Laois Comhairle na nÓg AGM 2015

Over 80 young people, representing all the second level schools and a number of youth work organisations through-out County Laois enjoyed a very successful Laois Comhairle na nÓg AGM on Thursday 12th November 2015 in Portlaoise College. Speakers on the day were Joe Thompson, Project manager, Youth Work Ireland Laois and special guest Cathaoirleach cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

The theme of the day was the National outcomes of “Better outcomes, Brighter futures”, a national youth lead framework, which are “Active& healthy, physical & mental wellbeing”, “Achieving full potential in all areas of learning & development”, “Safe & protected from harm”, “Economic security & opportunity”, “Connected, respected & contributing to their world”. Under each of these headings the young people discussed what were the issues that existed for them and chose one that was most prevalent, this will be the topic that the Comhairle are tasked with progressing for the coming year. This year the young people chose “Safe & Protected from harm” as the most important to them. Actions recommended by the young people at the AGM, will guide the Comhairle in their work for the year.

The Comhairle na nÓg is a national initiative organised to give children and young people aged 12-18 the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. In light of the fact that Comhairle na nÓg is for young people under the age of 18 and who therefore have no other voting mechanism to have their voice heard, Comhairle na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area .In County Laois this is achieved through a collaboration between Youth Work Ireland Laois and Laois County Council. The AGM is a fun day where young people get to have their say, meet other young people, discuss issues important to the youth population and make a difference.

The day was a great success and enjoyed by all in attendance. The success was mainly due to the fantastic support given on the day and in the lead up to the event by the many organisations (MDA Mountmellick, The Block project Portlaoise, Laois partnership, An Garda Siochana, Youth Reach Mountmellick & Portlaoise, Port youth project Portarlington, Foroige, Youth Work Ireland Laois and the many students on placement in these organisations)who gave up there time to facilitate on the day and support the young people in the lead up to the event. A huge thank you also goes to the schools and groups that co-ordinated the young people to attend on the day. The event was co-ordinated by the staff of Youth Work Ireland Laois with the help and support of the staff of Laois county council, Community and Enterprise department.