Wellness funding boost for Cork youth group

Wellsprings Youth Group in Cork has been awarded money under the latest round of the VHI health and wellbeing fund.

The Wandesford Quay-based service is among 10 youth-focused and non-profit organisations to benefit from €85,000.

The funding, announced this week by VHI and the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), will benefit 2,000 young people, supporting initiatives that build resilience and help manage anxiety through early intervention and prevention. Since the launch of the fund in 2020, it has provided €444,000 to 54 youth groups and non-profit organisations nationwide.

Wellsprings Youth Group offers short- to medium-term residential placements for women aged between 16 and 23, with the possibility of lifelong support through a dedicated outreach aftercare service.

The funding will support the Wellness Matters group, a 12-week holistic health, education, and wellbeing programme.

It builds participants’ ability to self-resource and develop resilience and positive habits and schedules, reduce anxiety, and re-engage in society. Initiatives for Wellsprings staff will increase knowledge around trauma-informed practice.

Anne Marie Brophy, business acquisition manager at VHI, said the company believes “investing in youth health and wellbeing is one of the most powerful ways to shape a healthier, more resilient future”.

“This year, the fund will support 10 outstanding projects focused on tackling anxiety, building resilience, and creating safe spaces for young people to thrive,” said Ms Brophy.

“The feedback and measurable outcomes we’ve seen over the past five years confirm what we’ve always known: Early intervention works, and when young people are supported, entire communities benefit.”

Sarah Edmonds, CEO of the IYF, said this funding is “a vital force for good, reaching some of Ireland’s most vulnerable young people and supporting organisations that are truly changing lives”.