DYS Covid-19/Coronavirus Information and Resources

We have put together some key information and resources here to help you get through the Covid-19 Pandemic. Remember it won’t always be like this, and we will get through this together (by staying apart!). Take care from all of us here at Donegal Youth Service.

Press Release: Still Supporting Young People 3rd of April

Watch our video message for young people!

DYS Regional Director Lorraine Thompson on Donegal Daily 26th of March

Staff are still available by phone or email during normal working hours. You can call or text 0863817959. You can also contact us through Instagram and Facebook. Please message and ask for a particular member of staff and we will let them know you are looking for them, and arrange a call. Remember it won’t always be like this. We will open our building again as soon as we can. We look forward to seeing you!

We will continue to update this page with new information and resources. Please message us on Facebook or email lk@donegalyouthservice.ie with relevant information.

Loss of Employment

Have you lost work as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic? If so you are entitled to an emergency payment from the Government. Students and self employed people can claim (ages 18-66). There’s no need to visit your local Social Welfare office – you can send it by Freepost. Please see the full details on the Citizens Information website and download the application form.

Unable to print?

Thomas Pringle TD will post a form and return envelope to you if you are in Donegal.
Cllr Gary Doherty has offered to deliver forms in the Finn Valley area and has left them in local businesses.

Entertainment

For Kids

Learn to make a grass head with the DYS Youth Outreach Project

DYS Youth Outreach Project – Learn how to make a grass head and watch it grow over the next few weeks. Competition for the most creative entry is open until Friday the 27th of March and the winner will receive a €20 ShopLK voucher. #shoplocal
Laura Buchanan Designs – Free mindfulness colouring pages of Ramelton’s buildings for children and adults!
RCC For Kids – The Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny are running a creativity challenge for children. Every few days children are given a prompt (design your dream house, your favourite animal, space) and asked to create something. Join the group on Facebook #HomeIsWhereTheArtIs
The Heritage Council – “Love Ireland’s Historic Town Centres!” The Heritage Council have a new colouring series for kids aims to support these wonderful historic places. The first set of colouring pages are of Letterkenny drawn by local Artist, Actor and Educator John D. Ruddy.

For everyone

Remote Inspiration – A Donegal Photographic Challenge – The Regional Cultural Centre is inviting people to share visual documentation of your social distancing adventures. A selection will be printed and exhibited at a later date in the RCC.
Hope Agus Story – Donegal woman Sally Murphy started the Facebook page ‘Hope Agus Story’, so people could share their stories from the Covid-19 pandemic “honest stories as humans living through this time of massive and unprecedented change.” Have a read or submit something yourself.
Art Challenge for Adults – The Glebe House and Gallery have teamed up with the RCC to bring an art challenge for adults (and teenagers!). They will be posting a weekly still life on their Facebook page.

Minding your Child’s Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Outbreak

We put together an article about minding young people’s wellbeing during the pandemic. This can be a stressful time for young people and they can experience confusion, sadness, anxiety and uncertainty about their change in routine and socialising. Here are some tips for how to help lessen the impact of the current situation.

Educational Resources

Edco, The Educational Company of Ireland is Ireland’s leading educational publisher. They have made three accounts so you can access all of their Primary, Junior and Leaving Cert ebooks for free.
Twinkl.ie – for Primary School children. They are offering a free month’s subscription with the code IRLTWINKLHELPS

Health Information

There is a lot of fake news and misinformation out there about Covid-19/Coronavirus. Please stay up to date with factual in formation on the HSE Website.

From the HSE: If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.

Support from Donegal Youth Service

Helplines

Helplines, and text and email support are still available. If you need to speak to someone about how you are feeling please reach out to one of the free helplines below. This is a difficult time for many, remember you are not alone.

Childline – Free Phone: 1800 66 66 66 Free Text to: 50101 Live Message
Samaritans – Free Phone: 116 123 Email support: jo@samaritans.ie
Pieta House – Free Phone: 1800 247 247 Text Help: 51444
Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service – Free Phone: 1800 262 677 Email: ddvsrefuge@gmail.com
Lifeline (Inishowen Domestic Violence Service) – Helpline: 074 937 3232
Women’s Aid – Free Phone: 1800 341 900
AnyMan – Phone: 01 5543811 Email: info@anyman.ie