Youth groups from across Cork urged to apply to health fund

Youth groups across Cork have been encouraged by one of Ireland’s stars at the Paris Olympics to apply for support from the VHI Health and Wellbeing Fund ahead of its looming closing date.

Jack Woolley, who represented Ireland at Taekwondo in Paris, joined the health insurer to urge youth groups across the county to apply for the fund, which supports projects with a focus on strengthening resilience in young people and helping them manage anxiety.

The projects supported have an emphasis on early intervention and prevention work.

Anxiety

Ahead of the launch of this year’s fund, the Irish Youth Foundation carried out a survey among youth group leaders, which found that funding is the biggest challenge facing youth groups in Ireland. The same survey found 75% of youth group leaders report noticing anxiety among their services users “very often”.

According to group leaders who responded, mental health struggles, followed by social media, are the top two issues affecting young people’s resilience today. To tackle them, youth leaders revealed that creative activities, peer support groups, mentoring, and physical activities are most effective in helping youths manage anxiety and build resilience.

Encouraged

At a launch event in Dublin with 2024 grant recipient Just Ask, VHI Health and Wellbeing Fund ambassador Jack Woolley described the “huge role” played by community and local groups in supporting his Olympic dream. “They have encouraged me through all the highs and lows of my career so far,” he said

“I’ve seen first hand how important it is to maintain a healthy mind and body to reach your full potential. VHI is providing vital funding to youth groups around Ireland who help young people to manage symptoms of anxiety and build resilience, and I’d encourage all youth groups to check it out and apply.”

VHI chief executive Brian Walsh said the company had chosen to partner with the Irish Youth Federation and wanted to support young people in managing their health and wellbeing.

“By investing in community-based projects that tackle anxiety and build resilience, we are fostering a healthier and more sustainable future,” he said.