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A weekly update of what's going on at Limerick Youth Service

infolink

Above: Mia-Rose Lillis, Rathkeale Junior Club, enjoying the The Three Muses Activity Pack

Welcome to Infolink, Limerick Youth Service’s newsletter/e-zine that promotes the positive contribution of young people to our communities and keeps you up to date with the latest news from one of Ireland’s leading youth organisations.

Inside this week’s edition Infolink has details a Mental Health Awareness Month, activity packs and a superb virual youth camp but we start with a message from the Minister of Children & Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone.
 
A Message for Ireland's Young People
‘I have been so incredibly impressed by the patience, kindness and bravery of you all, in these very difficult times.  Things are so strange right now I know, and I guess that at times you may have been a bit scared, a bit bored, a bit frustrated. But I draw inspiration from the many stories I hear, from all around the country, of the efforts and attitude of our youngest. 
 
'I would encourage you to make contact with your local youth services at this time'

Whether it is helping grandparents get the knack of a smart phone so they can keep in touch with family; helping out at home and assisting busy parents; sending messages of support to our essential workers via social media; or respecting social distancing rules whilst trying to study or just hang out online with friends.  The list is endless.  And endlessly inspiring.

I want to also pay tribute to those of you who may be feeling isolated or vulnerable at this time.  I want you to know you are not alone.  Your school may be closed; your sports or youth club may not be running as normal right now; your grandparents may not be able to hug you; but we are all finding ways of doing things differently and supports are out there.
 

Above: Minister Katherine Zappone pictured with former trainee Roxanne Szabo, on a previous visit to LYS 

There are a range of important supports out there and I want to encourage young people to avail of them.  Stay connected - you are not alone. 
 
'We have never needed you to step up so much, and you have never made us so proud.’

In my time as Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, I have always been proud of the many inspiring examples of Irish young people as creators, innovators and leaders in their own right.

Remember that, while our physical world might have shrunk, our imaginations are limitless so please keep creating, innovating and connecting to one another and to your communities.

Please also keep looking to the future.  You are the future and your energy, commitment and passion on issues such as climate change and social justice is what inspires all of us to strive for a better world.

Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone
 
Virtual Camp a Big Hit
Twenty young people took part in an exciting two day virtual youth camp with Limerick Youth Service last week that proved extremely popular.

Led by the team at Garryowen Youth Together Project, the virtual camp was hosted on Zoom with the young people enjoying workshops that included art, baking, cyber safety, mindfulness and sports.

‘It was excellent and the feedback from the young people and their parents has been overwhelming positive,’ said LYS’ Gillian Boland as she spoke with Infolink this past week.

‘They loved spending time with their friends and they really enjoyed the virtual camp,’ said Gillian adding with a smile ‘they were certainly full of energy!
 

Above: All Set for the Virtual Camp

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic a lot of LYS youth clubs/groups have moved to the online world as the youth organisation uses digital youth work and virtual classrooms to engage with young people.

It was the Garryowen teams first time holding such a large youth work camp on Zoom but they took to it like a cyber duck to virtual water!

‘We didn’t know what to expect at the start but the young people were very patient with us and after a few little hiccups we were in full swing,’ laughed Gillian who is looking forward to running another virtual camp in the future.

Gillian thanked young people, their families and her colleagues at LYS and Garryowen Community Development Project for their support.
 
DIY Make-Up Popular in King’s Island
Make-up challenges, creative hairstyles, exploring your house and getting to know each other, are among the many activities and programmes run by the team at Nicholas St Youth Space recently.

The team have been engaging with young people across the King’s Island, Lee Estate and neighbouring communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘We’re checking in with young people and their families via phone and, where possible, using online sites such as Zoom and some social media sites,’ said Michelle Manning, Limerick Youth Service.

The crazy hair and make-up challenge has proved very popular with Michelle explaining ‘it was a great way to get young people comfortable with the Zoom platform.’
 
Below: Trend Setters in Nicholas St Youth Space 

‘As it was our first time using Zoom it was a light-hearted way for all of us to get used to the platform and have a laugh,’ said Michelle, youth justice worker.

While taking part in the games and challenges the team are also giving the young people a space to share their experiences of Covid-19 and the current situation.

Anxiety, boredom, frustration, loneliness and worry are some of the many feelings that young people are experiencing while they are also missing friends.

‘Some of them are very disappointed at missing the confirmation and siblings communions but they are trying to remain positive and supportive of each other,’ said Michelle who praised the young people for taking part in the workshops.

The Nicholas St Youth Space team consists of staff with King’s Island Youth Work Project and the King’s Island hub of LYS Garda Youth Diversion Project.

For more on Nicholas St Youth Space please click HERE
 
 Find Your Pathway with Ability   
Limerick Youth Service is seeking expressions of interest from young people with disabilities who would like to take part in our Ability Programme.

The Ability Programme supports young people (15-24yrs) with disabilities to access education and training opportunities and/or enter employment while it also helps them to develop personally and socially while encouraging them to get involved with community life. 
 

Above: Members taking part in an art workshop with the Ability Programme 

Young people with disabilities such as a mental health condition, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, a hidden and/or learning disability can access the Ability Programme.

The young person will be supported by a Youth Mentor to develop the confidence and skills required to participate/transition through education and employment.

Young people and parents/guardians who would like to know more about the Ability Programme are invited to contact the team at ability@limerickyouthservice.org.

The Ability Programme is open to young people who live in the Limerick City Metropolitan Area or Surrounds and is located at LYS’ Community Training Centre, Lr. Glentworth St, Limerick.

For more on LYS’ Ability Programme please click HERE
 
LYS Goes Green for Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and for the past eight years it has been part of the Green Ribbon Campaign, a major initiative in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. 

Unfortunately, this year’s Green Ribbon Campaign has been altered due to the Covid-19 pandemic but despite these restrictions the campaign will continue online and in homes across the country.

Throughout the month young people, staff and volunteers with Limerick Youth Service will be creating their own green ribbons, participating in a number of activities and sharing their experiences of maintaining a positive mental attitude during this trying time.
 
LYS Youth Information Service
Green Ribbon Campaign Month
Organised by See Change, the Green Ribbon Campaign encourages people to talk openly about their mental health & wellbeing.

The Green Ribbon is the international symbol of Mental Health with See Change aiming to promote an open conversation around mental health and challenge the stigma sometimes associated with it.

The Green Ribbon campaign states that ‘you don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health or have all the answers.’

Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know you are there for them and simply listen.  Here are a few helpful tips
  • Talk, but listen too: Simply being there will mean a lot.
  • Take your lead from the person: As a first step, ask them how best you can help.
  • Avoid the clichés: Phrases like ‘Cheer up’, ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’ and ‘Pull yourself together’ definitely won’t help - Being open minded, non-judgemental and listening will.
  • Keep in touch: There are lots of small ways of showing support - Send a text or just ask someone how they are doing.
  • Don’t just talk about mental health: Be yourself, chat about everyday things as well.
For more on the Green Ribbon & See Change please click HERE
 
Meet LYS
Be Well Youth Mental Health Service
East week, ‘Meet LYS’ features different groups, projects, programmes and youth spaces that are part of Limerick Youth Service with this week’s feature, the Be Well team.

The Be Well Youth Mental Health Service provides counselling to young people and supports youth groups in the promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing.

The Be Well team provides guidance to parents, volunteers and those who work with young people on how to support a young person who is going through a tough time.
 

Above: Members of LYS Youth Advisory Panel pictured with RTE's Lorcan Murray 

Losing a loved one, low self-esteem, alcohol misuse, peer pressure, challenges at school, employment or relationships, are just some of the many issues that the Be Well Team can help you with.

Support is provided as needed, either with a counsellor or youth mental health worker or via ‘follow up’ with some of LYS’ youth groups/projects.

The team consists of two psychotherapists/councillors and a youth mental health worker with a Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) offering their support and input.

The Youth Advisory Panel have been to the fore in leading a change in mindset around youth mental health and were awarded an Investing in Children Award in 2019. 

For more on our Be Well team please click HERE
 
Over to You
Please send your views to LYS’ Youth Information team at yib@limerickyouthservice.org or call 061-412444/083-1726898.

Times & dates subject to change.  Limerick Youth Service is not responsible for content of external sites
 
 Below: LYS staff enjoy a virtual coffee break as part of National Wellbeing in the Workplace Day 
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