Above: Look who has been running amok at the Community Training Centre
Infolink is a newsletter that has all the latest news from Limerick Youth Service and promotes the popular contribution of young people to our community.
Inside this week’s edition, Infolink has details of a Christmas festivities, support services and good news for young people in the southside.
The Southside Youth Space to Remain Open
In welcome news, Limerick Youth Service, with the support and assistance of Limerick City & County Council, have agreed to extend its management of The Factory Southside Youth Space for an additional three-year period.
While The Factory Southside Youth Space has been sold to a private entity, Limerick City & County Council has facilitated an arrangement for Limerick Youth Service to remain in the facility until 2024.
The Factory Southside Youth Space will continue to be an inclusive space for young people and the community with Limerick Youth Service continuing to develop youth programmes and initiatives.
Funding has been provided through the Regeneration Programme and other public funding sources to support services at The Factory Southside Youth Space.
Limerick Youth Service will continue to engage with the relevant statutory and community organisations and the Limerick City & County Council to plan and develop appropriate youth and community facilities at alternative locations.
Limerick Youth Service wishes to thank the young people, community, volunteers and staff for their support and commitment to The Factory Southside Youth Space in the years since it opened its doors in 2010.
Meet LYS
The Factory Southside Youth Space
Meet LYS’ features different groups, projects, programmes and youth spaces that are part of Limerick Youth Service with the week’s edition featuring The Factory.
The Factory Southside Youth Space is an activity space where young people, youth & community groups can spend their free time & take part in a variety of activities ranging from creative arts and sports to education & employment opportunities.
Facilities include:
- Two indoor pitches which can be used for soccer, badminton, basketball et al
- Four Handball walls and gym
- A fully equipped dance studio and audio-visual room
- Youth & community café
- Meeting rooms for training or one to ones
- Music recording studio & band rehearsal space with music equipment available to hire
The Factory is located at the Galvone Business Park with groups and clubs who wish to use this excellent facility asked to contact the team at
thefactory@limerickyouthservice.org or 061-422385.
Redemptorist Christmas Appeal
Learners with Limerick Youth Service are holding a raffle in aid of the annual
Redemptorist Christmas Appeal.
The young people, who are learners with LYS’
Catering Skills Course, aim to raise much needed funds for local families who will find this time of year challenging.
Below: Learners with their raffle prizes
Raffle tickets are available at LYS’
Community Training Centre with two super Christmas hampers part of the prizes.
The draw will take place on Tuesday, December 21
st with the winners announced via LYS social media sites.
Christmas Poster
Limerick Youth Service would like to thank the young people that took part in this year’s Christmas Poster Competition, that saw a record number of entries.
From Home Alone and Father Christmas to the Grinch and baubles, the diverse array of entries showcased the artist talent among Limerick’s young people.
After much deliberation and debate among the judging panel, the following were the winners:
Due to the quality of the entries, three additional entries were also recognised and highly praised by the judging panel:
The posters are on display at the Youth Information hub at LYS' Community Training Centre (see below).
Christmas in Rathkeale
There were Christmas celebration aplenty in Rathkeale Youth Space this past week as young people wrapped up an action-packed autumn-winter season in West Limerick.
Throughout the week, the young people made festive decorations, took part in traditional activities, sung carols, watched seasonal films and even put the finishing touches to the Christmas Tree.
‘After the stop-start year we’ve had, the past few months have been a joy and it’s great to see so many young faces at the youth space,’ said Lisa Quirke, Limerick Youth Service.
‘From bakery sessions, photography workshops, sports and trips to Ballyhass, it’s been a great few months and we’d like to thank all the young people, volunteers and staff for their support,’ said Lisa.
‘We’re looking to welcoming the young people and some new faces to Rathkeale Youth Space in the New Year,’ said Lisa who wished all the participants a very Happy Christmas.
To keep up to date with all the goings-on a LYS’ Rathkeale Youth Space, please click HERE (Via Facebook.
LYS Youth Information Service
Looking After Yourself at Christmas
Christmas can be a tough time for some people, particularly those who have lost loved ones or are feeling alone and isolated in addition to the added uncertainty and anxiety of Covid-19.
Limerick Youth Service would like to encourage people to ‘check in’ with their families and friends during the festive period and to look after your own mental wellbeing.*
If you are finding it difficult to cope during the Christmas season, please remember there are people there to support you, such as family members or friends.
If, for whatever reason you feel you cannot confide in them, support services such as Samaritans, Teenline, Childline and Text50808 are available:
- Samaritans provide emotional support to those who are lonely, distressed or feeling suicidal. They can be contacted at freephone 116 123 or at jo@samaritans.org
- TeenLine is a helpline that offers support to teenagers (13-19yrs). It is open 24 hrs a day at free phone 1800 833634
- Childline are there 24 hours a day at free phone 1800 666 666, by texting ‘TALK’ to 50101 or via a chat service that is available at www.childline.ie.
- 50808 is a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for young people. To get in touch simply free text HELLO to 50808 to start a conversation
Meanwhile, websites such as www.spunout.ie provide information and tips on how to cope with the Christmas season, with tips on budgeting, family gatherings and socialising.
*Please adhere to public health guidelines when visiting family/friends.
Above: A Day trip to the Galway Christmas Market with our Youth & Family Support Project
LYS Christmas Opening Times
Limerick Youth Service will close for the Christmas and New Year holidays on Thursday, December 23rd and reopen on Tuesday, January 4th.
Learners with LYS Community Training Centre will finish for the well-earned festive break on Wednesday, December 22nd and return to class on Thursday, January 6th.
Respective projects and youth groups will reopen at later dates with young people and parents asked to check LYS’ Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.
Above: Graham Quantrell, Advocate with LYS' Community Training Cenre, manning the info stand at the Parkway Shopping Centre
Over to You
