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Graiguecullen Project

Eoin Barry and Siobhan O'Dwyer - Project Workers for the area

The Graiguecullen Youth Project began operations in late June with a new youth worker with an additional youth worker coming on board in October. Although very much in its infancy an array of different programmes are in operation with many more bright ideas in the pipeline which will hopefully be implemented in the future.

After School Programme

Currently on Monday to Wednesday each evening from 4pm to 6pm is the After School programme which is aimed at secondary school students offering them a forum to complete homework with assistance from the youth team and participate in varying activities from games to sofa making. Trips away are also planned with this group during the holidays in order to build relationships and confidence.

Skills Group

On a weekly basis from Tuesday to Thursday inclusive the youth work team work with a core group of young people who are not currently in school on an alternate programme. This programme in skills based and currently the young people are making sofa which they will complete shortly. Next an old motorbike, which we have received, will be stripped down and hopefully returned to its former glory. Although most of the focus of the group is skills based, other activities are planned such as camping on Mount Leinster with the hope of walking this. Visits to juvenile centres, primarily in Dublin, and to the courts are being planned, along with clock making, making candle moulds and candles, fishing etc. It is envisaged that this will be an on going programme with the young people involved becoming more involved in the planning of the various activities. Ultimately the aim of the programme is to engage the young people through their own interests and assist them in securing long-term employment, apprenticeships or long-term educational courses. restoring the motorbike

Residential weekends

These weekends again prove to be a huge success where great demand and interest from the young people. Recently a group went to Glendalough and partook in activities at the Adventure Centre in Blessington. Another weekend is planned for before Christmas with a young group of girls. Activities planned on this weekend are yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and workshops on sexuality and positive choices.

Cinema Night

This is held each Monday night and is open to all where the young people come together to watch a DVD and promote discussion, this is proving to be very successful.

Youth Group

It is envisaged that the youth group will be up and running by the end of November which initially its main focus being around activities focusing on the Christmas period such as making cards, Yule logs, wreaths and candles. It is envisaged that the group will eventually plan the sessions for this group with assistance from the youth team but allowing them the complete ownership and responsibility for organising sessions. This will occur on a weekly basis.

“Evolution Music Rooms”

This programme is undertaken in partnership with Carlow County Drugs Initiative who are spear heading music as an alternative to drugs and anti social activity. Lessons will be offered on DJ Deck Spinning and Guitar Lessons. This programme will operate from early November and has generated huge interest among the young people. Plans are in place to secure a local forum whereby on completion of these classes they will have the opportunity to play in public.

Outreach work / Individual Work

This work is on going and involves working with young people on a one to one basis. Encouraging them to become involved in activities, explore life options and access services such as counselling and training courses.