Youth services need proper funds structure to help vulnerable teenagers

YOUTH services are forced to rely on National Lottery handouts which, in effect, are political handouts.

While youth organisations have benefited from increased funding from the National Lottery, the year-by-year allocation of these monies is very unsatisfactory. Youth organisations believe such an approach to funding illustrates the lack of commitment and support by the State to young people. Youth organisations I have spoken to would like to see funding made secure over the next three or four years to allow for planning, development and evaluation.

Lack of security in funding could lead to job losses and the curtailment of services throughout the country. In many cases the local youth organisation provides many young people with a self-development lifeline.