'Life-changing' role of youth workers praised at Cork event 

THE ever-evolving role of youth workers in communities across Cork city and county was singled out as being ‘life-changing’ at a recent training and wellbeing event.

The Youthwork Service unit of Cork Education & Training Board (Cork ETB) organised a day-long event in Spike Island for workers and managers of projects and services supporting young people in rural and urban areas of Cork.

The event was designed to upskill those involved at the frontline in helping young people to realise their potential.

The Chief Executive of the Cork ETB, Denis Leamy praised the role youth workers play across Cork city and county. “We must never undervalue the work that goes in youth settings given the vital, life-changing impacts it has had in recent years. Young people who benefit from out-of-school support will remember those inputs for years to come.

“The education system does not suit everyone and so it’s important that the youthwork space opens up for that cohort of young people.”

Workers from various organisations, including Foroige, Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service, YMCA, Cork Simon, Good Shepherd Cork, and several others, participated in workshops and talks about developments and opportunities during the event. Mick Finn, Cork ETB Youth Service Development Officer, said: “The training and wellbeing day was also a reward for those professionals who are working so hard with young people to help them navigate the many hurdles they face in everyday life to reach their potential and who may be blocked from doing so by a variety of circumstances.

“We put on STEM and co-operative games workshops. We also had speakers on the Gaisce Awards, the Cork Local Creative Youth Partnership, as well as a presentation for the Sexual Health Centre about the changing needs of young people and how workers can upskill to handle emerging issues,” he added.