Intervention Project presentation night

Certificates were presented to groups by Pat Morgan, assistant senior education officer, Deirdre Bradley, senior youth officer and Davy Norris, Newtownabbey / Carrick / Larne area youth officer to those leaders and young people who have successfully completed an Intervention Project.

Intervention funding was given to support five local communities coming together to address key issues impacting on the lives of young people in each area.

In total £38,000 was allocated under the NEELB’s Youth Service scheme from money made available from The Department Of Education and from OFMDFM .

Projects aimed to work with young people in interface areas and areas where there is the potential of heightened social unrest.

A total of 115 youths attended the event to recognise the work undertaken in the areas, which were Rathcoole, Larne, Millgreen/Longlands, Carrickfergus and Glengormley.

Projects highlighted included work with young people addressing diversity, anti-homophobia, disability, culture and identity, drugs and alcohol,  work with young men and women.

Mr Morgan congratulated all those who took part and hoped the work carried out would benefit the whole of the community. He also paid tribute to the work of the local youth office who have set the standard for cluster work in the future.

Meanwhile, certificates were presented at Monkstown Community School Newtownabbey to leaders and young people who have successfully completed one of the area’s training courses.

A total of 178 participants attended training courses which included OCN Introduction to Youth Work and Programme Development, Child Protection Training, Youth Development, Trainee Leader, Basic Food Hygiene, Peer Education, Youth Peer Leadership, Sectarianism and John Muir Award.

In honour of the late Danny Nolan, a special award was presented to Newtownabbey Youth Council in recognition of their dedication to understanding young people’s issues and providing a voice for them.

The area youth officer and senior youth workers are keen to develop the service offered to young people and adult leaders. To further this aim, a comprehensive training programme is offered each year to all part-time youth workers and uniformed organisation leaders.