infolink

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.

This week’s special edition features details of amazing news for young people with Limerick Comhairle na nÓg who drive for a smoke free generation has been recognised by the World Health Organization.  
  Limerick Comhairle na nÓg have been awarded a Gold Medal by the World Health Organisation in year’s World No Tobacco Day Awards.

The prestigious award is recognition of the youth council’s involvement in developing the #NotAroundUs campaign with Healthy Limerick, the HSE and Limerick City & County Council. 

As part of #NotAroundUs the young people participated in the:

• development of the campaign & shaped policy
• signalled out appropriate areas for no-smoking signage
• engaged with their peers on the effects of second hand smoking
• raised awareness of the supports or lack thereof, for those who wish to quit smoking

‘We are delighted that our hard work has been recognised by the Word Health Organisation, said Aoife Ryan, Limerick Comhairle na nÓg.

‘It was an honour to play our part in a well-run and innovated project and to win the Gold Medal is a real boost for us,’ said Aoife.

Fellow Comhairlí Zara Daly added ‘we are very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Healthy Limerick and the HSE on such a rewarding and beneficial project. This award is amazing news.’

‘As it will be the next generation that will hopefully be a smoke-free one, it was important to have the young people involved, ‘ said Zara adding ‘Healthy Limerick listened to and respected our input and suggestions on the #NotAroundUs campaign.’

With this year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day (May 31^st) ‘protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use,’ Limerick Comhairle na nÓg have certainly played their part in changing habits as part of the #NotAroundUs campaign.
  The Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD has led the tributes for Limerick Comhairle na nÓg saying ‘it is so encouraging to see young people playing such an active role in the development of the #NotAroundUs campaign.’

‘Seeing this local youth led initiative receive international recognition is something that gives us really positive news at this most challenging time,’ said Minister Harris adding, ‘you are a credit to your families, to your communities and the this county. We are going to get there, we are going to make our country tobacco free.’

Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Health & Wellbeing, Tobacco Free Ireland Programme made a virtual presentation to the youth council saying ‘I am thrilled to be able to award Limerick Comhairle na nÓg with the World Health Organisation (WHO) World No Tobacco Day Award for 2020 on behalf of the World Health Organisation.  This initiative demonstrates the power of the youth voice.’

‘Tobacco Free Ireland has a clear goal to denormalise smoking for the next generation of children which supports the overall vision of a Healthy Ireland. We know children model adult behaviour. This initiative will help ensure the children of Limerick see and experience a positive healthy environment as the norm,’ said Ms. Blake.
  The success of Limerick Comhairle na nÓg was also recognised by the Mayor of Limerick City & County Council, Cllr. Michael Sheahan (pictured above) who extended his congratulations to the young people.

‘Limerick Comhairle na nÓg has played a key role in Healthy Limerick’s #NotAroundUs campaign and on behalf of the people of Limerick I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to them,’ said Cllr. Sheahan.

‘The young people have shown great determination and leadership in developing and guiding #NotAroundUs, and deserve a lot of credit for their energy and creativity when working with the different community and statutory partners across Limerick,’ said Cllr. Sheahan.

‘Their hard work and dedication to the project has now been recognised by no other than the World Health Organisation and you can’t get higher praise than that. Well done all,’ said Cllr. Sheahan.

For those who wish to quit smoking there are a wide range of effective supports available with further information available at www.quit.ie where you can access free, professional and non-judgmental support or phone the QUIT helpline on 1800 201 203.
  East week, ‘Meet LYS’ features different groups, projects, programmes and youth spaces that are part of Limerick Youth Service with the week’s edition featuring the Comhairle na nÓg.

Limerick Comhairle na nÓg is one of thirty-one youth councils across Ireland that consists of young people (U18s) who advocate for their peers at local, national and international level. 
 
‘It is a youth council that gives young people an opportunity to voice their opinion and speak about issues that affect us,’ said Eoin Coughlan, Chairperson, Limerick Comhairle na nÓg.

‘Each year we chose a topic, research it and present our findings to local and national government,’ said Eoin.

In the past Limerick Comhairle na nÓg has addressed topics such youth homelessness, mental wellbeing, cyber wellbeing, health and the teaching of sexual education in schools.

This year Limerick Comhairle na nÓg are focusing on the theme of youth mental health & wellbeing while also participating in other initiatives such as #NotAroundUs.

For more on Comhairle na nÓg click HERE (Via YouTube).
  Gingerbread was the theme of this week’s virtual bakery class for trainees with Limerick Youth Service’s Bakery Skills Class.

The virtual classes, which are available on YouTube for trainees, have also proved very popular with the public with aspiring bakers logging on.
 
The gingerbread tutorial is the last biscuit product that the trainees need with choux pasty next on the list.

To view the tutorial click HERE (Via YouTube)
  ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services is a voluntary organisation that provides a wide range of supports to women survivors of domestic abuse and their children across Limerick.

Founded in 1974 the organisation runs the largest refuge in the country providing emergency accommodation for women and children who have to leave their homes because of domestic abuse.

It also provides a wide range of outreach services for women including: 24 hour helpline support, 1-2-1 support in relation to issues arising as a result of domestic abuse e.g. financial and housing concerns, accompaniment to court to seek legal protection and support groups. 

ADAPT also provides a range of supports for young people who are or have lived with domestic abuse and work with young people to promote healthy relationships which are based on equality, dignity and mutual respect.

 ADAPT also works with community, statutory and voluntary bodies to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to develop the capacity of groups and individuals to recognise domestic abuse and respond appropriately to the needs of women survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

It does this through a variety of programmes and activities including: production of awareness raising materials, co-ordination of public awareness campaigns, development of good practice guidelines and provision of awareness raising training.