Laois Foróige Conference a resounding success

The delegations which came from clubs in Laois and Kildare attended their Regional Conference to elect two youth members to form part of the one hundred strong, National Reference Panel for Foróige. The day is also used to discuss what topics they wish to see change and support from their clubs and Foróige in the coming years.

The day is co facilitated by its membership and staff. It is seen as an opportunity for the young people to learn, develop their skills in facilitation and grow in confidence.  The members work alongside their peers to be the change in their organisations development strategies for the coming years and make recommendations that the reference panel members are to bring to the National meeting in the coming months.

Foróige Development Officer Alan Judge had this to say; “Such a great experience to see how young people aged 10 to 18 are more than capable of organising and running an event of this level of importance where they remained engaged and enthusiastic from start to finish over an eight hour day”.

The teenagers of Laois and Kildare have brought forward the topic of “The effects of Cyber Bullying on Mental Health”. Informed passionate Debates were the order of the day as members delivered to the delegations their thoughts on the effects of Bullying and their wishes for support from their club, from Foróige and each other.

“We feel that there are real and harmful effects on our mental health as we are unable to get away from social media and that bullies are not aware of the harm they are doing resulting in everything from social isolation to cases of self-harm amongst teenagers.”

“We feel there needs to be more awareness of this in our schools, our clubs and at home. Locally and nationally there needs to be speakers made available to discuss with us how we can combat the bullying and ensure we develop coping skills as we are informed as to the right course of action if we feel we or friends of ours are suffering from cyber bullying”

“The worst thing is to do or say nothing and we should encourage all members to talk to each other or the volunteers in looking for help”

Milltown Foróige and Balyna Foróige members Emma and Céire also won a hotly contested election during their hustings promising to encourage more membership to Foróige and to meet the needs of the Delegations at the reference panel in the coming months.

For more information about Foróige check out www.foroige.ie  or if you wish to get involved with Foróige or create a club in your area contact the Laois and Kildare Development Officer Alan Judge alan.judge@foroige.ie 086 6384199