Youth Work Ireland is a federation of local youth services throughout the country who work in the interest of young people through the provision of a range of services and who share a common ethos and approach.

As a co-ordinating and development agency for youth services throughout the country, Youth Work Ireland has, since 1962 sought to give voice to the needs and aspirations of young people, to support and encourage trained volunteers and staff and ultimately, to improve the quality of life for young people in the context of community based youth services.

This website is designed to be accessed by young people, volunteers, youth workers and any other agencies or individuals with an interest in young people or youth work. Hopefully you will find the information on our website useful and wish to support the work of the organisation in whatever way possible.

Ireland is rapidly changing and young people are faced with many new challenges and opportunities. We believe that youth work has much to offer them as they meet the future. Supporting their development as active and critical citizens is core to our task.

Youth Work Ireland is ready to enthusiastically embrace the challenges which present themselves in the hope of seeing the establishment of a national youth service in every conceivable location where young people gather throughout the island. For whatever part you have played or will play in that future your commitment and support in making this dream a living reality is and will be hugely appreciated.

 

Our Vision

Youth Work Ireland has a clear and unambiguous view of the kind of society we want to contribute to developing.

Our vision states this clearly as:
‘A more equal and sustainable world where all young people are valued and involved.’.

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Our Mission

Our mission is:
‘to contribute to changing society for the benefit of young people.’

We will achieve this by deploying the resources of the Federation, both nationally and at a regional level through the engagement of Boards, staff and countless volunteers in order to:

• Promote quality youth work
• Build our capacity
• Work to realise the rights of young people
• Influence decision making and policy.

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Our Beliefs

• We have a positive view of young people, their dignity and worth
• All young people have rights and should be supported to realise these
• Young People have the potential to effect change