecting participants with YWI Laois's wider programmes and events to build confidence, skills, and resilience.

Clive Davis, CEO of Youth Work Ireland Laois, stated, "Our proposal is grounded in over twenty years of experience delivering youth services in Laois. This funding is vital for delivering high-quality, inclusive services that respond directly to the needs of young people in Mountmellick, Mountrath, and Rathdowney. We are committed to empowering these young people to be the creators of their own futures." We look forward to working with the communities and orgainastions in Mountmellick, Mountrath and Rathdowney to build on the amazing work already being delivered.

About Youth Work Ireland Laois Youth Work Ireland Laois (Laois Youth Services CLG) was formally established in 2002 and is the main youth organisation in County Laois, providing integrated, inclusive, and accessible services to young people aged 10 to 24.