Youth projects target mental health and bullying

Youth mental health and bullying have emerged as the top priorities for Comhairle na nÓg members.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny joined a hive of activity at the Dublin stadium.

Mr Kenny said the young people were not just able to produce top-class projects, they were able to interact as adult decision-makers. “They are amazing and I commend them for their diligence and commitment,” he said.

Initiatives developed by the young people include a phone app giving information on positive mental health, a mobile youth cafe, a film on dealing with stress and cyber-bullying, and a rural transport scheme.

Members of Comhairle na nÓg’s national executive, Aoife Watson from Clare and Luke Casserly from Longford, outlined the action they are taking on the recommendation from last years Dáil na nÓg — to find ways for teenagers to influence decision-making in the Dáil, Seanad and local authorities.

Next week members of the Comhairle na nÓg national executive will attend a number of Oireachtas committee meetings to seek support to improve the lives of young people.

“We hope our work will help policy makers listen to the opinions of young people,” said Aoife.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald said her department had worked closely with the city and county development boards and local authorities to bring the 34 Comhairle na nÓg to where they were today.

“Local politicians, policy makers and service providers know what Comhairle na nÓg can do and many have experienced the benefits of working directly with them as a consultative and participative forum.

“The Government is committed to ensuring young people’s voices are heard in the development of public policies that affect the lives of children and young people. It makes for better policies and better service delivery and enhances democratic and civic participation. It makes sense.”

Ms Fitzgerald said Comhairle na nÓg was about young people reaching out to other young people less fortunate than them so they do not feel depressed or isolated.

“They will know that when they meet you in school or a youth club that you are there for them. That’s what Comhairle na nÓg is about,” she said.