Youth Service

Statement Of Purpose:
"To support and encourage young people to maximise their potential in their personal and social development"

The Board's Youth Service goals are:

• to assist young people to optimise their potential as responsible individuals and socially-included citizens
• to promote the welfare of young people ensuring, where possible, their protection, their safety and their rights
• to pay particular regard to the needs of young people (5 - 25) but especially during the their transition from childhood to adolescence
• to view young people in a community context and, so doing, to support, collaborate with and partner significant others and agencies in co-ordinating and delivering youth work initiatives
• to provide services of the highest standard, reflecting integrity, value for money, performance, evaluation and creativity
• as the statutory agency charged with ensuring youth work provision in the area,
• to provide clear vision, leadership and strategic thinking in Youth Service development
• to value all staff by developing their competences, treating them equitably and encouraging teamwork and openness in communication

The Youth Service provides support to schools, youth clubs, uniformed organisations and youth centres in the provision of Curriculum programme areas dealing with Personal, Recreational, Community and Environmental issues.

Through involvement in Youth Service activities, young people benefit greatly. Not only are friendships cemented and forged but there are real opportunities to develop socially, morally, physically and intellectually through participation in challenging, dynamic and stimulating programmes.

Just as the programmes vary so do the locations where young people meet. Young people can be engaged on the streets, in community centres, youth centres, schools, church halls, on boats, mountains or even underground.

Some of the activities available are listed below:

We receive many enquiries from young people who want details of youth clubs and organisations in their area. Many adults seek voluntary opportunities in youth work while parents or community groups seek advice about the assistance available to help them establish or operate youth facilities.

Please contact the Area Youth Officer nearest to you or you can contact us directly at Headquarters.

It maintains residential facilities at:

Gortatole Outdoor Education Centre, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh; and Corick Outdoor Education Centre, near Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone.

The service is increasingly interested in establishing links with youth groups in other countries, particularly in mainland Europe.