DONEGAL YOUTH SERVICE
OUR SERVICE TO YOUTH
Organisational Overview
November 2009
Contents
Values and Ethos of Donegal Youth Service
Evaluation methods and Performance Indicators
Partnerships created with Donegal Youth Service
Some statistics on Club Units
Donegal Youth Service is a Company Limited by Guarantee. It is led by a Chairperson and a Board of 13 Directors, most of whom work directly with young people across the county. Donegal Youth Service is managed on a daily basis by a Regional Director and supported by 10 core staff and part time or fixed term funded staff..
Donegal Youth Service Board of Directors
- Chairperson Brid Foley
- Vice Chairperson Niall Sheridan
- Secretary Kieran Maguire
- Treasurer John Bowe
- Gerard Doherty
- Marina Carlin
- Stephen Mc Namee
- Paul Kernan
- Gerry Davenport
- Una Black
- May Bowcott
- Tracy Peoples
Donegal Youth Service Staff
Lorraine Thompson
Charlene Logue
Nellie Hannon
Lee Stephenson
Marina Porter
Gareth Gibson
Frankie Mc Greevy
Marty Keeney
Orla O Reilly
Sharon Mc Laughlin
Sheena Boyle
Values and Ethos of the Donegal Youth Service
Mission Statement
"Donegal Youth Service aims to offer young people in Donegal an opportunity to develop holistically through informal education processes in a safe and equitable environment."
The mission statement of the Donegal Youth Service outlines in a succinct way the values that motivate both staff and volunteers to work with and for young people all over the county. As a youth service we are committed to the development of young people and the support of volunteers. We believe that youth work is the remit of voluntary agencies but effective partnership between statuary and voluntary agencies can produce effective youth work.
The Youth Work Act 2000 defines youth work as:
‘'.. A planned programme of education designed for the purpose of aiding and enhancing the personal and social development of young persons through their voluntary participation, and which is complementary to their formal, academic or vocational education and training and, provided primarily by voluntary youth work organisations''
§ To this end we aim to work in a participative way that respects the individual and builds up the social and personal skills of all young people so they can develop their full potential.
§ We realise that youth work, with its own discipline and body of knowledge, is an important part of a greater educational process
§ We believe youth work to be a means to an end not the end in itself. Therefore, we will engage in various methods and approaches to ensure the personal and social development of young people.
§ Young people participate in a voluntary capacity in youth work and create programmes and activities with volunteers and staff that best suit their needs.
§ Young people have rights as citizens and we support through structures that are open and fair that their opinions and views need to be taken into consideration in matters that affect them.
§ We are committed to the support of locally based volunteers who engage with young people and we will work in partnership with them to provide them with the skills and resources to do their work.
Evaluation methods and Performance Indicators
While each youth/club/project operates to meet the needs of its members, it is important that each consistently evaluates its work to challenge its effectiveness and to make changes accordingly. The Donegal Youth Services, as the organisation responsible for its affiliated youth groups, must do likewise in order to remain relevant to its members. To this end we are committed to evaluating our services in the timescale of this plan and to respond and adjust to the challenges set by such an evaluation.
We are hopeful that the objective criteria laid down by the National Youth Work Advisory Committee within the National Youth Work Development Plan 2002 - 2006 for the evaluation of youth work will be the cornerstone upon which all future youth work in the country will be evaluated.
Within Donegal Youth Service we will continue to internally monitor and evaluate our services and programmes and by providing structures for voluntary leaders and young people alike we will continue to have a positive impact.
Service Charter for Young people
1 That they will be able to meet in a safe, appealing and attractive environment based on an appropriate ratio of volunteers and staff to young people;
2 That there will be an appropriate gender balance of volunteers and staff in mixed groups;
3 To know that their voice will be heard and listened to so as to ensure their participation in programme design, delivery and evaluation within the organisation;
4 To be informed of their rights/entitlements and be supported in arriving at decisions regarding their personal circumstances and future choices;
5 To be afforded all of the protections possible in respect of their personal space, dignity, rights and sexuality;
6 To receive an acknowledgement that all young people are not the same and that different experiences shape their lives, consequently, programmes will be designed to meet real needs;
7 To access new opportunities and challenges which will be created and presented in consultation with young people, and a "safety net" provided where risk taking is encouraged so that individuals may learn from their experience.
8 To be encouraged to involve themselves with others in determining and agreeing the boundaries, ground rules and outcomes of the services within which they participate.
Service Charter For Volunteers And Staff
1 A Clear statement of roles and responsibilities based on agreed contracts and job descriptions with personal specifications outlining specific time commitments, quality, skills, attitudes and knowledge required for each category of responsibility.
2 A professionally implemented recruitment and selection procedure, supported by an informative induction programme and ongoing training/development opportunities with accreditation.
3 A positive working environment based on an equal opportunities policy.
4 A consultative forum so that staff and volunteers can influence decision making in the way the organisation structures itself and delivers service for and, on behalf of young people within a community setting.
5 Access to organisational property and materials necessary to fulfil the various volunteers duties accorded to the contracted role and responsibilities, at any given time, with due regard to out of pocket expenses and agreed financial remuneration for the staff responsibilities involved.
6 The organisation's commitment to the development of educational resources and creative methodologies by which the work with and for young people can be undertaken.
7 Clear procedures and systems for recording and analysing the work which will be professionally carried out and reviewed by management in consultation with volunteers and staff.
8 Time being committed to allow for review and planning of existing services, the identification of new services and the management support to re-allocate resources where needs arise.
9 Systems for support and supervision, as well as a performance appraisal mechanism would be in place, implemented regularly and followed through consistently to develop volunteers and staff in their respective roles, in order to problem solve and deal with grievances in a fair and just manner.
10 Employer's and public liability insurance cover which is subject to regular review with the protection of participants, volunteers and staff to the forefront of management decisions in addition to the organisation's potential liabilities
11 The organisation's commitment to recognise volunteers contribution in order to highlight and reward their service.
Our Service to Youth - Current Progress
Donegal Youth Service - Member Service of Youth Work Ireland
Youth Work Ireland, the new name for the National Youth Federation, marks a fresh departure in the provision of voluntary youth services in Ireland. The change symbolises a response by Ireland's largest youth work organisation to the challenges of a changing environment. Youth Work Ireland will build on a long tradition of providing quality services to young people and youth workers.
While continuing to be a Federation of 22 local youth services Youth Work Ireland represents the collective strength at national and local level of over 500 Youth Clubs and Groups, 40 Youth Information Centres and Outlets and 100 Youth Projects.
Donegal Youth Service-Youth Outreach Project
The Youth Outreach Project caters for young people and adult volunteers affiliated to Donegal Youth Service in the county of Donegal. We have a membership of over 4,500 young people and over 700 adult volunteers. There are CE youth support assistants located in some of our youth units as well as project workers who work in partnership with the Youth Outreach Project worker. Currently there are 34 youth units spread across the county of Donegal and because of the large geographical spread of the units it has been necessary to cluster units together to enable the work of the Youth Outreach Project to be delivered. The main focus of the work takes place in the local youth units and is based around a programme of events, activities, sports, creative arts, training (accredited and non-accredited) & funding applications, support, advice & information. Units affiliated to Donegal Youth Service are covered by the Youth Work Ireland group insurance programme to enable youth units to carry out their work on a day-to-day basis. Various initiatives such as the Rural Youth Project (Border Action) enable further more focused and targeted youth work to occur. The Youth Outreach project is funded by the Department of Education & Science under the Special Projects for Youth Section and is carried out by 1x Senior Youth Worker and 1 x full time Youth Outreach Worker.
Both young people and adult volunteers are also eligible for nomination to the Volunteer Achievement Awards, which is held annually and is a nationally recognised award. To date, Donegal has been successful during 2004, 2005 and 2006, with various members of local youth units, young people and adult volunteers receiving National Volunteer Achievement Awards.
The National Games Programme includes youth club favourites such as 5-a-side soccer, table tennis, chess, draughts, unihoc, quiz, debate, volleyball and basketball & hip hop competitions from county level to National level, while the National Variety Show Programme has events including solo/group singing, solo/group instrumental, comedy/drama, spotlight, creative/show dance and Duas na Gaelige with competition starting at county level right through to National level.
Daybreak Programme
Daybreak is an interventionist programme, which encourages the release of positive development within each of its participants by offering educational support to early or potential early school leavers and those who are occasional attendees aged 12 -15 yrs.
The programme also offers support to those who need assistance with coping or social skills.
Daybreak was set up as a direct response to the needs of the young people who were using the facilities of the Donegal Youth Service.
Participants enter the programme through a system of referral and join the programme voluntarily. Participants attend the programme either one (if still in school system) or two days per week. The restriction of numbers to a maximum of four young people per day allows the programme to be tailored to the needs of each individual participant.
The programme is holistic in its approach to the care of its participants, focusing on the development of each individual person as a whole. We address the issues affecting each participant, such as educational issues, drug and/ or alcohol abuse, anti- social behaviour, low self-esteem or problems in the family or home. Participants are involved in following the mainstream curriculum, literacy, numeric support (if needed), computer skills, cookery, budgeting, arts & crafts, issue based group work and educational/sporting trips, and summer programme.
Participants return to or remain in mainstream education or proceed to further training and/or employment.
Youth Information Centre
The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre has been in existence since 1998 and has gone from strength to strength. The service has three full-time staff, a Co-ordinator, a Development officer, and an Information Officer. The Youth Information Centre works with young people to enable them to access information and advice in a youth friendly safe arena.
The centre caters for young people aged 12 to 25, parents and those who work with young people, for example teachers and youth workers, it currently caters for on average 2000 young people per month. The centre operates under the National Youth Information guidelines and offers a unique approach to youth information in that the information team strive to animate the information through courses and innovative projects. The service operates a state of the art drop-in centre (in partnership with the LOFT LK) and a rich and varied outreach programme. Recent achievements include Peer Mentoring Training, Student Council Training, Party in the Park, International Exchanges, Intercultural Projects and school information workshops.
FAS Donegal Youth Service Community Employment Project
The FAS CE project employs 15 participants and offers them the chance to improve their skills through work experience and training to assist them in finding employment. Progression into employment or education has averaged 33% over the past 5 years.
This initiative allows us to place youth support workers in various youth clubs/projects affiliated to us throughout the county. Their work supports the work of local volunteers and has improved the provision of services and support to young people through sports, homework clubs, drop-in/information centres in different towns and villages. The participants assist with summer programmes, County Games and Variety Finals. Some of the participants work in the Donegal youth Service offices supplying essential administration and information to these youth clubs/projects, assisting in the youth information centre or working face to face with young people in the ‘daybreak' programme.
Participants undertake various Accredited and Certificated Training programmes including: Youth Leader Training, Child Protection Training, First Aid, Accounts Diploma, Computer courses, Childcare, TEFL and counselling courses.
Loft LK
Learning Opportunities for Teens Letterkenny
The LOFT LK Health Advice Project
The LOFT LK-Learning Outcomes for Teens Letterkenny, is a partnership between Foroige the National Voluntary Youth Organisation and Donegal Youth Service. The Health Services Executive provides financial support, consultancy and in-service training to the Project. This project which was established in November 2005, is a unique partnership in that it brings together the expertise of all three organizations
The project provides a range of activities and developmental programmes for young people aged 12-18, including those at risk of and those experiencing difficulties in their lives which will enable them to involve themselves in personal and community development. It also provides young people with a health advice and information service. Achievements to take have included accredited Personal Development and Peer Leadership Training, anger management courses, Dance and Photography courses as well as a very dynamic summer programme.
Accredited Training Programmes
Donegal Youth Service are an approved centre for the National Open College Network. We have 6 accredited programmes for young people, Personal Development for Young Adults, Peer Leadership Training and Peer Education Training, Drug and Alcohol awareness, Sexual Health Health Awareness and Cultural Diversity. We have one course for adult volunteers entitled Youth Leadership training. We are continuing to roll these courses out countywide trough our projects.
Teen Between
A support service for the adolescent children of separated parents.
Teen Between is a service specifically geared to help young people from 12-21 to cope with their parent's separation. The initial session gives the young person an opportunity to see whether Teen Between is really for them or not. Subsequent sessions take place on a weekly basis and last up to an hour.
Donegal Youth Service currently has 7 trained Teen Between workers
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3.0 Mission Statement
"Donegal Youth Service aims to offer young people in Donegal an opportunity to develop holistically through informal education processes in a safe and equitable environment."
4.0 Guiding Principles underlining Donegal Youth Service
4.1 Donegal Youth Service believes that young people and their identified needs are central to the work that we do.
4.2 Donegal Youth Service believes that the safety of children and young people is paramount.
4.3 Donegal Youth Service believes young people have the right to be treated with respect.
4.4 Donegal Youth Service believes that all young people have the right to participate in youth work programmes.
4.5 Donegal Youth Service believes in young people's right to consultation and active participation in planning, implementing and reviewing services affected by them.
4.6 Donegal Youth Service believes that young people have the right to access information, support and services. Access to information is subject to guidance from law and Donegal Youth Service Policies.
4.7 Donegal Youth Service recognises discrimination exists in society and is working towards providing equity and equality of opportunity for all.
4.8 Donegal Youth Service recognises the importance of developing supportive relationships between adults and young people.
5.1 Aim 1: To actively target and meet the needs of all young people especially those at risk or experiencing disadvantage.
Objective 1: To foster positive relationships between adults and young people in a youth work context.
Objective 2: Identify the needs of young people and their leaders through regular
review and consultation;
Objective 3: Engage young people through creative and innovative programmes that will enhance their life skills;
Objective 4: Identify and provide relevant accredited and non-accredited
training opportunities;
Objective 5: Create time and space for planning and ideas development;
5.2 Aim 2: To promote and celebrate the positive contribution of young
people, volunteers and youth work in shaping their communities
Objective 1: To organise events and activities that celebrate volunteerism among
young people and adults.
Objective 2: Provide opportunities for young people to be recognised as active and valuable citizens in their community;
Objective 3: To develop a media strategy that will promote the work of DYS;
5.3 Aim 3: To support the work of young people, staff and volunteers within
the service.
Objective 1: Review and restructure consultation processes within Donegal Youth
Service;
Objective 2: To provide clear criteria for membership of DYS;
Objective 3: Provide a back up service that supports and promotes the work of local
youth clubs / projects and young people;
Objective 4: Consolidate and develop the work of the Donegal Youth Service Community Employment Project in the local community;
Objective 5: Develop an overall strategic training plan;
5.4 Aim 4: To develop and implement best practice in the delivery of quality
youth services.
Objective 1: To develop and implement appropriate policies:
Objective 2: To work towards and implement child protection procedures in accordance with legislation and best practice:
Objective 3: To develop partnerships that promotes the welfare of young people:
Objective 4: To work towards and achieve nationally recognised quality marks:
Objective 5: To work towards the development of a national youth work
Curriculum in partnership with NYF/Youthwork Ireland:
5.5 Aim 5: To enable young people to participate in decision making
processes.
Objective 1: To work with young people in order to enable them to participate in
decision making:
Objective 2: To complete and implement a strategy for young peoples' involvement
in decision making processes within Donegal Youth Service:
5.6 Aim 6: To promote youth work as a recognised, professional discipline.
Objective 1: To work towards the provision of recognised/accredited youth work
courses at all levels in the North West of Ireland.
Objective 2: To provide a range of accredited and non-accredited training
programmes at county level.
Objective 3: To work through the NYF and other national youth agencies to gain
recognition for Youth Work as a profession.
5.7 Aim 7: To secure adequate resources to effectively deliver the work of
Donegal Youth Service.
Objective 1: To sustain and enhance existing levels of mainstream funding:
Objective 2: To keep up to date with relevant funding opportunities:
Objective 3: To work with statutory agencies to source and secure funding:
Objective 4: To work towards mainstreaming current short-term funded projects:
Objective 5: To consolidate existing departments in DYS to ensure optimum
efficiency:
Objective 6: To provide information on funding opportunities to all affiliates:
Objective 7: To strategically pursue funding opportunities that help to meet the
identified needs of the organisation:
Core staff are funded from the Department of Education & Science under 3 main categories on an annual basis: Member Service Grant - (1 staff) Special Projects for Youth Disadvantage Grant (4 staff) & the Youth Information Grant (3 staff).
Staff have secured funding for fixed term contracts and include: LOFT LK (2 full time, 2 part time staff) FAS CE scheme (15 CE staff) across the county).
In addition, staff have also secured funding from various other funders to ensure delivery of quality services and training for both young people and the adult volunteers that support them, for example the PeaceI,Peace II and Peace II Extension and currently Peace III, Irish Youth Foundation, Internation Fund for Ireland and Leargas.
List of affiliated Youth clubs and Youth Projects
John Paul Youth Club
Castlefinn Youth Club
Raphoe Reachout Project Raphoe Youth & Community
Lifford Clonleigh Youth Project
Forrestors Youth Club
St Johnston / Carrigans Youth Project
Doneyloop Youth Club
Tionscnamh Oige An Phobail
Club Oige Chriost Ri
Creeslough Youth Club
Willow Cottage Youth Club
Arranmore Youth Club
Glengad Youth Club
Buncrana Youth Club
Aileach Youth & Community Centre
Muff Youth Club
Greencastle & Shrove Youth Club
Cockhill Youth Club
Carndonagh Youth Club
Malin Head Youth Club
Drumfries Youth Club
St Bridgits Youth Club
Bocan Youth Club
Moville youth Club
Fanad Youth Club
Ramelton Community Youth Project
Milford Community Youth Project
Kerrykeel Youth Club
Club Oige Cholmcille An Tearmenn
Letterkenny Youth and Family Service
Glenswilly Youth Club
Kilmacrennan Youth Club
Letterkenny CDP Youth Club
| Attachment | Size |
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| DYS Development Plan Our Service to Youth.pdf | 84.77 KB |
