Colman Noctor: Are youth clubs a traditional solution to a modern problem?

Often seen as relics of the past, youth clubs are vital for the social, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation of today's younger generation

In some communities, youth clubs are perceived as being for 'troubled' or 'at-risk' young people, which can deter others from joining, despite the clubs being open to all

In an era dominated by smartphones and social media, young people have never been more connected, yet paradoxically more isolated. As concerns about youth mental health, loneliness, and social detachment continue to rise, one powerful and underappreciated antidote remains: the youth club. I have long held the belief that these spaces, often seen as relics of the past, are vital for the social, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation of today’s younger generation.

The UNICEF Report Card 19, published last week, found that nearly one in three Irish teens report low life satisfaction, with the pandemic having a marked adverse impact on their mental health due to school closures and social isolation.

Loneliness is now one of the most common themes in my therapy room. It has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. A study by Harvard professor and neuroscientist John Cappocio found that depression doesn’t cause loneliness; it’s the other way around.

Furthermore, a report from the UK Mental Health Foundation found that the pandemic further exacerbated isolation among young people, with screen time surging and in-person interaction plummeting.

While social media offers a form of connectivity, it lacks depth. Likes, shares, and direct messages cannot replace the richness of face-to-face conversations or the warmth of real-world interactions.  Youth clubs could provide the antidote to the social atrophy caused by pandemic lockdowns and screen-dominated communication. They have the potential to be informal, safe, and supportive environments where young people can build friendships, develop skills, and gain a sense of belonging. Whether it's a local community centre offering sports and arts or a structured national organisation like the Scouts, these clubs provide far more than just entertainment - they can also offer lifelines.

Every good reason to join a youth club

Founded in 1978, the No Name Club operates youth-led, volunteer-supported social clubs for 15–to 18-year-olds.  A report launched last week found that young people involved in the club significantly outperform national averages across key wellbeing and behavioural indicators, from alcohol avoidance to improved confidence and mental health.

The organisation's report provides robust evidence of the club's long-term positive impact by comparing the findings with national data from sources such as Growing Up in Ireland and Mental Health Ireland.

Key findings include:

• 96% of members feel reduced pressure to use alcohol or other substances
• 93% report increased confidence and self-esteem 
• 91% say they have experienced personal development 
• 81% report improved mental wellbeing 
• 95% have made new friendships through the club 
• 100% feel safe, welcome, and respected within their club environment

 These findings are similar to research from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Youth Work Studies, which found that young people involved in youth clubs were 30% more likely to report positive mental health than their non-participating peers.

Speaking about the research, Dr Garrett Keenaghan, chairperson of No Name Club, said: “Young people today are facing enormous pressure, but this research shows they are eager for something different. No Name Club gives them the space to lead, belong, and build real confidence.” 

Government-supported No Name Clubs only operate in nine counties and engage 500 young people nationwide. I would argue that youth clubs like the No Name Club should be more readily available, as they offer social value and opportunities for leadership and responsibility, qualities increasingly difficult to cultivate in the digital world.

The international evidence suggests that youth clubs give young people opportunities to lead group projects, mentor younger members, and help them develop skills applicable in education and the workforce. These clubs can be particularly impactful for marginalised or disadvantaged youth, offering a rare space where they are seen, heard, and valued.

From my experience working in Britain in the late '90s, youth clubs were the only places young people could go after school that felt safe and constructive. In areas where youth crime and gang culture were present, the youth club provided a positive alternative to spending unsupervised time on the streets. Furthermore, these spaces offered an alternative to the pressures of school and home.

Pandemic impact on attendance

Unlike the classroom, youth clubs offer unstructured time for play, experimentation, and emotional expression. Unlike home, they can provide a degree of independence and autonomy, which is vital for adolescent development.

However, despite their numerous benefits, youth club attendance is in decline. More than 80,000 young people became disengaged from youth clubs and services due to the pandemic, according to a 2021 report from the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).

In addition to the issues of funding cuts, which have led to the closure of many youth centres, even when clubs are open, young people don’t always attend. In a world increasingly oriented toward digital engagement, the idea of going to a physical location to talk, play games, or join a group may feel unfamiliar or even intimidating to many young people. While it may not be what they want, I firmly believe it is what they need.

There’s also stigma to consider. In some communities, youth clubs are perceived as being for 'troubled' or 'at-risk' young people, which can deter others from joining, despite the clubs being open to all. However, the most common issue is that many young people worry that attending a youth club is 'uncool' or fear being labelled as such if they attend. Overcoming these cultural and perceptual barriers is essential to widening participation.

Transportation and scheduling can be practical challenges. If a club isn’t easily accessible by foot or public transportation, or if it conflicts with family responsibilities, other structured extracurricular activities, or academic pressures, establishing attendance can be difficult. That’s why youth provision needs to be flexible, inclusive, and designed with input from the very people it aims to serve.

To counteract these barriers, we need a renewed commitment to youth work at every level, from local councils to national policy. Investing in youth clubs is an investment in prevention, with evidence suggesting that attending leads to fewer mental health crises, fewer school exclusions, and fewer young people falling through the cracks.

But funding alone isn’t enough. We must modernise youth clubs to reflect the interests of contemporary youth, which may involve co-designing spaces and programmes with young people, so that they feel a sense of ownership and relevance.

We also need to challenge outdated stereotypes about who youth clubs are for. Today’s clubs should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, not just in terms of race, gender, and socioeconomic background, but also in interests, abilities, and identities. Inclusive programming and strong mentorship from older peers can help clubs attract a diverse membership rather than expecting them to fit a mould.

Youth clubs are not a panacea, but are a proven, powerful tool for helping young people thrive in a complex and often alienating world. As we face rising concerns around mental health, loneliness, and digital dependency, we must rediscover the value of physical, community-based spaces for our youth to gather.

These clubs could be more than just places to hang out. They could also be venues for friendship, learning, and personal growth. They have the potential to build bridges between generations, connect young people with mentors, and empower them to make positive choices.

Perhaps we can learn from Denmark, who have a well-developed, publicly funded system of youth clubs known as ungdomsklubber, which are open to teens after school hours. The youth workers are professionally trained, and the environment is intentionally youth-driven and democratic. Norwegian youth clubs are heavily integrated into municipal services, offer creative, inclusive spaces for young people, and are supported by strong government funding. Germany’s Jugendzentren (youth centres) are widespread and diverse, offering everything from music and media production to sports and social support.

Whichever model we choose to learn from, it’s time to put youth clubs back on the agenda. Our young people need these spaces now more than ever, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure they have access to them.

• Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist